Lily Jordy, also known as Lyli J, is a French-American instrumentalist, singer, and electronic music producer who grew up in a rather nomadic environment. Over the past three decades, she has moved across more than 10 countries, and eventually realized that music was her true calling. Her distinctive sound combines elements of trip-hop, ambient, and indie electronica, with intricate and complex grooves that interweave with crystalline, Celtic melodies.
We got to chat with her around the release of her latest track “Ether”.
– Hi Lyli J – thanks for your time! How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard of you?
To describe it briefly, I would tell someone that I make organic electronic music: electronica infused with acoustic sounds, folk influences and a spiritual, natural vibe.
– How did you get into music?
Music has always been a part of my life. My parents said they even put headphones on my mother’s belly when I wasn’t born yet to make me listen to classical music! But if we fast forward a bit, I began playing piano at 4 years old after my parents picked up on my ability to memorize and replay melodies and songs I would hear. I continued piano, picked up guitar and cello as well, and was obsessed with progressive metal bands in my teens and early 20s. One of the best summers of my life was going to Berklee in Boston for a 5 week music program at 17, where I spent all my days and nights playing music and improvising with talented people. I got into electronic music production later on in 2011 while living in Montreal, immersed in the techno scene there.
– You’ve traveled and lived in various countries, do you think it influences your sound?
I think so, yes; I hear Japanese traditional scales, sometimes even Balinese Gamelan, but primarily a mix of Native American and Celtic melodies! I definitely notice the influences from both of my own sides – European and American – in my sound. Being French American, I feel a strong pull towards the West as I live in France at the moment, and I know the opposite effect would happen were I to move over there. I feel a strong yearning to connect to my ancestral roots and it really manifests itself in my compositions and the melodies I sing.
– Can you take us behind the creative process of your latest track “Ether”?
“Ether” comes from a sketch I made in 2011, one of my very first tracks on a DAW actually – the lyrics were already there but it was a very sparse minimal techno kind of vibe. Now 12 years later I remembered those lyrics, and wanted to bring them to life using more evocative, inspiring melodies and textures. Although the sound mimics grains and desert wind, the main pad and ethereal vocals are more of a tribute to the Nordic sky. The production itself doesn’t have that many elements, but I spent a lot of time on layering the vocals and the effects chain on them. The cello after the break is undoubtedly my favorite part as it brings warmth and completes the rest of the track, and most people who gave me feedback all talked about the cello part as well! I used a mix of edited samples and VST’s to compose this track.
– How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue making music?
Composing and creating music becomes effortless and spontaneous when the mind and body are in harmony, in connection: this is when the mind is in an Alpha state (meditative, lucid dream-like). So I always take care of my internal state, practice gratitude, exercise, get a lot of endorphins and serotonin going, so that I’m in an optimal state for creation and inspiration. And I never force anything. I know that I will get the best results if I let my heart speak and honor it, instead of trying to go against nature and force something to happen when I’m not in the mood.
– What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a musician, and how did you overcome it?
I think it’s been a process of self-discovery and self-acceptance, to really embrace what I do and put it out there with confidence.
I have to say that Ayahuasca ceremonies have really helped me overcome my fears and worries, as I used to be paralyzed by the fear of judgment and critique. Up until a couple of years ago, this fear made it difficult for me to be my true, authentic self in front of others. But today, I just live my truth and don’t feel anything holding me back!
– You’ve been playing some gigs/festivals in France in the past few years – are live performances something you’d like to focus on at the moment?
I am currently a full-time sound designer at Arturia, which is what made me come to live in the region of Grenoble. I mention this because it’s also thanks to my work that I’ve had more opportunities for my musical project, and had the chance to play at the Hadra Trance Festival. I played at a local venue in Grenoble in March as well, and hope to get more live gigs in small venues like this on a regular basis.
– Can you give us a sneak peek of what’s coming next for you? (gigs, new album…)
You can catch me at the end of June at the Ethereal Decibel Festival in Normandie, France. I’ll be playing a sunrise live set! I’ve never done that before so I’m super excited: I know it’s going to be an emotional moment.
In terms of music, I’m working on a new EP before the summer, and I have an album that I finished during Christmas time that is currently waiting for release on See Blue Audio, my label, which has been on hiatus since December. Things should be moving again soon, so I’m looking forward to these as well!
More from Lyli J:
