Lindsey Lomis Interview

Conducted by Bethany M and Megan J

Who or what inspired you to start writing music and pursuing it?

I think for me it really was growing up in Nashville. Being surrounded by music at that young of an age. It never seemed like this impossible out of reach career. It was very normalized. I think the way I fell in love with music and being an artist was through going to live shows. I just saw live shows all the time and I just wanted to do it so bad. I felt like I was studying it all the time. When it comes to songwriting, I have such a vivid memory of doing a kids open mic night every sunday. I would sing karaoke tracks, because I hadn't started writing music yet. I was 11 years old and remember seeing this 14 year old girl come up with a guitar and an original song. I didn't want to go back until that was me. I wrote a song and started learning guitar trying to master my craft. I went back and started singing originals. I released my first song when I was 12 years old. It has been exactly 10 years. Luckily you can't hear that song anymore.

What's the song you've written that you feel most represents who you are—not just as an artist, but as a person?

I feel like all my songs collectively represent who I am as a whole. It's hard to pin it down to one song, because each song has individual feelings or moments captured. We Have so much more than one feeling as people. I will say many artists say the unreleased stuff resonates with them the most. I'm gonna add myself to that list. It's just the most current thing we're going through. The music I am working on right now has really caused me to come into myself. I have gained confidence in my craft and artistry I have lacked for so long. It's the best feeling in the world to fully stand behind what you're making and feel so proud of it. That's how I feel about this new batch of unreleased music. I am thinking of this one song in particular which was the first song we wrote for this project. It vocally and stylistically represents who I am and made for me to sing. Lyrically it's about how I want to be loved and how I love. The way we love one another and were taught to love is a huge part about who we are as people. It's "Something you do." That song might be the one that comes to mind right now.

If you have a set song writing progress what would it usually look like?

It depends on if I am writing alone or with other people. I definitely tend to gravitate towards melody first. I am very chord based. I love having a guitar in my hands when I am writing. Most of the time I start singing a melody and the lyrics will just come to me. I wonder why my brain is trying to tell me these lyrics right now. Most of the time, it's exactly what I am going through at the time, because your subconscious tends to do that. I am a very melodic person then a subconscious writer then it will strike me.

What's one of the most surprising things you've learned about yourself through songwriting and releasing music?

I honestly think songwriting and releasing music has completely made up who I am. I have been doing that for so long now it is built into me. I have learned everything and it has caused me to come to so many realizations in my life. Self discovery moments, music tends to do that. I think songwriting has made me realize I do know what I want and don't want. I am extremely collaborative, but at the same time stubborn. I fight for what I want. I can't really write in a voice that isnt my own voice, so it has caused me to discover my own voice. I am so grateful I have that passion in my life. I truly don't know who I would be without music.

What is the meaning behind a past released or upcoming song?

I think when it comes to my music as a whole. I kinda just think about who I am as a person. I am a very positive person, but not positive for no reason. I am hopeful, but if someone is being horrible then I will fight them on it. Even my sad songs have a little bit of hope to them or they are made fun or sassy. When I sum up all my projects, it would be what do I want people to feel when I play these songs live. I think that is connected to each other through positivity.

Do you face any challenges as a small singer-songwriter?

I have been so lucky throughout my entire career to have had the opportunities I have had. I do not take anything for granted. Genuinely I have learned so much through every step of this. I think a big thing with being an artist in general is all the self doubt that comes with that. Part of being an artist is really writing the highs and getting through the lows. It is an untraditional path of life. I wouldn't pick it over anything else. You just have to work hard to make it happen and be a little delusional.

What has been your favorite part about being an artist?

I would say getting to connect with strangers. I don't know many other career paths that are like that. I love getting to tour the world, travel, and meet different types of people and meet the people that have come to see you perform. It's such a special thing to have an intimate connection without someone who is truly a stranger. It makes me realize that we all have something in common and it's really cool to see that on a regular basis in what I do.

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?

You know I have a massive list. I would say Alicia Keys is a big one for me. I have always looked up to her for as long as I remember. I respect her so much as an artist and a human. She is an incredible person from what it seems like. H.E.R(Gabriella Wilson), I have been a fan of her for a decade as well. John Mayer would be a huge one. He is someone I really admire when it comes to guitar. I wrote a song recently that I need Anderson .Paak to be on. That's been on the top of my brain. Obviously if Taylor asked me, I would be like "I guess!"

If you had one piece of advice for your younger self what would it be?

I was just thinking about this earlier today. I have this little advice note in my notes app of things I remember. One of the top things there is you can be everything to everyone. I wish younger me would've known that a little more, because of people pleasing and trying to fit into every single world. Just stick to what's true to you and what is unique and special about you. Don't change yourself for anyone or the industry. That's a big thing that I am starting to have a revelation about recently. I wish the younger me would have stuck to her word.