With their staunch independence and blistering tertiary full-length album Tigerlily, Vancouver’s Lillix is one of modern rock’s most virulent, enrapturing and dangerous creators.
Formed in 1997 under the moniker Tigerlily by then pre-teen sisters Tasha-Ray and Lacey-Lee Evin, Lillix has already been through more wringers than a set of hotel bed sheets. Signing to a major label at an early age, this formidable outfit garnered intense adoration via 2003’s Falling Uphill and 2006’s Inside The Hollow, albums that
were vicious and captivating yet directed by higher forces.
Having paid their dues and escaped the trapping of major label life however, these savage sisters are primed for attack with Tigerlily— named in honour of their younger, more impressionable years—a work which is clearly their most potent blast of aural pollen to date.
“This is a very symbolic album; a metaphor for our coming-
of-age,” Tasha-Ray declares.
“After five years of being told what to do and having others control the music, we’ve gone back to those roots of when we were un- signed. We’re doing everything on our own, just like back then.”
“We were having fun; just kids making music and that’s where we’re at now,” adds
Lacey-Lee, noting the significance behind the album’s title.
“But when we were kids, we were afraid to be who we are. We were pop music and shy be-
cause we thought people would hate us. As Lillix, it’s the opposite. We have no fear; just the rejuvenated enthusiasm of when we were Tigerlily now that we’re able to make
the music we want.”
Sonically, Tasha-Ray notes that this effort benefits from the sisters embracing all facets of their musical adoration, resulting in a diverse melting pot of creativity. Influenced by everything from the obvious to the obtuse, it’s all boiled down into the most refined Lillix yet.
“This album is the culmination of everything we like. It might be a band or song but it inspired us. These songs come from classic rock, modern dance or whatever catches us. It all comes out naturally as Lillix. It was actually rather easy to realize this album and I think that no matter what the sound or style of the song, it’s still just us.”
Moreover, Tigerlily is a pristine middle-finger to the very same turn of others. To that extent, the album is the product of energy, vitality and refusal to concede.
“Everyone told us to quit when our last label went under. We weren’t
gonna do that,” Lacey-Lee beams.
“We got back on our feet, went to work and never gave up. That’s why this album features songs about feeling rejected and used but we’re still having fun; believers. It’s
collecting other people going through difficult times, bringing them
in and helping them through those situations.”
To that extent, Tigerlily boasts some true dedication, hard work and devout independence. Recording at Nimbus Recording School with co-producer Garth Futcher, Lillix busted ass in order to achieve the powerful pop sensibility that encapsulates this affair.
“We took a year to record because we’re really adamant about getting our point across,” states Tasha-Ray, revealing just how acutely the sisters scrutinized the album.
“This is an album of fun and perseverance. We were rejected, doors slammed and
walls built in front of us. Well, we’re breaking in and tearing those down. We won’t make
the same mistakes. We’re taking over and moving forward because we’re not giving up. This is what we love to do.”
Essentially, Lillix avow that Tigerlily is a merger; unites the enthusiasm and vivacious freedom of the sisters’ youthful venture that lends its name to the album with the experience, fearlessness and wisdom of their years as Lillix. Moreover, they as-
sure that their live show is only more fervent, fiery and fantastical; reflective of their new-found vigour.
“Come to the live show and see how much fun we really have now,” Tasha-Ray taunts.
“That’s where we really throw it all out there. We finally have the opportunity to be who we are and we want to put that best foot forward. We are who we are because we enjoy it; want to have fun, dance and make people feel good. We’re smiling again and enjoy people’s company. We’re not trying to do or be anything we’re not and we want everyone to feel that way. That’s happening now that we have Tigerlily back.”
www.lillixonline.com
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