Photo Credit: Vivian Kim

As you’ll soon learn, listening to “Daydream” by Lily Meola caused me to emotionally let loose. It’s one of those songs you selfishly wish was penned years ago so that it could’ve guided you towards a better path, but while I cannot turn back the hands of time – I can only hope it does find its way to this generation. We talked about this inspired song, musical memoirs, and more in this back and forth.

Kendra: Before we dive into “Daydream,” a song that made me sit and weep for a multitude of reasons, I want to ask…being from one of the most picturesque states, where was your favorite place to just sit and dream about your future in Hawaii?

Lily Meola: Oh goodness, thank you for sharing. I hope they were happy or inspiring tears…

Maui has some very so many special places. There is a grassy field overlooking the West Maui Mountains that I like to go to and watch the sunset. The view is insane, and the elevation is around 4,000 ft so you sometimes get wrapped up in a cloud, which is a pretty surreal feeling. For sure my favorite place to refresh my mind.

Kendra: Now it’s been a handful of years since you dropped ‘They Say.’ With that, how would you say you’ve evolved as a songwriter since then when you listen to ‘Daydream?’

Lily Meola: ‘They Say’ almost feels like another lifetime for me. I didn’t start writing until after that record came out. A woman named Leslie Dipero found a video of Jamey Johnson and I singing together on YouTube. She tracked me down and invited me to come to Nashville and write…

I honestly thought that would be impossible for me as I’ve struggled with severe dyslexia my entire life and so that was pretty far fetched. I said “F it” and went anyway. She set me up in sessions with other writers and producers for about three weeks. I became addicted to it and spent the next few years writing all over the world, digging deep, and finding myself. I guess I can say I’ve grown quite a bit since the ‘They Say’ days.

Kendra: Again, “Daydream” made me immediately cry when I listened to it. It’s one of those songs I wish I’d had back in 2005 when I was getting ready to go to college mostly because it was always expected of me, and not necessarily what I wanted. Everyone should listen to it right now if they haven’t, and when they do – they’ll hear that it starts with this notion that we imagine these grandiose things as kids and then our 18th birthdays come and go, and we’re left with people wanting us to think more logically in many ways. Why do you think society wants us to stop dreaming big as adults?

Lily Meola: It’s such an awkward transition we all go through…Young, inspired and encouraged to get your sh*t together. I don’t know why exactly, and maybe one day I will understand that question better when I have a child of my own. However, right now, as a twenty-something year old who didn’t go to college and has been working towards my dreams since I was 11. I would say give your dreams all you’ve got before calling them too big. It’s not always easy, but it sure is rewarding doing what you truly love.

Kendra: Other than lighting a match and/or writing a song, what do you think the best way to get over someone is?

Lily Meola: Oh that’s a hard one, every human’s experience is so different. My best guess is to get out into nature, travel, meet new people, and most importantly focus on yourself. I’m no expert but that’s definitely what I would do. Or like you said, write a song…It’s great therapy for me.

Kendra: You’ve noted that ‘Daydream’ is a musical memoir in many ways, so if they were to make it a biopic and you couldn’t star in it yourself, which actor would you cast?

Lily Meola: Oh, what a fun question. I’m honestly not too up to date with stuff like this…but many have said I resemble Miley Cyrus, and I also get Lady Gaga.

Kendra: Since it’s January, I’m asking everyone…not for a lengthy resolution, but for a resolution, a goal they have for this month. What’s yours?

Lily Meola: Just keep putting music out! Give a little extra love to my mental and physical health.

Kendra: A new EP in 2022 is on the books, but what else can be keep an eye out on from you as we kick off the new year?

Lily Meola: Some shows and a lot more music!!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]