Lilly Hiatt: John Hiatt’s Daughter

Lilly Hiatt not just another musician daughter.  She can actually write good music

Interview Conducted on January 29, 2018

By Daniel Locke

 

Lillian “Lilly” Alice Hiatt (born April 26, 1984) is an American, Nashville, Tennessee-based singer-songwriter. She is the daughter of singer-songwriter John Hiatt.

 

 

 

Unratedmagazine: Tell me about your background. How did you get interested in Music?

It is something, that is a part of everyone life for a long time. Many people are interested in music, one way or another. I because interested in writing my songs, which in turned made me interested in writing. I have been writing since I was 12-year-old. And it has become an easy way to express myself over the years.

How you looked back at any of those songs you did back then?

No, I don’t know were any of the songs are. But I wish I did,  it would be fun.

You the daughter of singer-songwriter John Hiatt. How being he daughter, did you grow up with famous people around you?

I don’t remember. It was normal to be around musicians, so I did not know them by fame. But there were people around. I remember meeting Ry Cooder. There were a lot different people who came around. But it was not like Bob Dylan come and hanging out in the living room.

Do you still have the 1953 parlor-size Martin guitar that your father gave you?

Yeah, I do. I use it a lot for song writing.

So, you would say it is your favorite guitar?

Yes, it is my favorite guitar. In fact, it is my special one. I love it.

Did you play any other instruments while growing up?

No, I dabble in a little bit of keyboards, but I would not play it out in public. Maybe someday, I will get good enough to play it in front of people.

What does your dad feel about your musical ability?

He is really proud of me.

You from your first band Shake Go Home, while at the University of Denver. How was the band? Did you get a lot of gigs?

Yes, we did a lot. We actually did not get the name Shake Go Home until later. We had a different name. Run for Your life. But it was the same band. But once we changed our name, we begin to really play around the scene.

How did you end up in Austin for a short time. Did you get the chance to do SXSW?

I wanted to get out of Nashville. Experience a different town. A different music scene.

Yes, I played SXSW a lot before I moved there. And after I got there I played a lot at SXSW.

And did it help with your musician career?

That is hard to gauge. You never really know what is helping your career.

You record Same Old Man with your dad, back in 2008. Have you done any other records with other musicians?

It was fun. We have done a lot together. We have a good rapport.

Most people today do their cd on digital equipment. But in 2016 you ended at a mansion (Luck Mansion Sessions} with Aaron Lee Tasjan and recorded two songs on analog equipment?

It is a bit warmer. I had a great time that night. It is really different working on analogy because you can keep redoing it over and over again.

In August 2017, you released your third album, Trinity Lane which is a great album. I think it rocks.

How did your fans like it?

Thank you very much.

I think they like it. This album has gotten me down the road then other records. You can’t please everyone, but I don’t really care about that. It is my music.

 

Is that your cat in “Trinity Lane”?

Yeah. Her name is Poppy. She is the best cat. In fact, she is sitting next to me. She is a little black cat. She is a star.

Did you write the song The Night David Bowie Died around the time of his death? Was he one of your heroes?

I wrote it the next day. Pretty quickly. It kind of came out. It was pretty easy. But I had the chords for it for a long time. Just did not have any words for it.

 

Any other ongoing projects?

Dabble a few hobbies. But I have been just trying to write a new album.

 

You are playing the NPR Mountain Stage in Morgantown, WV in a few days with John Oates. Are you ready for this show?

It was cool and relaying. I really like the people who run the mountain stage. They are very mellow That nice folks, I have a blast.

You did another NPR event. World Cafe- WXPN in Philly?

That was cool. And fun.

I see you are doing a tour of the US and then Europe. That is great. How does one arrange a world tour like that?

Yes, I am going to Europe in April. That will be new and exciting.

It is combination of many hands. my manager found a good booking agent in the UK and he decide it was time for us to get over there. And my record company decide to recent the record over there because it was not there yet. So, it will be out in February.

What is you’re feeling about Vinyl?

Vinyl is cool. People love it. It is really cool to get your hands around it. It is an interactive experience. listening to a record. So, Vinyl is important. Rather if come early in life or later in life or you collect it as a music fan. But I think it awesome. I am not a hugh fan junkie, But I do like vinyle. And I do appreciate shinny records.

Who would you like to jam with?

I want to play on stage with Eddie Vedder. I word gets to him.

What is the biggest crowd you have play for?

I opened a show for Dwight Yoakam at Stubbs in Austin, TX. It was a really big crowd for me. Maybe a few thousands.

What direction do you see music heading in the next 2 years?

I think more and more self-release self. And rock and roll are going to make a comeback. I really really hope so.

What music fests would you like to play in?

I want play Hardly strictly Bluegrass. I hear they really treat you right.

Are you BMI or ASCAP?

BMI- My dad was BMI

What is on you cell phone right now?

An band from the 90s Lunachicks.  I hope they come back.

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?

Kate Perry, but I don’t have her new album and shopping at Walmart

If you could pick any cartoon character who would it be and why?

One of the little girl chuck muck that Chip and Dale went out with. Or Powerpuff girl Buttercup.

What music do you listens to relax?

John Lee Hooker or some good blues. It always helps me relax… Also Lead Belly (Huddle William Ledbetter) or Ronnie Johnson. Basically 50/60 Blues music

Anything you like to close with?

Come to a show please.

Thank you for you interview.

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