Lily Lane’s ‘Burn It Down’: A Fiery Tale of Love and Betrayal
Lily Lane’s latest music video for “Burn It Down” sets the stage ablaze with its powerful depiction of love, betrayal, and personal strength. In this visually arresting masterpiece, Lane not only performs but also directs, bringing to life a metaphorical tale of devastation and empowerment. As Lane stands defiantly before a burning backdrop, her passionate performance encapsulates the tumultuous journey of giving everything for love, only to face the ultimate betrayal. In our exclusive interview, Lily Lane invites us into the creative process behind the video and challenges us to reflect on our own limits in love. Join us as we explore the depths of Lane’s artistic vision and the personal reckoning that inspired this compelling work.
Follow Lily @lilylane
Hi Lily, please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a dark pop singer and songwriter, bouncing between NYC and LA with my two dogs and fiancé. I make uplifting, empowering baddie anthems that may have been the soundtrack to your life before you even knew it! I have had many successful sync partnerships with Pretty Little Liars, Netflix Originals, and various advertisements, so there is a chance you know my songs before you get to know me!
Describe your sound in three words.
I’m giving vocals, vulnerability, and verve. (I’m into alliterations, can you tell?)
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
I grew up listening to and loving big diva voices like Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson, and I always admired the songwriting of Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and, of course, the double threat Mariah Carey.
Do you play any instruments?
I am competent enough in the recording studio on piano, and I took lessons when I was a kid but my main instrument, and how you’ll see me on stage, is always just vocals. It’s hard for me to sit still and play an instrument, I always like to be moving.
Do you ever get nervous?
I did for a long time. Now I only ever get nervous when I don’t know when my next performance or single is coming out. I get nervous in the absence of music, not the presence anymore.
Tell us about your new single, “Burn It Down.”
“Burn it Down” is actually a dramatic way for me to say I’m really in love right now. It is about the complexity of womanhood. This song is about being a badass, powerful woman and having the strength to start wars and burn down cities but instead using that strength to be vulnerable and find love and give it all to someone.
What’s the story behind the song?
The story behind the song is that I am engaged and super happy and being my best self in this relationship, but as a recovering pessimist, I am also fully aware that I have control over nothing but my own actions, so if my partner did choose to walk away, this is how I would respond and how I have responded in the past. I can metaphorically set fire to the whole relationship and everything we have built together and still be totally fine to thrive on my own, but also if someone wants to leave, I’m happy to let them.
And now tell us about the new music video.
The video took my metaphorical song and made it literal. This is me taking the story of this song to the extreme, the first verse talks “love so good that it makes me crazy” and describes a love you would do anything for, this finds me in the beginning of the video in a nefarious place doing nefarious things for love. By the chorus, I realized I’d been double-crossed and I’m left to figure out how to deal with this mess by myself. I end up dealing with it by lighting our lair up in flames and then getting arrested and thrown in jail for it. I really gave my all to the role and tried to embody this character, and I’m really excited about the final outcome. I’ve done a lot of videos over the last few years, and every time I think, “Hey I could do this” when it comes to directing, so I finally decided to. I hear people say all the time, “I’d let him/her ruin my life,” but this video is what happens if you actually do- you do anything for love, and put yourself in a bad position and then get betrayed. What would you do? Is it your supervillain moment? This video is my answer to all those questions.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
Love, paranoia, pessimism, and optimism. Being in long-term relationships that have failed, being in one that I know won’t.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
It can be any of those, I have thousands of voice memos on my phone of melodies and mumbled lyrics to them, and that’s usually where a song starts. If I am struggling for ideas in a session, I can usually just go back through my voice memos. The song “Bad” started from a concept, but usually they don’t.
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Burn It Down?”
Extremely! Taylor Sparks, my producer, and I write and build out the whole song together in one session. Taylor is an actual genius. I love working with him so much, he really helped me refine my sound and gets me as an artist fully.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Everyone should read the Bible and Shakespeare’s plays.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Stop listening to other people who think they know you better than you. Nobody knows you better than you.
How would your best friend describe you?
Loud, funny, out of fucks to give, loyal.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Love, Lily Lane. Because it would just be a bunch of letters that I’ve written that all turned into songs.
What’s next for Lily Lane in 2024?
More music, more music videos, more shows, and I’m getting married too!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Grapes.
And your favorite cheat food?
Nashville Fried Chicken or Fries.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Classic, sexy, red, black, white.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My dog falling asleep with a paw on me.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d meet my dad’s dad because he died way before I was born and I like to think it would give me context that might be missing.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday would be with my fiancé and dogs to somewhere where there are no other people so I don’t have to worry about my reactive dogs popping off.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I love working with the Young Survival Coalition, who strengthens the community, addresses the unique needs, amplifies the voice, and improves the quality of life of young adults affected by breast cancer, locally, nationally, and internationally. My friend, and someone I really look up to, Stacy Igel, got me involved with them, and it has always been an inspiring experience.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
Honestly, I feel so lucky to be doing exactly what I want to be doing, making music and performing it, God willing, I will still be doing that, just on a much bigger stage and platform.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
We Belong Together by Mariah Carey or Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson.
What do you think of social media?
It overwhelms me at times, but it is a wonderful tool for connection and self-expression if you don’t get caught up in the dark corners.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram and TikTok! @lilylane on Instagram and @lily.lane on TikTok and then anywhere you stream music.
Book: I love a psychological thriller, so anything by James Patterson or Gillian Flynn
Quote: Well-behaved women seldom make history. -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Movie: Dreamgirls, Inglorious Bastards, and Heathers
TV Series: Succession, The OC, The Good Place
Favorite Food: Bread of all varieties.
Travel Destination: If I’m in LA, NYC, or Vegas. If I’m in NYC, London, or LA.
Sports Team: Celtics, Chiefs, and besides that, I’m not too attached.