Tiger Lilly InterviewWords and Photography: Nardip
Singh
Where did your name originate from?
It was a nickname when I was at school. At the time I
used to write songs and friends said I looked like a character from
Peter Pan, so took it as my song writing name.
When did you start making music?
I started writing lyrics from the age of about 11, it was a
form of therapy when I was being bullied at school and had
troubles at home. I used to write in my diary, whilst
listening to Guns n Roses and Nirvana, also writing poetry which
morphed into lyrics. I didn't do anything with the lyrics
until about 18 months ago, which was the turning
point.
How would you describe your music style and how has it
evolved over time?
It started off as acoustic, just me and my guitar, and then
it took a rocky edge and got quite poppy. So acoustic pop
rock, with a twist of lemon [laughs]. In terms
of how my music has evolved, well I guess it has got stronger
as I've raised my profile, which has given me more confidence in my
voice.
Of your recent events and gigs, which have been most
memorable?
The music video launch of 'Affair' went really well.
The video concept was about having lots of affairs, its quite
decadent, opulent, raunchy and provoking.
How would you describe your clothing style, are there any
particular stores or designers you adore?
I don’t really shop in high street stores anymore, I love
Anoosh, there is no one out there like him and also Kevin from
Renaissance in Brighton who did all the garments for my music
video, which everyone has been raving about. Not least
forgetting, Victoria Eisermann from Victoria's Boutique, who
clothed me and a few others for the 'Affair' launch at Mary Janes
in Aldgate.
The 'reflections' album was released this year in March,
could you tell us a little more about it and in particular, the
album cover?
The hedges and the maze pictures, and indeed the whole sound
of the album, is all about every single situation I felt I had to
get off my chest: life is like a maze, it can be complicated at
times. I'm a big Tim Burton fan, so we wanted pictures of me
getting lost, a bit like an Alice in Wonderland theme.
Where can people listen to it?
You can get it from my website, tigerlillymusic.co.uk, cdbaby
and on iTunes. We want to start tackling the official charts.
I treat myself as a business, when you are self managing you have
to view yourself as a product.
What has 2011 got in store for you?
Global domination and take my music forward.
Finally, what words of wisdom do you have for anyone
looking to sing and make an album?
Keep really focused on what your goal is and have an
unwavering faith. Believe in yourself, be determined and persevere.
They are key to achieving those goals.