A Voice Born in the Underground

 

Lily Holbrook’s musical journey began underground—literally. While attending school in Boston, she sang for her supper in subway stations, captivating those passing by with her ethereal voice and poetic lyrics. Her independent debut album, Running from the Sky, was hailed by fans as “a somber fairy tale,” and its raw authenticity helped her sell over 20,000 copies- an impressive feat for an unsigned artist.

 

After graduation, Lily headed west to Los Angeles, continuing to busk on Santa Monica’s bustling Third Street Promenade. Her growing street presence made her a natural fit for Playing for Change, a rockumentary spotlighting 16 street musicians across the U.S. The film resonated deeply with viewers and found a home on the Sundance and Independent Film Channels. It also led to Lily’s first record deal with Back Porch Records (Virgin/EMI), through which she released her sophomore album Everything Was Beautiful and Hurt in.

 

                                                                               From Coast to Coast 

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When industry shakeups left her label folding, Lily—like many artists—found herself adrift. But fate intervened with a new record deal that brought her to New York City. There, she recorded her third album Wicked Ways at the iconic Cutting Room. That year brought a wave of career highlights, including opening for Brian Wilson at the Hammerstein Ballroom and performing at New Jersey’s All Points West Festival alongside Radiohead. Despite the momentum, Lily felt a pull back to the West Coast—this time to San Francisco. Over the next 16 years, she became deeply embedded in the Bay Area’s vibrant and diverse artistic community. Her music became a platform for activism, championing causes close to her heart: animal welfare, women’s rights, homelessness, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

 

                                                                              A New Chapter Begins

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In 2020, Lily released her long-awaited double album The Girl Who Stayed Lost in The Woods, a poetic reflection of her journey and growth. As of June 2024, she’s planted new roots in St. Petersburg, Florida, eager to connect with the city’s rich tapestry of artists and creatives.

 

Legendary producer Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, No Doubt) once said it best:“Lily Holbrook is the real deal.”