Lily Grace’s “Me Myself & Wine” — “It’s about choosing yourself, pouring a glass, and toasting to moving on.”
Grew up on the Gold Coast of Australia. Your mom played country and acoustic-style songs. How much of an impact has your family’s musical tastes had on your own?
I grew up in such a wonderful environment and have so many great memories of my mum having the windows open, sun pouring in, and she’d be playing everything from Ed Sheeran to Boyce Avenue. I didn’t really realise it at the time, but those songs were laying the foundation for everything I’d end up doing. Constantly around the house — artists with raw vocals and honest lyrics. I was falling in love with simplicity of stripped-back storytelling that would later draw me to country music and would pave the foundation for everything I’d create.
Singing at 10 years old. Gifted your first guitar the next year. Can you share what drew you to music at such a young age?
I’ve always been a creative kid — I was the one making movies on my iPad, choreographing dance routines, flipping around at gymnastics, baking up a storm, singing full volume in the car and just constantly creating something. I definitely get that from my mum. Music naturally became that next step in that creative journey. I loved singing and dancing from the start, but when I picked up a guitar at 11, it was like everything clicked. It gave me a whole new way to express myself, and I just completely fell in love with it. I wasn’t trying to make anything of it back then — I just loved the feeling of making music. Still do.
Began to self-fund your own equipment by busking at local markets. Playing at local cafes, restaurants, events and festivals. What did those early experiences teach you about performing and connecting with an audience?
Those early gigs were like a crash course in “real life live music.” Busking at markets and playing tiny cafe corners taught me how to grab attention when no one’s really there for you, you learn fast how to make them stop and listen. It gave me thick skin and real confidence, that came from putting in hours and learning how to read a room. I had to figure out how to talk to a crowd, how to win them over, and how to work a space where the vibe was more “brunch chatter” than “spotlight.” That kind of background is the best training ground. It’s 100% shaped who I am as a performer today, and I’m really grateful for every one of those gigs.
Influenced by Taylor Swift, Maddie & Tae, Maren Morris, and Keith Urban. In what ways have these artists inspired your own musical direction?
I love hearing the stories of how each of them built their careers — they’ve all taken the time to really hone their craft and build strong, loyal audiences, and I look up to that so much. Maddie & Tae are such a great example of a female act who’s truly broken through and paved the way for artists like me. Keith Urban is huge for me too — not just because he’s incredibly talented, but because he comes from way down south too. He’s proof that it’s possible for someone from a faraway place like Australia to break into the US market and build a lasting career.
Could you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?
Songwriting for me usually starts with a phrase I overhear, a feeling I can’t shake, or a melody that pops up when I’m nowhere near my guitar — classic, right? I like to let the melody lead the way, then build lyrics around it. Some songs come in 15 minutes, some take months, but they all start with something real I need to get out.
“I never smile bigger than when I’m on a stage singing to you guys.” You’ve played on national and international stages, focusing on being authentic with fans. How has this influenced the way you perform your live music?
There’s this surge of joy that hits the second I step onstage — it’s like the nerves melt and the this energetic version of me shows up. I try to make every show feel like a journey that we’re all in together. Sharing my story and connecting with people through that. I don’t just want people to hear me, I want them to feel like they know me.
Sharing unreleased work tapes on TikTok. What role does social media play in your creative process?
Social media’s kind of become my musical diary. I post work tapes, half-finished ideas, even voice memos from my phone — because honestly, fans love being part of the process. It keeps me honest and lets me test-drive songs in real-time. Plus, the comment section is like a built-in writer’s room sometimes.
First release, “Annie June,” a collaboration with the legendary country music icon James Blundell. What is the backstory to the song you two co-wrote?
Writing “Annie June” with James was surreal. He’s a legend, and I was just honoured I got to collaborate with him. Funilly enough, the title was plucked from a form guide and a horse named Annie June. This song was such a cool moment for me. It was my first ever release and it really launched me into the Australian scene. I’m so thankful for the track and for James and everything he’s done to support my career.
Following the duet, you released your debut solo single, “Sixteen Wishes.” The official music video was added to CMT in Australia on their playlist and their Official Top 30 countdown. What was it like the first time seeing your video play on CMT?
Seeing my first solo release on CMT was the coolest thing ever. I had a bit of a unique start in my journey where my first release was a duet. There was a lot of pressure for me to release my follow-up single and to see this be well-received was something I was really grateful for. It was a big full-circle moment for me, I’d been watching CMT for a long time and to see my own song be added and spotlighted was just… magic.
The next year came “The Two of Us Meet.” The song, co-written with Chaise Flanders, was your first release in the US. How did you choose this song as your introduction to country music fans in the States?
“The Two of Us Meet” felt like the right song to introduce myself to country fans in the States because it’s about timing, connection, and taking chances — basically my life story in three minutes. Chaise and I wrote it in this sweet, hopeful moment, and I think it carries that energy with it.
Debut album, Old Enough To Know Better. What was the journey like putting that album together, and what story did you want to tell with it?
I’m so proud of this project. That album was my coming-of-age journal set to music. Every song marks a moment where I learned, messed up, grew, or just danced it off. I wanted to show that you can be wise and wild at the same time — that “old enough to know better” doesn’t mean you won’t do it anyway!
New music this year. Your next single is “Me Myself & Wine.” How does this music represent you as an artist?
This new track is sassy, cheeky, and a little bit healing. It’s about choosing yourself, pouring a glass, and toasting to moving on. It’s the most “me” I’ve ever sounded on a record — bold, fun, a little flirty, and totally unbothered. I can’t wait for you all to sing it with me.
Moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Performed at Nashville’s iconic Blue Bird Café, CMA Fest, the Nashville ‘Sounds Australia Aussie BBQ,’ and Whiskey Jam. What prompted the move? How does the music scene compare to Australia’s?
Nashville was always the dream. I’d visited once and felt like I belonged before I even unpacked my suitcase. Playing places like the Bluebird Café and Whiskey Jam still has made me realise what a magical buzz this city has to anyone who’s a musical creator. The scene here is like nowhere else — collaborative, intense, and full of heart. But I still bring a bit of Gold Coast sunshine to every stage.
What’s ahead?
More music, more moments, more miles. I’m writing like crazy, planning my US shows, recording new music and dreaming bigger than ever. If “Old Enough To Know Better” was chapter one, this next era is about being bold enough to go for it all. Buckle up — we’re just getting started.