Lily Forte Returns with New Single, Miles To Go

With dynamic and unflinching honesty, Lily Forte makes a bold return with her new single, “Miles to Go”- a jazz tinged anthem that turns heartbreak and independence into something unforgettable. Drawing heavily from classic blues and the golden age of 1960’s-70’s rock, she delivers a fierce and soulful performance that signals a new chapter in her sound.

With its captivating production and hard-hitting lyrics, the track explores an experience with an alcoholic partner while shedding light on the power imbalance that emerging artists like herself face within the entertainment industry. Ahead of the release, Forte sat down with Unheard Gems to discuss her evolution as an artist, the creative process behind “Miles to Go,” and what lies ahead in her career.

UG: Congratulations on the new single! The first thing I noticed immediately was how it sounds so much like Amy Winehouse, and how the music video included so many nods to her. Was she a big inspiration for the song?

Amy is an inspiration no matter what, but I think there will never be another Amy. I’ve been doing a lot of deep dives into older music throughout the last few months, and her voice is unlike any other. So of course, she was an inspiration throughout this. We wanted to lean into the vintage vibe, but still keep it fun. There’s funny elements throughout the music video too, so it was light-hearted, but still had some sass.

What was the overall inspiration behind this song?

As you can hear lyrically, I had a tumultuous year so to speak. I wasn’t really happy at the job I was working in, and I had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life. I was sitting down with a good friend of mine- her name is Jamie Gelman and I write a lot of music with her- and I was like, “Let’s talk some shit. Let’s just say what’s on our mind.” That’s how this song came to be. I think you just have to say what’s on your mind. Not that I don’t do that in my music normally, but especially in my new music, I’m just saying what I want to say.

Did the song change a lot from when you first had the idea to what it is now?

For sure. I think it was one of those random things where you’re walking around and you get an idea. I had the words, “It’s so tacky when you talk to me like that//You’re so trashy when you’re doing blow.” I thought that was really cool and punchy, and that it would be good to keep in mind for a song. I had some chords written down at the piano for it. I showed it to Jamie, Bobby, and Sam, who helped make the song, and they were like, “Let’s make it upbeat,” I tend to make sad, slow songs, so when we made it upbeat, it totally changed the vibe. That’s the origin story.

How long did the overall process take you, from writing to recording?

I would say over the course of a month or two. I was working on other music in between, so it was cool to develop my sound throughout the whole process. I’ve been working on so much new music, so “Miles to Go” is definitely the first one that I knew had to be a single.

Throughout the process, when did you know that the song was finished?

You never know, to be honest. You could still listen back and be like, “Oh, what if I did this? What if I did that?” I think the ultimate test is when I play it in the car. If you’re feeling good in the car, then it’s a good sign.

Do you ever get critical when listening back to your old music?

For sure. I always have a love for the earlier music I released, but I wouldn’t release a song like “I Was Wearing Green” today. That’s the first song I ever released and I have so much love for it, but I was 18 when I wrote it and it’s about having a crush. I’m just at a different stage in my life now with more life experiences and still more to come.

Do you think this new single is going to set the scene for your upcoming music and new album?

Totally! That’s why I wanted this to be the first single of 2025. I wanted to come back with a punch and let people know that this new era is totally different from the last, so it totally sets the tone for sure.

What inspired you to channel vintage Hollywood in the music video?

In a session of making the song, Jamie had shown me- I think she had found it on Pinterest- some vintage Miller High Life advertisements. I was like, “Oh my gosh, these are so cool.” A lot of them had to do with cars and beer. It was all painted imagery too, so it was very beautiful. I had sent it to the two directors I was working with, Marielle and SJ, who were spectacular and great to work with. SJ is such a talented artist and she painted the backdrops you see in the video, like the clouds and the Hollywood sign. Then, we had the actor, Chris, come in, and we leaned into the vibe more with the drinking. It was just really fun. The vintage car really added the flair, too.

Did you want to tell a specific story? Was there anything you were hoping audiences caught on to?

It touches a little bit on the power imbalances in the entertainment industry and being a young woman, and just a little bit of what that experience was like. We were having so much fun on set, but it touches on those imbalances for sure.

What are you hoping audiences get out of this new era of music that you’re working on?

Like I said before, I think it’s so important to know that you can write your own story. Don’t let anyone else write it for you. Say what’s on your mind, because life is too short. But also, it’s okay to have faith, lose faith and then be confused, because that’s life. Life is tough, but we’re here and we’re making art. That’s what’s beautiful about it, because we’re turning our experiences into art.

What’s something that people may not know about the challenges you face in the industry?

I think it’s important to know- no matter how young or old you are- the value you bring into a space. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your early 20’s or if you’re in your 60’s, you can still bring value to a space. We’re all learning new things, so I think that’s important to remember when you’re starting anywhere new in life or in the workplace.

Is there a certain genre of music that has made you feel creatively fulfilled or inspired you during difficult times?

I would say rock and roll. I think rock and roll is my biggest inspiration, besides my mom. My mom is my biggest inspiration and I’m so thankful for her. But musically, rock and roll for sure.

If someone listens to your music for the first time, what song would you want them to start out with?

The only reason why I’d say “Miles To Go” is because it’s a new era. If it had to be from my old discography, it would be “Reminisce on Innocence.”

Is there anything you can share about your upcoming music? Are there any collaborations that really excited you?

I’ve really found my people on this project. I was able to work with some incredible writers and producers, and I built so many friendships along the way. I’m leaning into the rock and roll vibe more than ever, so be ready for some rock and roll! Look out for references too, because they’re sprinkled throughout the upcoming project. If lyrics excite you, make sure to read along on Spotify and Apple, because there’s a lot of references.

Are there any specific themes or messages in the lyrics that people should look out for?

Totally. Embrace your nostalgia. That’s a good point. And like I said earlier, say what’s on your mind. There’s a lot more I could say, but I don’t want to give too much away just yet.

Going back in time a little, do you remember the first moment you realized you wanted to make music?

When I was younger, we had this fireplace, and there was a step up to it there in the living room. I would get up and sing, and put on these live concerts. My mom would invite her friends over, and I would sing for them. I loved to play and have fun as a kid, but I was the happiest when I was singing. That’s when I realized, “Oh my gosh, this is something I could do forever?” My mom really helped me, too. She put me in singing lessons and I got to learn so many instruments growing up. I was probably around eight or nine when this happened.

Since then, you’ve played some really cool venues. Do you have a favorite?

The Troubador, for sure. Like I said, I’m a rock and roll girl at heart, so that was very epic.

Who are some of your favorite rock and roll artists?

I would have to start with Led Zeppelin, always. Pink Floyd, I would say, and Jeff Buckley. He was super inspired by Led Zeppelin as well, and I just think there will never be another Jeff Buckley.

Is there anything you like to do before a show? What are some of your favorite pre-show rituals?

I have a dirty martini. That’s what I do. I hang with the band and sing my heart out.

What’s the most unforgettable thing that has happened during a show?

The first time I heard people sing my lyrics back to me, I started crying on stage. So I would say that.

You clearly seem like a very creative person, whether you’re expressing yourself through music or fashion. What are some of your other hobbies that keep you grounded?

I love poetry. I’ve just gotten back into reading. If I’m being honest, my attention span has become a lot less because of social media, so I’m trying to dial back on that and dive back into reading to be more grounded. I love coffee, too. Making my morning cup of coffee is a passion of mine. It’s literally the most important part of my day.

Is there anything you can share about your upcoming music? Are there any collaborations that really excited you?

I’ve really found my people on this project. I was able to work with some incredible writers and producers, and I built so many friendships along the way. I’m leaning into the rock and roll vibe more than ever, so be ready for some rock and roll! Look out for references too, because they’re sprinkled throughout the upcoming project. If lyrics excite you, make sure to read along on Spotify and Apple, because there’s a lot of references.

Are there any specific themes or messages in the lyrics that people should look out for?

Totally. Embrace your nostalgia. That’s a good point. And like I said earlier, say what’s on your mind. There’s a lot more I could say, but I don’t want to give too much away just yet!

Make sure to check out Lily Forte’s newest single, “Miles to Go,” available on all streaming services Friday, Oct. 17!

By: Amrita Kumar