Welsh-speaking singer-songwriter Lily Beau is stepping into the spotlight with the release of her highly anticipated debut EP, Little Old Me. This soulful collection of songs delves deep into themes of unrequited love, quarter-life crises, and the healing power of self-reflection. For Lily, the EP is not only a personal milestone but the culmination of years spent honing her craft—songs written within the sanctuary of her childhood bedroom are now ready to be shared with the world.
Born and raised in Cardiff, with Irish and Jamaican roots, Lily Beau's upbringing was steeped in the sounds of jazz vinyl records and a love for cinema. Her musical journey began early, with songwriting becoming a form of expression by the time she was just 12 years old. Her early works captured the whimsy of childhood dreams—like her innocent infatuation with Daniel Radcliffe—and gradually evolved into the introspective and powerful storytelling that defines her current sound.
At 16, Lily moved to London to attend East London Arts and Music, a pivotal moment in her artistic development. Here, she nurtured her talent while simultaneously building a five-year career behind the scenes in A&R. Though she was deeply involved in the music industry, Lily never lost sight of her own dreams. Over the years, she released Welsh-language music and played at prestigious venues such as the Troubadour, Spice of Life, Proud Camden, and Cardiff City Stadium, earning her a devoted following along the way.
Little Old Me, is a testament to Lily Beau’s journey as an artist, blending vulnerability and strength, and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this multifaceted talent. “I can’t wait for the world to hear these songs and for my music to finally exist beyond my bedroom walls,” she shares.
In 2023, Lily partnered with producer Nate Williams to bring her carefully crafted songs to life, resulting in Little Old Me. Blending pop, folk, and singer-songwriter influences, the EP showcases Lily’s musical versatility and personal growth. Each track on the EP offers a glimpse into her emotional journey, reflecting the highs and lows of navigating life and love in her 20s.
The EP opens with “Dream,” a track that captures the restless energy of Lily’s teenage years spent writing songs late into the night. It’s a fitting introduction to the collection, as it represents the creative spark that has fueled her music from a young age.
“Too Close,” the EP’s lead single, explores the emotional complexity of longing for someone unattainable. Lily masterfully captures the essence of unrequited love, allowing listeners to experience the bittersweet fantasy of a relationship that can never truly be. The track has already garnered significant attention, earning a coveted spot on BBC Radio Wales’ Welsh A-List and being featured on BBC Introducing.
The title track, “Little Old Me,” is an empowering anthem that marks Lily’s shift toward more upbeat music. This song reflects her personal growth, both as an artist and as an individual, as she learns to overcome the anxiety and self-doubt that once held her back. It's a testament to her ability to channel her vulnerabilities into strength through music.
“Run with Me” takes a softer, more intimate turn, celebrating the transformative power of love. Lily’s lyrics offer a glimpse into a relationship that allows her to embrace her flaws and insecurities while learning to love and be loved. The track is particularly special, as it was written not in her own childhood bedroom, but in her partner’s, adding a layer of warmth and connection to the song.
Perhaps the most unapologetically bold track on the EP is “Fuck Your Expectations,” a fierce declaration of reclaiming personal power. Written after a quarter-life crisis brought on by the pressures of corporate life, the song reflects Lily’s decision to abandon the expectations of others and forge her own path. This track is a defiant, cathartic release of frustration and a powerful reminder to live life on your own terms.
Though Little Old Me is Lily Beau’s debut EP, her journey as a musician has already included several career-defining moments. From performing alongside music legends like Bob Geldof, Imelda May, and Stewart Copeland as part of Tony Visconti's Unsigned Heroes on Sky Arts, to representing Wales at the Nobel Peace Centre in 2022, Lily has proven herself to be a rising star in the UK music scene. Additionally, she composed and performed the theme for the Welsh Government’s post-pandemic reopening in front of the Queen—an extraordinary accomplishment that underscores her versatility as an artist.
Lily’s talents extend beyond music. She is also a gifted actor, having starred in the 2022 Welsh Bafta-winning film ‘Y Sŵn’ and the 2021 Bafta-nominated TV show ‘Y Goleudy.’ This multifaceted approach to creativity enriches her work as a musician, adding depth and dimension to her storytelling.
Little Old Me is more than just an EP—it’s a window into the soul of an artist who has poured years of her life into perfecting her craft. Each song carries the weight of personal experience, from the restless nights spent writing in her bedroom to the moments of clarity that come from emotional release. Through her music, Lily Beau has found a way to balance vulnerability and strength, offering listeners a soundtrack for their own journeys of self-discovery.
As Lily Beau’s career continues to unfold, there’s no doubt that she will continue to captivate audiences with her heartfelt storytelling, genre-spanning sound, and undeniable authenticity. Little Old Me marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this Welsh-Jamaican-Irish talent, and the world is ready to listen.
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