We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Thunder Lily. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Thunder below.

Thunder, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I’ve made has been to setup a room where I can practice, write, and record at my own pace. I went to school for music at Miami University, and there was a whole floor of small practice rooms in the music building there – anyone could jump in and work in one of these dedicated spaces at anytime. I really benefited from being able to show up in a private room where I felt comfortable enough to be uncomfortable, and it changed the way I practiced and helped me focus. And in my first year of school there, I even learned how to play chords on the piano, too, and then that grew into writing my own songs and then eventually learning how to sing and play them at the same time. Ever since those years of camping out in a practice room, it’s been important to me to have my own safe, comfy spot to be creative.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At age 18, I went off to Miami University to train to be a classical singer. When I was by myself, my head was filled up to the max with the color blue. Bob Ross was my hero at the time, and so I turned to making art as a way of finding joy. Writing in a journal, learning basic chords on a piano and guitar, and singing over top factory loops on Garageband became a highlight of my day. I eventually learned how to sing and play an instrument at the same time, and that brought me so much joy. My brother Kevin encouraged me to play my first solo gig, which then led to many more gigs and helped me to support myself as I continued to make recordings. I lived in the metro Detroit area for a few years working as a freelance musician and then moved down to Nashville, where in 2015, I created Thunder Lily to be the homebase for my musical adventures. With the help of good friend, producer Owen Lewis, I released my first song on the internet in 2018. Since then, I’ve released many more singles, two albums, and I’m now touring them around the US.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The process – all the unforgettable lessons I learn and all the people I meet along the way

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To learn, to grow, and to enjoy being myself

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thunderlilysound.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunderlilysound/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderlilysound
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thunderlily
• Other: https://thunderlily.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Andy Doh, Téa McLawhorn, Brittany Hölljes, Thunder Lily