Q&A: LILA FORDE BRINGS HER CHANGING SOUND TO SXSW 2025
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
LILA FORDE IS ON A JOURNEY OF ARTISTIC DISCOVERY and she's inviting us to witness her evolution at our upcoming SXSW showcase. After a tumultuous start to 2025, marked by challenges in her Los Angeles community, Forde has emerged with a renewed appreciation for human connection and the transformative power of music. This year marks a significant turning point for her sound, a rich tapestry now fully realized as a blend of Americana and soul, a perfect reflection of her diverse musical background.
From her formative years in jazz school to her eye-opening experience on "The Voice," where she immersed herself in country music, Forde has absorbed a wealth of influences. Now, she's synthesizing these experiences into a sound that feels authentically her own.
In this interview, she shares her creative process, her deep admiration for Kendrick Lamar, and her excitement for a stripped-down solo performance that will allow her songs to shine in their purest form. Before she takes the stage at our SXSW showcase, Forde reveals her Austin to-do list, which includes the quintessential Texan experiences of scoring cowboy boots, enjoying local brews, and perhaps even floating down a river.
LUNA: How’s 2025 been treating you so far?
FORDE: It’s been a bit of a crash landing to 2025, especially here in LA. But seeing how the community rose up for its people is really inspiring. People are thirsty for deep connection and music so I think this year is going to be amazing!
LUNA: Tell us about the current music you’re working on. Any common themes or musical inspirations?
FORDE: I feel like I’m finally coming into my sound. It’s a mix between Americana and soul, and I’m leaning into the intersection of those two influences. It feels very unique and genuinely me.
LUNA: How have you seen your sound evolve with more recent music?
FORDE: Yes! I went to jazz school, so the era post music school was definitely filled with a lot of jazz influences. Then I went on The Voice and discovered country music because I was surrounded by those musicians. And now, my music falls somewhere in between the two. It feels like the most accurate representation of me and feels like I’m really coming into my highest self, musically.
LUNA: Who have you been listening to lately?
FORDE: KENDRICK!! his Super Bowl halftime show reignited my obsession. He’s a prophet and a poet and a gift to this world
LUNA: What are you most excited about for your SXSW set this year?
FORDE: I’m really excited to play solo! I’ve done so many shows in the past year with a band, which I LOVE, but I’m excited to strip it back and sing my songs how I wrote them!
LUNA: What can attendees expect from your sets?
FORDE: I shall cast my spells upon you.
LUNA: What’s on your Austin to do list?
FORDE: Score some cowboy boots! Drink some beer! Float the river? Heehee.
