Meet Shining Emerging Artist Lilla Vargen
Lilla Vargen is an emerging artist that embraces vulnerability and honesty with open arms. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, the songstress had always had aspirations of becoming a singer-songwriter. But growing up with these dreams in a small town proved to be challenging – with some friends and family not particularly supportive of her goals. Lilla didn’t let the opposition get her down, taking a leap of faith she headed to the hustle and bustle of London. With a new city and a untraversed music scene, Lilla hit the ground running, writing, and creating material. With an intimate sound, deeply personal lyrics, and relatability, the songstress is proving to be an artist that needs everyone’s attention.
We were able to chat with Lilla Vargen about everything from her new EP ‘We Were Thunder’, touring with Dermot Kennedy, being vulnerable, and more…
What’s your earliest music-related memory?
I remember my parents playing Roy Orbison and The Beatles. We had a piano in the house, which was owned by my gran, and I would sit there for hours writing music and teaching myself songs.
Is there a genre or artist that has shaped you?
Dusty Springfield and Carole King are huge inspirations to me – strong women that really broke the mold and shaped music. So many songs written by Carole are hugely important to me personally.
What was it like to grow up in a small community as an aspiring artist?
There’s always an element of people not quite understanding what it is that I do. I love where I’m from and the area I grew up in, but I also knew that I’d some point I’d have to leave as the opportunities are relatively limiting.
Did you feel overwhelmed when you first moved to London?
Definitely – I didn’t really know that many people here when I first moved, so it took a little while for me to settle in. Coming from country life to living in a city of millions of people is quite a culture shock.
Your sophomore EP We Were Thunder is such a beautiful body of work, what was your creative process while writing the record?
Thank you! It’s a very personal and honest expression of the past couple of years of my life and the feelings I’ve experienced. It’s a hugely therapeutic process for me, and at times easier to write about it than talk. I’d like to think they’re universal experiences that I’d hope others can relate to.
You seem to be letting down your emotional walls with this project, which track did you find the most challenging to write?
‘Solitary’ is perhaps the most honest I’ve been with myself. It’s about me realizing that it can be better to be alone than to not be getting what you deserve.
What type of impact or message do you want this EP to have?
Whilst on the surface, most of the songs seem quite sombre, there’s actually a general theme of realising your own self-worth. ‘Why Wait’ and ‘Solitary’ in particular are about questioning the commitment of others, and not seeing this as any judgment of myself.
You’re currently touring with Dermot Kennedy on his European tour, what has been your favourite moment so far?
There’s been some incredible shows so far. Playing to thousands of people in Brussels and everyone pulling out their torch lights for me was unforgettable. We also discovered Looping Louie, which is hands down the greatest game ever and has become a post-show ritual.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
To realise that it’s fine to be selfish at times, and to care less about what others think. I’ve spent too much of my life being too selfless.
Make sure to check out Lilla Vargen’s new video for her track ‘Solitary’ and new EP ‘We Were Thunder’ here…
