Lila Tristram

British singer songwriter, Lila Tristram, put out her debut vinyl: Our Friends October 2. The record is a combination of two EPs; available as two projects on streaming services, but only available as one piece on vinyl. Tristram hopes the record is an experience for her listeners, a way to get away from their problems. Our Friends focuses on Tristram's friends and family, although she sprinkles a bit of romance into the record. In addition to the sweet themes in the lyrics, Tristram creates that sweet feeling sonically as well. A lot of thought was put into Our Friends, as she is very intentional in the connections she makes in her music. 

Tristram writes as a form of therapy. Writing on a more need to then a want to basis. She takes inspiration from social interactions, feelings, and reading. Tristram looked to artists like Joni Mitchell, Bon Iver, and Ben Howard. In addition to these artists she found major inspiration in Virginia Wolfe's "The Waves". Wolfe's writing gives the impression that you as the reader are looking at the world through new lenses. Seeing how differently Wolfe saw the world makes Tristram want to show the world her outlook; to make someone feel the way Wolfe makes her feel. 

As a child Tristram took piano lessons, but as most children was not a huge fan and never practiced. After learning a specific song Tristram had a "light bulb moment" where she realized she had never felt the way that song made her feel. "Music has a very special influence over people," explained Tristram. She began writing while she was in school; she knew she was a songwriter before she began writing. Although she was a bit timid about claiming the title of songwriter, only taking on the title about five years ago. As a teenager she never really felt as though her path was to be a musician. She was set on becoming an environmental activist, until one night laying awake it dawned on her that she was going to be a musician. 

Tristram has three new projects in the works. While nearly everything on Our Friends was entirely solo she is looking to put a band together. Two of the projects she is currently working on are collaborations. Two of the projects are set to be out in 2021; none of the projects have set release dates.