Armed with turntables and a baby bump, Lily McKenzie is redefining the sounds of resilience.
The South London-based DJ, producer and singer-songwriter recently released Pressure, her debut EP, via Warner’s Major Recordings label. Influenced by impending motherhood, the project palpitates with the raw energy of creation—both musical and maternal.
In Pressure, McKenzie crafts haunting yet energetic dance music that echoes the complexities of her dual roles. With a growing life internally and a burgeoning career externally, she’s turning pressure into power and vulnerability into art.
The surging triple-threat, who recently performed twice at Glastonbury while pregnant, spins tales of self-worth and perseverance in her new record. Through the sensual slink of “Satellite” and the aching twinge of the UK garage-inspired “Middle,” among other tracks, the EP serves as a reminder that we are much more than the sum of our struggles.
McKenzie is currently riding the wave of a breakout after nabbing support from Capital Dance as well as BBC Radio 1’s “Future Sounds” and “Future Dance with Sarah Story.” She’s also landed on major playlists such as Spotify’s “New Dance Revolution” and “The Loft.”
We caught up with McKenzie to discuss her new EP and the adversity that comes with navigating the music industry as a pregnant woman.
EDM.com: Before we get into the new EP, let’s talk Glasto. What was your experience like performing not once, but twice this year?
Lily McKenzie: Glastonbury was amazing. It’s always such a privilege to perform there and I always find that anyone I speak to—at whatever level they are in their career—there’s a sense honor but also pressure to put on a great show.
I played at the Stonebridge bar, which was packed and such good energy—I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get to the stage as it was so crowded! I also played The Temple, which is one of my favorite venues, so that was definitely one to remember.
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EDM.com: With this EP, it’s all in the name. How does the concept of pressure relate to your personal and professional life, especially in the context of your current journey as a pregnant woman?
Lily McKenzie: Pressure is about navigating your way through the strains of life, in particular within the music industry. I definitely feel those pressures, and being pregnant your emotions and hormones are heightened so that adds another layer!
The EP discusses these concepts, but it’s about knowing you are enough, seeing through what doesn’t serve, and coming out stronger. When you are true to yourself, everything levels out and you are able to thrive under pressure.
EDM.com: The track “Satellite” explores detachment and our pleas—even desperate at times—for human connection. From where did you pull inspiration to write those profound lyrics?
Lily McKenzie: I think we all feel a little lost at times—the world can be so noisy and it can be hard to feel connected. I wrote this song with two amazing producers, Andy Sheldrake and Ross Quinn, and after chatting we found we had all experienced these feelings at some point in our lives. We thought back to times we’d felt that way and from there the lyrics just flowed.
EDM.com: There’s been a growing conversation around the stigmas that pregnant artists face in the music industry. What have been some of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered, and how have you navigated them to stay true to your vision?
Lily McKenzie: I did feel at first that I had to hide being pregnant for as long as possible as I was worried people would think I couldn’t be booked for shows, or wouldn’t be able to release music. But to be honest, the response has been really positive and I think there has been a shift.
As soon as you show you can do it (literally perform pregnant) then it’s normalized and the opportunities will hopefully keep coming. Women are proving we can do it all and I think it’s such a powerful and inspiring thing—I for one feel so lifted when I see other women doing the same.
EDM.com: How have you been managing the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy alongside the demands of your burgeoning career?
Lily McKenzie: Pregnancy for me has definitely been physically and emotionally challenging and I’ve just had to go at my own pace. I’ve made sure to be kind to myself and rest when I’ve needed to. Staying busy with my career has helped though as it’s been a distraction when I haven’t been feeling great. It’s important to stay positive and music has always been my happy place too.
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EDM.com: What advice would you give to other expecting musicians navigating this territory?
Lily McKenzie: I would say that there’s no rules. People have different experiences and the priority is making sure you and your baby stay healthy—9 months is a really short time if you look at the bigger picture. You can only do as much as you feel strong enough to do.
I’ve been really lucky to have had great people around me at my shows, or in my studio sessions, so if I’ve been tired or unwell they’ve totally understood. I would say that’s so important, make sure the people you work with on this journey have that same understating and compassion.
EDM.com: Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you think motherhood may have on your artistry? Do you see yourself approaching lyricism, production or other processes through a different lens?
Lily McKenzie: I write from a very honest and sensitive place and I think if anything motherhood will enhance that. I don’t expect my sound or process to change too much as that’s already a strong part of me, but this is my first time having this experience so I’m sure I will notice any changes as I go along!
EDM.com: What’s next for you? Without getting into too much trouble, are there any exciting things in the Lily McKenzie pipeline you can reveal to our readers?
Lily McKenzie: It’s definitely been go, go, go leading up to the EP which has been great, but I’ll be taking the next few months to enjoy being a first time mum for sure. It’ll also be nice to spend that time listening to music and crate-digging at a slower pace.
I have been writing lots of new music that I’m excited about and I’m planning to drop some new records towards the end of the year. I’ve also started booking in some shows for then too—so it’ll be nice after a little break to come back with a fresh perspective!
Follow Lily McKenzie:
X: x.com/lilymckenzie
Instagram: instagram.com/lilymckenzie
TikTok: tiktok.com/@lilymckenziemusic
Facebook: facebook.com/lilymckenziemusic
Spotify: tinyurl.com/2s4pjx3t