Lily Beau 'Little Old Me'
Published
Little Old Me
Lily Beau
Cardiff-born, Welsh-speaking singer-songwriter Lily Beau has unveiled her debut EP, Little Old Me, an introspective and soulful collection that cements her place as a rising star in the music world. The Welsh-Irish-Jamaican artist’s debut is a rich tapestry of vulnerability, empowerment, and personal growth, drawing from her own experiences of unrequited love, quarter-life crisis, and inner healing. It’s the culmination of years spent honing her craft within the walls of her bedroom, now poised to resonate with audiences far beyond.
Growing up in a home filled with vinyl Jazz records and a deep love for film, Lily began writing songs at the age of 12. Her early work, blending childhood dreams with a creative infatuation for Daniel Radcliffe, was just the beginning of a lifelong love for music. By 16, she had moved to London to attend East London Arts and Music (ELAM), where she began the dual path of pursuing her own musical dreams while also working in A&R behind the scenes. However, Lily never lost sight of her own passion for songwriting, even as she spent five years building a career in the industry.
Her journey has taken her to iconic stages such as the Troubadour, Proud Camden, and Royal Festival Hall, as well as supporting artists like Jack Savoretti and Joel Culpepper. Despite her Welsh-language releases and her presence on some of the U.K.'s most renowned stages, Lily’s journey truly finds its voice in Little Old Me. Teaming up with producer Nate Williams in 2023, Lily finally brought to life the songs she had been crafting in the quiet solitude of her bedroom, marking a significant turning point in her career.
The EP's lead singles, "Too Close" and "Little Old Me," have already garnered critical acclaim, earning Lily a spot on BBC Radio Wales’ Welsh A-List and recognition from BBC Introducing. These tracks are just the beginning of an evocative body of work that blends pop, folk, and singer-songwriter influences with Lily’s distinctive voice and songwriting. Each song on the EP peels back a layer of her story, revealing both her struggles and triumphs.
"Dream" sets the tone, a melodic reflection of the sleepless nights Lily spent writing in her childhood bedroom. The song captures the essence of creative insomnia, where ideas flow in the quiet of the night, turning restlessness into art. It’s an intimate introduction to an artist who has spent years internalising her music, now ready to share it with the world.
"Too Close" dives into the bittersweet emotion of yearning for someone unattainable. In this track, Lily explores the complex emotions that arise when love exists only in fantasy. The song’s gentle but aching tone is a hallmark of her ability to craft emotional narratives with grace and vulnerability.
The title track, "Little Old Me," is where Lily’s sound takes a bold turn. Marking her shift from ballads to more upbeat tracks, the song is an empowering anthem that reflects how music has lifted her out of the anxiety that has often held her back. It's a declaration of her self-assuredness, an ode to the personal growth that brought her to this moment of artistic release.
"Run with Me" offers a tender exploration of love, highlighting the softness that comes with finding someone who embraces your flaws. Written in her partner's childhood home, it’s the only song on the EP crafted outside her own bedroom—a fitting metaphor for opening up to love and acceptance.
The EP closes with "Fuck Your Expectations," a defiant track that was born from a corporate quarter-life crisis. Here, Lily boldly takes back her personal power, rejecting societal pressures and embracing her own path. It’s a declaration of independence, reflecting her decision to focus on her music career and let go of the need to please others.
Beyond her music, Lily Beau is also an accomplished actor, having starred in the 2022 Welsh Bafta-winning film Y Sŵn and led the 2021 Bafta-nominated TV show Y Goleudy. In 2022, she proudly represented Wales by performing at the Nobel Peace Centre, and she previously composed the theme for the Welsh Government’s post-pandemic reopening, which she performed for the Queen. These diverse experiences have only enriched her artistry, allowing her to draw from a well of personal and professional experiences that inform her songwriting.
Her career has been a fascinating blend of behind-the-scenes work in the music industry and personal creative expression. From supporting artists like Mace the Great to performing with Tony Visconti’s ‘Unsigned Heroes’ for Sky Arts alongside legends such as Bob Geldof, Imelda May, and Stewart Copeland, Lily’s journey has always been intertwined with those of other great musicians. Now, with Little Old Me, she steps confidently into the spotlight, bringing her own voice to the fore.
Little Old Me is more than just a debut EP—it’s a testament to Lily Beau’s journey as an artist. The project blends the vulnerability of her early songwriting with the confidence of an artist who has spent years refining her voice. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Lily, whose music resonates with anyone who has ever faced self-doubt, heartbreak, or the challenges of finding one’s place in the world.
With her ability to blend genres, convey deeply personal emotions, and craft melodies that linger long after the song ends, Lily Beau is a force to watch in the music world. Little Old Me is only the start, but it’s clear that this Welsh artist has much more to offer. Whether through her music or acting, Lily Beau is set to leave a lasting mark on the creative landscape, both in Wales and beyond.
