Location: Chicago (Originally from Milwaukee)
Age: 22
Releases: EPs – My Favorite Things, Metal Petals, A Prelude to Hello / Singles – Come In, Let Me Know, Hands of Time ft theWhoevers.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
My birth name is Lillianna Kryzanek, I’ve always gone by Lili. My last name, Kryzanek, looks crazy when written and nobody can pronounce it (it’s pronounced how Snoop Dogg would say chronic… chri-zon-ick). I figured that was too complicated, so I just went with my last initial… Lili K.
What other names have you had?
None, I’ve always gone by my real name.
Which song of yours would you first want people to hear?
Interlude and Come Sunday off of my newest project My Favorite Things really embody the direction I’m currently going with my sound. They’re famous jazz standards that we revamped and turned into neo-soul sounding, jazzy jams. As far as my writing ability, my songs Highlight the Moon from Metal Petals and Refreshing from A Prelude to Hello are probably my favourites.
Who was your Hip Hop idol growing up?
Well, I’m not a Hip Hop artist, I’m a jazz/soul singer. However, Hip Hop has had a huge impact on me. I fell in love with Hip Hop when I heard A Tribe Called Quest and Outkast. K-OS, and Hieroglyphics just affirmed my love and I kept discovering more and more artists that I loved. As far as idols go, I would more so say that I’d consider the artists of the neo-soul movement my idols; Lauryn Hill, India.Arie, D’Angelo, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott.
Which musician would you most like to work with?
I have such a huge list of artists I want to work with. Right now, I’d LOVE to work with Robert Glasper. I feel like we could create some magic.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
I would definitely be involved in the music industry one way or another, maybe working for a label or working on artist development. I have a degree from Columbia College Chicago in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, with a focus in Music Business, so I’d definitely put that to use.
What’s success to you?
Success is being able to live a comfortable and happy life doing what I love to do. I want to be able to sing with my band and not worry about money, or bills, or anything like that. I just want to be able to make a comfortable living by traveling and singing around the world, performing at jazz festivals, working with musicians I love and admire. That would be amazing.
Which country produces the best food and men?
Well, I’ve only been in the United States, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. With my limited exposure, I’d say that the Dominican Republic has some AMAZING FOOD. So fresh and delicious. I say we’re all attracted to different types of people. I’m sure there are awesome men and women all over the world, but I currently have a boo in the states and he’s wonderful, haha. I also have some wonderful male friends in the UK who are great guys, so I’m convinced there are good people everywhere.
What’s your vice?
FOOD. I don’t really drink, I don’t do drugs, I don’t smoke… but I love all kinds of food. I should probably start to love working-out as well before all this food catches up with me.
What’s your favourite animal?
Fricken cute adorable puppies and dogs who I look at online an unhealthy amount, because I know I don’t have time to actually own one. And pandas are pretty rad too.
