Q&A: Lily Kincade Delves into Heartbreak and Healing with "Let Me Leave"
LA-BASED INDIE-POP ARTIST — Lily Kincade has launched into 2024 with the release of her heartfelt new single, "Let Me Leave." The emotionally charged track explores the complexities of lost love and self-discovery, resonating deeply with listeners through its poignant lyrics and soulful melody.
Entirely self-written, "Let Me Leave" captures a range of emotions, from grief and heartbreak to love and gratitude. With its powerful chorus underscoring the yearning for freedom and change, the song reflects Kincade’s personal journey of recognizing her worth and making the difficult choice to prioritize her well-being.
The release of "Let Me Leave" is accompanied by a visually captivating lyric video, created by Kincade and her best friend using a 35mm film camera and a vintage camcorder. This DIY approach adds an extra layer of nostalgia and intimacy to the experience.
Known for her authentic lyrics, Kincade continues to establish herself as a compelling voice in the indie-pop scene, drawing inspiration from artists such as Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. Through her music and social media presence, she fosters a strong connection with her fans, offering a glimpse into her personal world and inspiring them with her journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Luna had the chance to learn more about “Let Me Leave,” along with the creative process behind Kincade’s songwriting and her plans for future projects. Read the full interview below.
LUNA: "Let Me Leave" is a deeply personal and emotional song. Can you share more about the inspiration behind it and the specific moment that influenced its creation?
KINCADE: When I write songs, each time is different. That's why I love it so much. Sometimes I have an idea and write a hook, or I randomly rant out feelings. With "Let Me Leave," I had an out-of-body experience with a guy I had a crush on in November of 2021. I knew there was a song there. I wrote it six or seven months later. I wrote down all these lyrics about a situation where I knew I needed to walk away from this person.
When you choose to walk away, it can be weird because you feel like you don't get to be sad since you're the one leaving. But sometimes the bravest thing to do is to let go. The lyrics are like my diary, and I often feel so many feelings that it's hard to articulate them until they're in a song.
LUNA: It's awesome that you translated that into a song. Some artists don't have specific memories tied to their songs, but it's cool that this was a real moment for you.
KINCADE: I believe we're more alike than different. Lean into your soul and story. There's always someone smarter or more qualified, but nobody has lived your life. Just be honest, and someone will relate to you.
LUNA: It was mentioned that "Let Me Leave" is a 100% self-written track. What was the writing process like for this song?
KINCADE: I remember coming up with these lyrics while driving on the PCH. I started getting lyrics and melodies together. I had the hook, "You just let me leave," and wrote the song on my piano over a couple of days. It took a while to get the production right since I was used to playing it on the piano. The song was written two years ago, but I believe it's timeless when it's real and true to yourself.
LUNA: It's great to see that it still means a lot to you. The song covers a range of emotions, from grief to gratitude. How did you approach blending these different emotions into a cohesive narrative?
KINCADE: The song reflects the natural progression of emotions. At first, I was upset and sad, but then I realized I tried my best and gave it my all. At a certain point, you learn that you shouldn't have to beg someone to love you. You can't control what others feel, but you can control what you give. Respect yourself and leave when someone doesn't value your love. The song's narrative follows this progression, and it feels natural when I sing it.
LUNA: What message do you hope listeners take away from "Let Me Leave"?
KINCADE: It's easy to start thinking you're the problem, but you need to remind yourself that rejection is protection. You can't see it at the moment, but something better will come along. The butterfly effect is real, and everything is connected. Trust that rejection is protection.
LUNA: The lyric video for "Let Me Leave" features a vintage, nostalgic style. What was the creative process behind this video, and why did you choose to use a 35mm film camera and a vintage camcorder?
KINCADE: I do everything myself as an independent artist, and I love crafting. I used my parents' old camcorder and wanted to make the lyric video feel personal and handwritten. I even shot the video at the exact location where the idea for the song came from. It took a long time, but I love how it turned out. Personal touches make it special.
LUNA: How have you navigated growing recognition and pressure?
KINCADE: It's more of a responsibility than pressure. As an artist, you influence people, especially young kids. It's important to portray yourself in a way that makes others happy. Growing recognition brings more responsibility. You need to be a role model and make people feel less alone. It's about honoring that responsibility.
LUNA: You embrace comparisons to Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. How have they influenced your music and career?
KINCADE: Taylor Swift's songwriting and work ethic are incredible. She's one of the best songwriters ever and has a dedicated work ethic. She performs for hours and is the only musician to become a billionaire through music alone. She's always been true to herself, and I admire that. As for Lana Del Rey, I grew up dancing for 14 years, and I remember the first time I heard her was in a contemporary jazz class. We were doing a dance routine to "Diet Mountain Dew," and I was like, "Oh my god, who is this girl? I love this song." I saw her perform this past October, and my dad sent me a screenshot of the song I purchased on iTunes in 2012 or 2013. I love her ability to create worlds within her albums. Taylor creates worlds with her writing, and Lana uses production to create worlds and sounds. They both stay true to themselves but use elements to complement their voices and bring it all together.
LUNA: Your "mental health check-in Monday" on Instagram has become a ritual with your followers. What inspired you to start this, and how has it impacted your relationship with your fans?
KINCADE: It's been great. I'm naturally a very positive person; my second-grade teacher instilled that mindset in me. She would say, "You can find a positive in every situation." She had us say an affirmation every morning: "Today is a wonderful day. I'm confident because I am a problem solver. I always have options. Today, I will learn something new, laugh, and make a difference in someone else's life." I started incorporating that mindset into my check-ins. Journaling has been a habit for years, but it can be difficult to start. Having a little check-in on Instagram, where social media can be consuming and negative, can be a positive place. If someone clicks my story and feels calm or connected, that's perfect.
LUNA: It's such an easy way to interact with you and check in. With "Let Me Leave" marking your first release of 2024, what can fans expect from you for the rest of the year?
KINCADE: Lots of new music. I'm working on the next songs with my producers. It's been a lot of building and getting things ready. Taking time to produce songs well is important. Everything moves so fast, but taking time to create something timeless is worth it, like vintage clothes made well, they last because of the quality. I'm grateful for the time I've had to produce music I'm proud of. It can hold itself up because of the effort put into it.
LUNA: How do you see your sound evolving in your future releases? Are there things you want to try out or ways your sound might change?
KINCADE: Everything in my life is like chapters. The stuff I'm putting out is one chapter of my life. I'm very thematic. I'm writing for future projects and I follow whatever feels right. Your intuition is important, and when you have a gut feeling, it's usually right.
