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Paul Riley

Lilise’s “Swimming”: A Deep Dive into the Soul



Lilise, the rising UK pop sensation, continues her musical ascent with the release of her latest single, “Swimming.” This track is more than just a song; it's a heartfelt narrative that merges introspective lyrics with an exuberant pop sound, demonstrating Lilise’s capacity to touch on deep personal issues while maintaining an optimistic outlook.


“Swimming” stands out as a poignant exploration of impostor syndrome and the pervasive feeling of never being good enough, especially in social situations. Despite its melancholic undertones, the track carries an uplifting message of hope and resilience, making it a perfect anthem for anyone navigating similar emotional currents. Lilise’s soulful storytelling shines through, reflecting her precocious talent and establishing her unique sound—a blend of pop with subtle hints of folk and Americana.


In her own words, Lilise explains, “Swimming is based on impostor syndrome and never feeling good enough in social situations. Struggling to fit in is a very common feeling. Throughout this song, I aim to highlight that this situation can feel very isolating, while I also demonstrate an element of hopefulness for the future; a belief that things will get better.” This statement underscores the song’s dual nature—acknowledging the difficulty of such experiences while fostering a sense of optimism and future growth.



Since her debut with "Sweeter than Poison" in September 2023, followed by her self-titled EP in January 2024, Lilise has quickly gained a dedicated following. Her music, which has amassed over 50,000 streams on Spotify, has received glowing press coverage and led to live performances at prestigious venues like The Camden Club and The Bedford. Her first festival appearance at Country on the Coast in April 2024 marked a significant milestone, showcasing her burgeoning talent to a wider audience.


Balancing her music career with her A-Level studies and aspirations to pursue clinical psychology, Lilise’s dedication is evident. Hailing from the border of Kent and Outer London, she has been refining her songwriting and live performance skills. Her distinctive style, often performing in a ballgown and Doc Martens, sets her apart not only in appearance but in her unwavering commitment to her artistic vision.


The production of “Swimming” by Howard Johnstone is a testament to the synergy between Lilise and her team. Johnstone’s ability to bring Lilise’s vision to life has been instrumental in crafting the track’s emotive sound. The backing vocals by Lynne Johnstone add depth to the song, enhancing its emotional resonance. The music video, produced by Matt and Lee from Matchbox Motion, employs stunning underwater effects that beautifully complement the song’s themes, adding a visual layer to the emotional narrative.



“Working with Howard Johnstone is always incredibly inspiring; he truly understands my vision,” Lilise shares. “The backing vocals from Lynne Johnstone add so much to the track. Filming the music video was an extraordinary experience, and I'm thrilled with the final product. I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.”


Drawing influences from artists like Taylor Swift, Sara Kays, and Maisie Peters, Lilise’s music resonates on a deeply personal level. Her grade-8 vocal skills and talent for crafting emotionally charged lyrics have earned her comparisons to Billie Eilish, marking her as an artist to watch in the coming years.


“Swimming” is a testament to Lilise’s growing prowess as a storyteller and musician. It encapsulates her journey, not only in music but in personal growth and self-acceptance. With each release, Lilise continues to carve out her place in the music industry, inviting listeners to join her on this evocative and hopeful journey.




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