Lilly Hiatt made time to answer a few questions ahead of her Canada tour stop in Kingston at the Broom Factory on Thursday, March 5 with support from Kyra (presented by Flying V Productions). Details and tickets available here.

Q: You’re coming to Kingston Ontario all the way from Tennessee! Have you ever toured Canada before? Are you excited to be coming here in the deep snow? 

Lilly Hiatt: I have toured Canada, but only a little bit. I’m glad to be back here for sure. I am nervous about driving in the snow, but I think I can handle it!

Q: Let’s talk about the latest album, Forever.  It’s authentically raw Americana and indie rock. It’s got twang, it’s got electricity and killer guitar solos, What is your favourite song on the album and what does it mean to you?

Lilly: My favorite song is Shouldn’t Be. It’s got the most attitude, and it was the first one we recorded at our house. It means stand your ground and don’t take any shit, so I remember that.

Q: You’ve been very open with mental health and struggles that a lot of people deal with on a daily basis, more so than ever now. How do you take creativity and artistic approaches to coping with the static noise of the busy world?

Lilly: Over time, I’ve just zoned in on what I want to tune in and out of. Some things, it’s impossible to avoid, and I think it’s important to have a clue about what’s going on in the world. And that definitely fuels songs for me. But sometimes, it’s time for me to check out a little, process, and make my own world to cope. 

Q: What was it like growing up with your legendary father, John Hiatt?  Did you go on tour with him growing up?

Lilly: It was a cool upbringing. It was nice to be around musicians, but we also had kind of a normal life. In ways. I did go on tour with him some growing up, and sold t shirts and stuff. I always loved it. 

Q: Kingston Live has a wide varying base of fans. Musicians, concert goers, techs - what would you say to a young aspiring creative to help guide them in their personal journeys?

Lilly: Just keep doing it. And be true to your soul. It won’t fail you.