Lille

(Photo courtesy of Team Clermont)

Lille-Tall Shoulders

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

Grace Bellury, also known as Lille (read on and you’ll discover why), wrote and performed the five songs on her first EP, Tall Shoulders, released on June 22. Choosing the mandolin after her first heartbreak and the ukulele after her second, Grace turned to music to console her, and listeners will not only taste her pain but feel comforted as well.

The 18 year old from Atlanta, Georgia is from a musical family. She would often fall asleep as she listened to her father tap out melodies on an old piano, and grew up singing Beatles songs. She’s now writing and singing her own, with a whimsical touch that won’t be found on radio.

Her lyrics are brilliant. In “Blue Coat Boy,” Lille sings, “Do you remember what your heart looks like?/I’ll tell you when I find mine/Buried underneath the pines/Underneath all the dirty signs.” Her voice is heartfelt. In “Melancholera,” Lille sings, “My only child/ She sings, I weep/Melancholera,” and later laments, “Bring back my child to me/She grows weak.” The listener feels her loss. Her heartbreak. The album is an emotional experience.

To learn more about Lille, we asked her a few questions. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/pages/Lille/364671035616 or www.myspace.com/lillemusic.

R: What made you chose the name Lille?

Lille: Lille (pronounced “Leel”) is a city in France I’ve never seen. I chose the name when I was thinking a lot about my future, about possibilities. And I also just thought it looked pretty.

R: What is it about you and your music that sets you apart from others?

Lille: Oh, dear! There’s nothing new under the sun. I’d like to think my music is fresh. And I hope it haunts you a little.

R: I read that you come from a musical family. What is the best lesson they’ve taught you about being a musician?

Lille: I don’t think they’ve really tried to teach me about being a musician subconsciously – maybe just being the way they are, passionate and dedicated, is what has been most enlightening to me.

R: What is the best lesson music has taught you?

L: I’ve never felt that music teaches me – more like it’s an old friend who wants to play board games with me.

R: What is your biggest source of inspiration when it comes to songwriting?

L: I steal inspiration from everywhere – but the songs usually begin with a general emotion; sadness, strangeness, joy.

R: What is your favorite song of all time and why?

L: Casimir Pulaski Day – Sufjan Stevens. It broke my heart in the 7th grade and I still haven’t gotten over it. I finally got to see Sufjan play in Brooklyn this past fall and tears were streaming down my face.

R: What is the biggest dream or goal you have as a musician?

L: I want to continuously reinvent myself musically. I’d like to make a living as a musician. That’s all that matters to me, really.

R: Which do you prefer – writing and recording or performing live and explain why.

L: They’re so entirely different. But writing of course, since performing is pointless if you don’t have anything to say.

R: What is your favorite song on the EP and why?

L: I couldn’t choose a favorite! They’re all children.

R: Where will readers be able to purchase your music?

L: June 22nd it will be available for purchase through my record label, www.Whaleheartrecords.com.

Tags: Grace Bellury, Lille, music, musician, songwriting, Tall shoulders