As anticipation builds for her new album Decompression, out Sept. 30, veteran Toronto singer/songwriter Lily Frost is sharing the second single, “Seagull,” the album’s most melodic track, and a nod to her indie rock roots. Despite its shiny, heart-bursting production by Aaron Goldstein (Daniel Romano, Le Ren) and mix by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene’s You Forgot It In People), the song also contains a bittersweet edge for Lily.
“Seagull” was actually written by Lily’s brother Matt Davis in the 1990s. It had been her intention to record it for some time, but only as she was coming up with material for Decompression did she feel it fit in with the album’s overall theme. As Matt had stated, “‘Seagull’ is an abstract rumination on power structures in society, subordinate roles people often find themselves in for one reason or another, the longing to find oneself again, self-determination, the impact choices can have, and the striving for and attainment of a soaring sense of freedom and peace within oneself when they’ve managed to separate themselves from the fray.”
In Lily’s view, “To me, the metaphor of the seagull represents the frustration and struggle to rise above circumstance—stunted and incapable of realizing or becoming anything too beautiful due to environment, judgment, teen angst and suburban cultural vapidness.”
It’s part of the mindset Lily found herself in during the darkest days of the pandemic, as she contemplated her future as a musician. While searching for answers, her loyal fans, promoters and neighbour Goldstein convinced her she was a “lifer” and that there was so much music she still needed to share. Aarons’s drive convinced Lily to gather all the best songs from her overflowing arsenal and they set to work bringing together her raw and real piano-based material. The results on Decompression present a Lily Frost album unlike anything else in her extensive catalogue. Most strikingly, the songs take Lily fully into the Americana realm for the first time, encompassing folk, soul, blues, and country. With her piano and Goldstein’s renowned pedal steel and guitar skills providing the musical foundation, Decompression displays Lily’s songwriting in its most direct and purest form.
Recording sessions took place at Goldstein’s East Toronto studio, with the band filled out by some of the country’s most respected session players, including drummers Dani Nash and Nick McKinley, along with bassists Anna Ruddick and Darcy Yates. The majority of the mixing was handled by Marty Kinack (Sarah Harmer, Broken Social Scene), and artwork was done by Carleigh Aikins, also a respected singer and co-founder of Bahamas. Lily didn’t hesitate to include a painting by her, knowing Carleigh’s metaphysical visual style would perfectly fit the album.
Lily explains, “Aaron had a vision for my next record — something real with a focus on the songwriting, live and not overproduced, like Carole King. That spoke to me. Overall, it’s quite melancholic and earnest. The songs deal with change, self-love, desire, loss, and more. I’m on a path to deep healing and awareness and music has always been my way to process and transmute difficult times into something of strength.”
With nine original solo albums and three EPs to her credit, Lily Frost has earned her reputation as a beloved figure within the Canadian music scene. Over the course of those records, she has explored topics ranging from introspection and our connection to nature, to spirituality and psychology, all draped in poetic metaphor in genres including indie folk, pop, swing, western—all with a touch of sass. This, along with her sweet but dynamic voice and stage presence, has led to her loyal following, critical acclaim and songs being featured in high profile television shows such as Gray’s Anatomy and Workin’ Moms, as well as the 2001 Disney movie Crazy/Beautiful. In 2009, Lily earned a Gemini Award nomination as co-writer of the theme for CBC’s Being Erica.
Now with Decompression, Lily Frost urges us to reconsider the things usually taken for granted.
