With her new EP Becoming You, Whitney Lyman blends Americana, indie rock, and cinematic pop into a journey of transformation, storytelling, and global connection
What does Becoming You represent for you at this stage of your life and career?
Yes, it does represent a transformational moment in my life and career. After leaving Seattle and moving to California right before the world changed, it was a wild time for me and I felt like I was trying to find my way. These songs came at an important time which gave me hope and a direction forward, showing me that even though things don’t always go to plan, it really is about embracing the journey.
Songs like “Supermoon” and “All About Love” have distinct cinematic qualities. Where do you find the inspiration for that visual storytelling?
One of the reasons I love making music is because it has the power to transport us to another world. I’ve always been drawn to anything mystical and magical, which ends up influencing my music a lot. Also the Seattle grunge movement of the 90s is a large part of where I come from. Storytelling is such an ancient art of being human and I’m just having fun doing it in my own way.
You worked with producer Cherish Alexander and arranger Andrew Joslyn – how did this help shape the project?
I got together with Cherish Alexander to see if our songwriting styles would work well together, then we ended up with a group of songs that we loved enough to release together. I have been working with Andrew Joslyn for over a decade whenever I need gorgeous orchestral strings, which really elevate the music. We loved his arrangements so much that we decided to add Strings-Only versions of the two songs he recorded on.
How has performing with artists like Odesza and Tom Odell influenced you?
Working with such amazing artists has been extremely inspiring to learn from, so it motivates me to keep going! I performed as a guest vocalist for EDM group Odesza on Jimmy Kimmel Live and on KEXP, and I got to open for Tom Odell as a support act when he toured through Seattle. They’ve helped me reach wider audiences and grow as an artist by the vast ranges of style and gaining experience.
Are you pleased with how UK and European audiences have connected with your music compared to back home?
I love to see how different cultures react and resonate with my music around the world, and when I first performed in the UK I felt that people really connected with my music and showed their support. That was a great energy that I wanted to keep building upon so I kept returning and felt welcomed to a community that actually reminded me of back home in Seattle, appreciating the music. There’s similar weather too!
Staying on the topic of your collaborations and endorsements – in what ways have these supported your growth as an artist?
I’ve been working with Andrew Joslyn for over a decade and he is a dear friend. It’s been incredible working alongside such a renowned composer as a collaborator I am constantly learning from and growing with. Partnering with brands like Gibson and Telefunken has really helped me grow as an artist because they make high-quality equipment that also makes me a better performer. I love that they support independent artists like myself too.
What do you hope listeners take away from Becoming You, and what comes next?
I hope that Becoming You leaves them with a positive feeling after listening to it and that they might relate to some of the lyrics, which makes us all feel a little more connected and a little less alone. This fall I am returning to the UK to finish recording my next full-length album which I’ve recorded in North Wales, and I hope to continue touring the UK and even more countries around the world.
