Lydia Briggs is coming back again to the music scene with a brand new track called “Not My Mistake,” the intensely emotive powerhouse singer, musician, and songwriter is releasing her sixth single partnering up with AWAL (Kobalt Music Group).

If you don’t know Lydia yet, we previously premiered one of her stunning songs called Rock Bottom and consecutively supporting her progress in the music industry, she has been developing her song with the notorious producer Jim Wirt, who already has worked with Incubus, No Doubt, Hoobastank and Fiona Apple, which music insiders have been comparing Lydia with.

This new song reflects Lydia’s commitment to empower her audience and stand up for the positive change they seek, together. As she explains, the track was written in 15 minutes, after a gig, in a bar bathroom following an emotional breakup. We had the opportunity to talk with Lydia to figure out more about her musical career, that you can follow up here below.

Who inspired you to pursue a music career?

It’s funny – a lot of professionals I know tell young musicians not to pursue a career in music. The industry is tough! But a person who always inspired, encouraged, and believed in me and my music is Steve Musichuk. I started studying piano with Steve around the age of 12 or 13. Early on, I began playing my songs for Steve, and he told me how impressed he was with my writing and to keep at it. As I built out my songs and demos, Steve was so supportive and my go-to for honest feedback. He’s been to almost every one of my solo gigs and helps to get the sound just right. And I’m grateful Steve is still a source of learning and inspiration today. Every artist should have a Steve!

What challenges did you face as a youth in pursuit of your music dream?

When I began seeing music as a path for my career, I was around fourteen. I learned early on that to bring your best work to the stage, you have to be super vulnerable. It can be challenging to put yourself out there and have the confidence to do so when you are young. Now that I have four years of writing and performing under my belt, I feel like I’ve grown a lot. I think vulnerability comes more naturally over time and with experience. It’s a part of what we are as artists.

How has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame affected your music career?

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is just three miles from my house. I can walk there on a nice day. The place is magical because it’s entirely dedicated to artists and music I admire. I have drawn so much inspiration from learning about artists’ lives. The personal items, lyrics, and costumes give people a look at the artists as people. It gives us access to their thoughts and feelings and how they lived. The Rock Hall is also great for local and regional artists because they hold events where we can play. I’m thrilled to perform there and have shared the outdoor stage with members of Blue Oyster Cult and Darryl McDaniels from RUN-D.M.C. Imagine being a young musician and having that opportunity. It’s amazing.

Describe your feelings when you’re recording music in the studio?

Working in the studio is incredible because I get to expand on my ideas with Jim Wirt and so many talented musicians to bring my songs to life. I love building off the original draft in my demos and working toward the final product. There’s always this push and pull in the process of experimenting with sounds and sometimes having to pull back certain ideas. The last time I was in with Jim, I felt two of the songs needed strings. So he had me write cello parts overnight for a Cleveland Orchestra cellist who performed on the songs in the next day’s session. It’s fantastic to see how orchestration and different elements like dynamics and tone can absolutely change a song’s path.

How is it to work with the iconic producer Jim Wirt?

I love working with Jim because he is such a kind person who radiates positivity when we’re in the studio. He knows how to inspire me to give my best performance on every take and to keep on going when things aren’t quite there. Jim brings so much knowledge and understanding and is so willing to share stories and ideas that move the music along. As an artist, it’s incredibly important to have supportive people around you. That’s Jim, and I’m forever grateful for his thoughtfulness and energy.

What is the message behind your music?

My songs are about my personal life experiences as a young woman in today’s world. My primary goal for creating music is to share stories and give voice to the inspiring, joyful, aching, and painful moments in life and connect with people who have had similar feelings and experiences.

What is the main change in your musical progress from Rock Bottom to Not My Mistake?

The most significant change between the two songs is how I’ve learned to use my voice through lyrics. Rock Bottom is more of a reflective song about feelings of hopelessness and depression. In Not my Mistake, I am finding the power in my voice and learning not to be afraid to say what I want and stand up for what I believe.

What do you fear the most in this business?

The business can be challenging because you have to be vulnerable, on the stage, in the studio, and on social media. That can be scary because you and your art are exposed, and some people, especially on the internet, can be hurtful. I worry about that the most. Being vulnerable, I’ve also found, is beautiful because it gives you the ability to put yourself out there and connect with people who are supportive and believe in you and your message.

  Lydia Briggs · Not My Mistake