In Conversation with Lily Rose: Crafting Authenticity and Vulnerability in 'Runnin’ Outta Time'"

In the lush landscape of contemporary country music, few artists capture the essence of raw emotion and unbridled authenticity quite like Lily Rose. With her latest EP, "Runnin’ Outta Time," Rose propels herself into the spotlight once again, offering listeners a sonic journey through the highs and lows of life, love, and everything in between.

Lily Rose credit Cal & Aly

The Perfect Lily Rose Project

For Lily, "Runnin’ Outta Time" isn’t just another EP—it’s a culmination of years of growth, introspection, and creative evolution. "These six songs are really special because my pen is on all of them, and I wrote all of them, really delving into personal life experiences and not being afraid to talk about specific things in my life," Lily told All Country News. "You know, you hear it in "True North," it's the Chattahoochee River and "Go Dogs" and all that stuff. And, you know, I've always wondered, will people really connect with that? And then I think of one of my favorite artists, Morgan Wallen, and he talks all about Tennessee and all that. And I'm like, I love this song. I'm from Tennessee. So it was kind of one of those, like, just jump and go for it moments. And it works. And all these songs are just really personal to who I am and where I'm at in my life right now."

Indeed, authenticity is the hallmark of Rose’s music, and "Runnin’ Outta Time" is no exception. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences, Rose crafts narratives that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. Showcasing her storyetlling mastey, Lily excells and connecting with her listerners through shared narratives.

 "I believe all six of these songs embody feelings that resonate deeply with my life experiences. Take "Goal" and "Back Pew," for instance—they reflect my constant pursuit of being a good person and striving to attend church regularly. However, "Running Out of Time" hits close to home for me right now. My wife and I have been married for a year, and we're contemplating starting a family within the next decade. It's a balancing act, feeling like time is slipping away while also recognizing that we have ample time ahead of us. As for the other tracks, they're steeped in nostalgia, delving into various aspects of my life. Each song tells an unapologetic and authentic story, offering 18 minutes of pure me—every syllable, every second."

Project Selection: Finding the Right Title

"Running Out of Time" is a captivating blend of raw emotion and infectious energy. From the moment the song begins, listeners are drawn in by its driving rhythm and compelling lyrics. Lily's vocals exude both vulnerability and strength as she navigates themes of urgency and determination. Despite the title suggesting a sense of pressure, the song's upbeat melody and positive vibes create a refreshing contrast, leaving listeners feeling empowered and uplifted. With its relatable lyrics and catchy hooks, "Running Out of Time" is the perfect title to encapulate this buzzy EP, but it almost didn't turn out that way.

"Yeah, you know, there was a lot of discussion about that. It boiled down to choosing between "Running Out of Time" and "The Goal" for this project. At that point, we weren't even sure what form the project would take—would it be a full album, an EP with four songs, six songs? We settled on six because it had been so long since the last release; we wanted to get new music out there.

The main concern in our discussions was that "Running Out of Time" might carry a negative connotation. However, for me, as the songwriter and performer, and living the experiences described in the song, it didn't feel negative. If anything, we felt it could be a title that intrigues people. If I came across a song titled "Running Out of Time" by an artist I enjoy, I'd wonder what it's about and give it a listen. Plus, the song itself contrasts that negative connotation with its high energy, positive vibe and major key. It truly reflects where I am in life right now.

I remember one day, expressing how it felt like it had been so long and I was worried about running out of time in my career. My wife looked at me, her eyes welling up, and said, "You're not running out of time, you're just getting started."

Crafting "Back Pew": Behind the Song

One track that encapsulates this sentiment perfectly is "Back Pew," a deeply resonant song that delves into the journey of overcoming adversity through faith and resilience. Penned by Lily alongside Emily Weisband, Andy Albert, Paul DiGiovanni is compelling narative, drawing listeners into her personal struggles and triumphs with raw honesty and emotional depth. The song chronicles moments of doubt, despair, and ultimately, redemption, as Lily finds herself in the embrace of her faith despite the imperfections and hardships she faces. And according to Lily, the song reminds us to give ourselves some grace, no matter where we are sitting.

I co-wrote that song with Andy Albert, Emily Wise Band, and my producer, Paul DiGiovanni. We were actually in Detroit on the Sam Hunt tour when inspiration struck. We were on the bus, already having written another song earlier that day. Andy mentioned he had this verse and chorus, which he felt was tailor-made for me. It's called "Back Pew." We were all eager to hear it, so he sang it for us. When he reached the chorus, "Lily, where you been? It's been a month or so," we were all captivated. We realized it was something special. Despite our varying levels of faith and where we were at spiritually, we all resonated with it. When I received the demo back, I found myself unable to stop listening to it. I was drawn to its message and its sonic quality. I shared it on social media, and it quickly became one of those "villain songs" that people just connect with effortlessly. It's a song about granting yourself grace—whether you can't make it to church or you're the person in the front row. It reminds us that God loves us all equally. So just give yourself a little grace wherever you're sitting."

The song's ability to capture the universal experience of grappling with inner turmoil while seeking solace in spirituality, showcases the Georgia native's talent. Lily's lyrics paint a vivid picture of her journey, from the depths of despair to the glimmer of hope that emerges as she steps into the sanctuary. Each verse is imbued with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity, inviting listeners to empathize with her journey and reflect on their own. Needless to say, this is the type of songwriting that country music could benefit from seeing more of.

With "Runnin’ Outta Time," Lily Rose cements her status as one of country music’s brightest rising stars, delivering an EP that is as authentic as it is captivating. From the heartfelt lyrics to the infectious melodies, every aspect of this project reflects Rose’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her fans. As she continues to blaze her own trail in the world of country music, one thing is clear: Lily Rose is a force to be reckoned with, and her star is only just beginning to rise.