LILY BROOKS O'BRIANT TELLS US ALL ABOUT HERSELF
- Artists Voice
- Sep 16, 2024
- 5 min read
Lily, can you give us a little ride on your story. How did your journey into the entertainment industry begin?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember and then started in community theatre when I was 5 —I was always that kid who loved performing. Then when I was 7 years old, I BEGGED my mom daily to let me L tv/film acting for MONTHS. I got an agent about when I turned 8 & then booked a lead role in the feature film ‘Shark Lake’ playing Dolph Lundgren’s daughter. I loved every second of being on set and was hooked. When I was 9 I played ‘Matilda’ in the National Tour of Matilda the Musical. Being on stage at such a young age made me fall in love with storytelling, whether it’s through acting or music. I’ve been lucky enough to explore both and feel like they’re two sides of the same coin for me. Every project I take on, whether acting or music, is all about connecting with people and making them feel something.
Lily, you played the role of Mandy Wight in Netflix "Big show show" alongside Paul Wight. How did you feel when you found out you got the role?
Oh my gosh, I was So excited! It was my first series regular role and I get the notice that I was testing for the role on my 13th birthday. Playing Mandy on The Big Show Show was such an amazing experience. Paul Wight is larger than life but treated me, Reylynn (who I am now on CBS’s the Young & the Restless with), & Juliet like his own daughters and was very protective of us. The family chemistry you saw on the show was real because we really did have so much fun and It felt like one big family. It was such a fun show, and I learned so much working with Paul and the rest of the cast.
You will be releasing an EP in September. What should we be expecting?
Yes! Hopeless Romantic comes out on September 27th, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it. It’s a collection of songs that are really close to my heart. It’s a full story of the breakup with a great guy who I really did love and how I felt afterward - even 6 months after the breakup. Each song gives a moment of that journey of the initial immense pain, trying to navigate being friends but still hurting, anger, confusion and frustration at how it all happened & feeling like it was out of our control, wanting one more last everything with him and the EP ends with a song realizing I am looking for that love I have read about & know exists that I thought I once had. I think it’s something a lot of people, especially my generation right now, can relate to. It’s all about navigating those intense emotions we feel, and sometimes we don’t even know how to handle them. Musically, you’ll hear a mix of pop and indie vibes, with a little bit of a dreamy, romantic feel.
How do you shuffle being an actor and musician? Do you have any specific routines?
It’s definitely a balancing act! I think the key is staying organized and really passionate about both. I have days where I focus solely on my music—writing, recording, performing—and other days where it’s all about acting. But I do try to find time every day to practice guitar or work on songwriting, no matter how busy I am. I think keeping that creative flow going is super important, even when life gets crazy. And when I’m on set, I bring my music with me—it helps me stay grounded.
You began your career by playing Matilda in the National Tour of "Matilda the musical". How was the whole experience?
That experience was life-changing! Playing the title role of Matilda was huge for a 9 year old and being on a national tour at such a young age was both challenging and magical. I was performing or on stand by almost every night, in different cities, meeting so many amazing people. It taught me so much about discipline, hard work, and how to bring a character to life in a way that feels fresh every night. Plus, Matilda is such an empowering character—I think she helped shape me into the artist and person I am today. It was a huge responsibility but I loved bringing Matilda to life.
Lily, you recently dropped your song "WHAT YOU WANTED". what can you tell us about the song?
“WHAT YOU WANTED” is a song that comes from a really vulnerable place. It’s about trying to live up to someone’s expectations and realizing that, no matter how much you change or compromise, you might never be exactly what they want. It’s definitely got some of that raw emotion, but I think it’s also empowering in a way. It’s about standing up and saying, "This is me, and I’m enough as I am." Musically, it has a dreamy, ethereal vibe with a mix of acoustic and pop elements. Almost an early 2000’s sound.
A lot of your audience say you sound like Taylor Swift. Is she one of your inspiration?
I’ve definitely heard that comparison before, and it’s such a HUGE compliment because Taylor Swift is incredible! I started listening to Taylor when she released Fearless & I was about 5 years old. I got a guitar for Christmas because I wanted to be just like her. She’s definitely one of my inspirations, not just because of her music but because of how honest and vulnerable she is in her songwriting. I admire how she tells her story and connects with people through her words. I try to do the same with my music—writing songs that are true to my experiences, and if people relate to them, that’s the most rewarding part.
Any words for your fans?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s supported me on this journey! Whether you’ve been with me since my Matilda days, or you’ve watched The Big Show Show, Life by Ella or The Young & the Restless or just discovered my music, it means the world to me. I see everyone’s messages and am so very grateful for the love! I can’t wait for you all to hear Hopeless Romantic, and I hope the songs resonate with you as much as they do with me. Be yourselves, keep believing in your dreams, and don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve. Y’all are the best!
Oh & stay tuned because I wrote a LOT of music this past year. I have so much more coming this fall and next spring too. I am still playing Lucy on CBS’s The Young & the Restless & she has a storyline airing right now that you CANNOT MISS, but I also have some other projects to announce very soon!
LILY'S PHOTO CREDIT - Lauren Eve Parker
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