Lily Kincade on the release of her debut album, “Cinematic”

At just 24 years old, Lily Kincade has already spent a decade shaping her artistry, moving to Los Angeles at 14 to pursue songwriting and never looking back. Now, the singer-songwriter has released her long-awaited debut album, Cinematic, a lush, emotionally charged project that pays homage to Old Hollywood glamour while capturing the messy beauty of early adulthood. Blending her love of storytelling with timeless pop sensibilities, Kincade invites listeners into her world of film reels, strings, and heartfelt confessionals. We sat down with Kincade to talk about her creative journey, the making of Cinematic, and what’s next in her evolving story.

SOUND STAGE: Who is Lily Kincade as an artist?

LILY KINCADE: I would say Lily Kincade, as an artist, is a storyteller at heart. I'm always about the song and the story, because that's the thing I love about music. Yes, it makes you feel good, but I also love how you can get out your emotions and say exactly what you went through and tell stories. I’m realizing as I grow up and evolve as an artist that the more you lean into who you truly are, the more people connect with your story, because at the end of the day, we’re all human. We think the little weird things we go through are unique, but they're really not. The more I lean into those feelings and share them through stories, is so healing for me. Hopefully, it is for other people listening to my music, too.

SOUND STAGE: I wanted to ask you a little bit about your journey with music. You moved to LA at 14 to pursue songwriting. How do you think that shaped you into the artist you are today, and how have you grown since then?

KINCADE: Moving to LA when I was 14 definitely shaped me. It's true what they say about having to do your 10,000 hours. I've been writing since I was little, but I would say it’s been more intentional since I moved to California. I just turned 24 this year, so it's been 10 years of writing, feeling like it wasn’t good enough. And maybe sometimes they weren't good enough! But they got better. I realized that when you grow up in California, you see a lot of people come and go. You can really tell who wants to be in the music industry for fame, and who’s in it because they have no choice, because it’s what they were born to do. It made me lock into my “why” and realize that I have to be consistent. Consistency is key. If there's ever a point where you feel like you don't really want to be doing this anymore, it’s okay to switch courses and try other things as long as you listen to your gut.

SOUND STAGE: That's such a young age to know what you want to do with your life. The fact that you've been working so hard towards that path is so inspiring. I can't even remember what I wanted to be when I grew up when I was 14 [laughs]. Your debut album, Cinematic, just came out. There are a lot of Old Hollywood themes and references throughout the album. How did these classic films inspire the album and its storyline?

KINCADE: I love old Hollywood movies. I love how everything is shot in film. There's something so beautiful about film, I don't know what it is. I love taking Polaroids and film photos! They always look so good, I think, because you're not trying to make it perfect, you're just in the moment. It was so expensive back in the day to shoot film, so they would only do maybe one or two takes. It’s so magical because you're not wearing it down. I just think everything was so glamorous, everybody always dressed up, and I love that. I've also always loved how most old Hollywood films are musicals too. I loved The Wizard of Oz. I remember watching it when I was really little and loving it so much because I was also from Kansas! I love a good concept. I grew up on Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, and I knew I always wanted to make a good concept album like them. I want it to be lyrically, visually, sonically, like a little chapter. So then that way, my next project can be a little different; it doesn't have to be the same thing. With Cinematic, I remember I was writing a bunch of songs. Then I wrote the song, “Cinematic.” The day after I wrote that song, I knew it was the title of the album, and then it all just came together.

SOUND STAGE: I think it fits your whole vibe perfectly. The intro to every song almost feels like it could be pulled from a classic movie soundtrack. The intro to every song feels like it could be pulled from a classic movie soundtrack. Can you talk a little bit about the intentionality behind the instrumental piece to the album?

KINCADE: Yes! Track two, “Cinematic,” is almost like a movie trailer. It explains the vibe of the whole story. I started writing these songs when I was 20 years old and finished them when I was 23, and so I’ve gone through a lot of emotions during those years. “Cinematic” is a song that sums it up. All the other songs represent different scenes, because we experience so many different moments in our early twenties. Some people are experiencing love for the first time or moving to a new city; everyone's changing so much. There are really high highs and really low lows. One moment you're happy and then the next you're sad. I wanted the music to reflect that.

SOUND STAGE: Yeah, we are going through a lot of changes at this time in our lives.

KINCADE: Yes, exactly! Some of the songs on the album start right away, and some ease into it with a nice instrumental to set the scene. One of my favorite intros is in track one, “Behind the Scenes.” I love how the strings come in, and it sounds so glamorous. I picture myself listening to it in the car when it's raining, dramatically staring out the window.

SOUND STAGE: I thought it was a perfect intro. It immediately draws you into the world of the album. I love that it sounds like an old movie soundtrack, and then it morphs into a pop song. You've been writing for a really long time. What made you decide now was the time to release your debut album?

KINCADE: I first made two EPs. The first song I put out, once I knew who I wanted to be as an artist, was “Sweet and Low.” Before then, I just kept telling myself that I wanted to wait until I got a record deal or until I could write a better song. But at a certain point, I realized I was just going to wait my life away. I had to get out of that mindset. After writing “Sweet and Low,” I wanted to make a whole project about that emotional state I was in. After that, I just kept writing a bunch. I always say, you have to write probably 100 to 150 songs and then narrow it down. I also love spending a lot of time working on a song. Some songs on the album we started, and then a year later, went back to it and started adding things. But I knew I really wanted to release my debut album. I've been talking about it for so long, but I wanted to take time putting together the project. I want my music to be timeless. If you relate to one song on the project, in 10 years, I still want it to resonate.

SOUND STAGE: I also wanted to ask about the “Cinematic” music video and the creative process behind that.

KINCADE: Yes! I directed it and edited it all myself. Every year, a bunch of movies enter the public domain since the copyright period lasts about 90 years. It's actually perfect timing because in 2025, so many movies came into the public domain that I was able to use for footage. It's a very cool project, and it took so long to make. I can't I can't even imagine. I forced myself to work on it for a whole weekend. I sat at my kitchen table the whole time editing and did not move. [laughs] Sometimes I wish I had the budget or people to help, but I decided I was going to lean into it because this is fully my vision.

SOUND STAGE: What do you hope fans take away from the album?

KINCADE: I hope they take away that life has its ups and downs, and it’s not always perfect. But that's okay, so make it special. Because the second you’re out of that moment, you’re gonna miss it. You might think you won’t, but you will. Don't be afraid to feel your emotions. Don’t get so caught up in how others see you that you forget to actually live. Spend time with yourself, especially in your 20s. It's a special time in our lives where we spend the majority of it alone. We're in this season where you can be selfish in a healthy way.

SOUND STAGE: I think a lot of people will resonate with that. What can fans expect in the future? Are you going to do any live shows, any touring, or anything else coming up?

KINCADE: I'm working on writing right now! I'm also going to work on making a deluxe version of this album. I've also started writing for the second album. It's scary when you're at the start of a new project, because it can go anywhere. I don't know what the sound is going to be yet, but it feels kind of freeing! I’m also planning some shows. I'm excited for the future, and I’m getting prepared!

SOUND STAGE: I can't wait to follow along your journey! Thanks for talking with us today!