Raquel Lily will perform at the Shelby County Arts Council on Sept. 12.

Raquel Lily brings her blend of indie folk/rock music to Shelby County

Story By Lindsay Dyess

Contributed photo

Birmingham is quickly becoming known as a music scene for up-and-coming artists. A new star on the rise is musician Raquel Lily.

Armed with a green guitar fondly named Gretschen, Lily brings her incredible voice and talent to the stage of the Shelby County Arts Council on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Originally from the Philippines, Lily grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age.  Listening to everything from classic rock to heavy metal helped to shape her unique musical style. It was not until college in Miami that she picked up her acoustic guitar and seriously started singing and writing.

“All of my songs are based on specific experiences and actual stories and metaphors about myself,” she said. “Melodically, it seems like I come up with things really spontaneously. I’ll randomly start humming a catchy line of notes, and sometimes words to go with it. If it gets stuck in my head, or if I remember it later on, I decide that it’s catchy enough to put into a song. From that point on, the song writing stays pretty organic and for the most part, whimsical.”

Her passion for writing and telling stories is evident in her work. Music is just another way she connects with people and helps bring them together, despite differences.

“Being able to share my stories with others and have it impact them in some way, or even to just make them smile in the crowd is in itself rewarding,” she said.

Her music can be described as indie-folk/rock with some jazz influences. Her clear, powerful voice perfectly complements her unique style and sound.

Since settling in Birmingham she has been popular on the local music circuit and has performed everywhere from Do Dah Day, Slice Fest, the Alabama Auto Show, Magic City Art Connection and a variety of venues around town.

“Performing music changed my life because of the unique opportunities I’ve been granted as a direct result,” she said. “I get to attend really cool events, meet new people, listen to some great music, and grow constantly as a musician and individual.”

EVENT DETAILS

What: Raquel Lily performance

Opening Act: Taylor Honeycutt and Matt Willis

Location: Shelby County Arts Council Black Box Theater, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12

Time: Doors open at 7 p.m.

Admission: $20

Website: Shelbycountyartscouncil.com