Q&A: Lily Forte Redefines Retro Cool with Soulful New Single “Miles To Go”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
LOS ANGELES SINGER-SONGWRITER LILY FORTE continues to carve out her place as one of modern music’s most captivating voices with her new single, “Miles To Go,” out now. Blending vintage jazz flair with the grit of ‘70s rock and the soul of contemporary pop, Forte delivers a liberation anthem that’s equal parts sassy and self-assured. Written alongside Jamie Gelman, the song reflects on toxic relationships and reclaiming personal power, both in love and in the music industry itself. With its smoky vocals, live horns, and unshakable confidence, “Miles To Go” showcases the timeless-meets-modern fusion that has become Forte’s signature.
Accompanying the track is a vibrant, vintage-inspired music video, modeled after classic Miller High Life ads and brought to life by two female directors. The visual mirrors the song’s message - bold, glamorous, and full of attitude - cementing Forte’s reputation as a multi-dimensional artist who pairs emotional honesty with cinematic flair. As she gears up for her debut album in early 2026, “Miles To Go” marks an exciting new chapter for the rising star, proving that Lily Forte still has plenty of road left to travel—and she’s doing it entirely on her own terms.
LUNA: “Miles To Go” feels both timeless and modern, a mix of jazz, soul, and classic rock energy. What drew you to this sound, and how did you find that balance between vintage and contemporary?
FORTE: I’ve always been drawn to older music. I tend to only listen to music made before the year 2000 (there are a few exceptions of course). It’s been important for me to channel those sounds where my soul lies, which is ultimately in 1960’s and 1970’s music. As for finding the balance, I think it comes naturally when working with my collaborators. They bring in this modern knowledge of music that I’m still learning about. It’s a beautiful blend!
LUNA: You’ve described the song as a “liberation anthem.” What moment or experience sparked it, and what did writing this song help you release?
FORTE: I had a tough year. I wasn’t happy in the job I was working and ultimately was feeling unfulfilled. When making the song, Jamie Gelman and I were chatting in the studio about everything under the sun. I forget exactly how the song stemmed but we eventually came to the idea, “what if we talk some sh*t today?” I had the lyric, “it’s so tacky when you talk to me like that, you’re so trashy when you’re doing blow” in my song book. We ran with it, which led to creating this sassy, upbeat track.
LUNA: The track touches on power imbalances within the entertainment industry. Why was it important for you to weave that theme into your storytelling, and how do you personally navigate those dynamics as an emerging artist?
FORTE: As a young woman in the music industry, I’ve learned a lot. I think as an artist, it is a part of my duty to speak on these experiences — turning painful moments into power through the music. I navigate these experiences by continuing to write my own story.
LUNA: The music video is inspired by vintage Miller High Life commercials — such a fun and unexpected choice. What made you want to draw from that world, and how does it complement the song’s message?
FORTE: Jamie showed me a picture of a vintage Miller High Life ad when we were creating the song. The idea stemmed from the chorus lyrics: “it’s a fake paradise // that miller high life.” We thought this would be a great idea for the music video! I showed the images to the directors and the world surrounding the video began to flourish. SJ, one of the directors, painted the backdrops you see in the video.
LUNA: You collaborated with two female directors for the “Miles To Go” video. Can you talk about what that creative partnership was like and why female collaboration matters to you?
FORTE: Yes! It was an honor to collaborate with Marielle Boland and SJ Spreng on this video. There is a level of understanding among women, and I believe it is one of the most important aspects of creating. We had so much fun making the video together and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
LUNA: You cite legends like Amy Winehouse, Carole King, and Lana Del Rey as influences. What have you learned from studying artists who blend vulnerability and strength so effortlessly?
FORTE: Studying the greats has always played a big role in my artistry. The space those artists leave in the music is what I find so fascinating. Through their music, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of leaving art up to interpretation — not everything has to be so direct.
LUNA: How do visual storytelling and aesthetics influence your songwriting?
FORTE: Building my world cinematically has always been important to me. I like to show my audience the way in which I envision my music. I’ve always said this, but I feel as though there is a duality to my artistry. On one side, I lean into a rock n’ roll world and on the other, I love to show my femininity with grace. For me, it’s important to not put myself into a box. My visual world is built on a conglomeration of art I have consumed throughout my life.
LUNA: You’ve performed at iconic venues across Los Angeles like the Troubadour and Moroccan Lounge. How have those live experiences shaped your growth and confidence as an artist?
FORTE: Performing on stages where so many of my favorite artists have played has been some of the greatest experiences of my career so far. There’s an energy that these historic rooms possess that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Being present in those moments with the audience has tremendously shaped my confidence as an artist.
LUNA: What can we expect from your debut album in 2026?
FORTE: Lots of references to rock n’ roll! I’m so excited for the rollout of the album. It’s a whole new world of music from me, inspired by 1960s and 1970s music and culture.
