From TikTok to Touring: How Lily Rose Found Her Sound and Keeps Music at the Heart of It All

Lily Rose grew up in Georgia, where she developed a deep connection to music at an early age, influenced by both her Southern roots and a love for a wide range of genres. Before stepping into the music industry, she pursued various interests, including sports—playing softball in college—and explored different career paths. Rose’s upbringing in a tight-knit, supportive family shaped her grounded nature and work ethic, traits that have been essential in her journey. Despite early challenges, including navigating her identity as an openly gay artist in the country music world, she remained determined to make her mark. Her decision to embrace authenticity, both personally and professionally, has not only resonated with fans but also made her a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in a traditionally conservative genre.

Throughout her journey, Rose has stayed true to her principle of authenticity, even during challenging times. After Villain gained massive attention, she struggled to follow it up with another hit but eventually let go of that pressure. The two years she spent working on her project helped her break free from a creative rut. She shared that she and her team could feel the shift when she stopped writing "hits" and started creating music from the heart. Lily Rose highlighted the importance of support from friends and family. While her family may not be large, they are very close-knit and have always stood by her throughout her career. This strong foundation has kept her grounded as she continues to grow as an artist.

Now, after opening for Luke Bryan and Shania Twain, Rose is headlining her own Runnin' Outta Time Tour, traveling across the U.S. With her unwavering determination, she hopes to achieve a major career goal: playing Madison Square Garden. And with her drive, it seems like only a matter of time before she reaches that milestone.

By taking a leap of faith and posting her music on TikTok, Lily Rose quickly made a name for herself in the country music scene. In a recent press conference, she opened up about her unexpected rise to fame, the pressures of creating her first EP, Runnin' Outta Time, and how staying true to her music remains at the heart of her career. Initially hesitant to use TikTok due to her age, Lily Rose was encouraged by friends who had seen success on the app. Taking a chance, she began posting her music and soon found herself with a rapidly growing fanbase. After the viral success of her single Villain, Rose decided to take a step back from the spotlight to focus on her writing. Two years later, she released her first EP, Runnin’ Outta Time—a title that reflects the pressure she felt to stay relevant during her time away. Despite her worries, the release has been met with enthusiasm, and her fans are already eager for more music.