American country pop singer songwriter Lily Meola lassos heartache with new EP, Heartbreak Rodeo.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Ilikea Snow

Lily’s talents have graced these pages before not just as a solo artist but as half of a duet with BANNERS on his track Perfectly Broken.

She was raised on the island of Maui, Hawaii, USA, and that adds an unconventional edge to her brand of pop-infused Americana. It’s the kind of distinction that’s not only caught my ear, but that of the legend that is Willy Nelson who worked with her on his album To All The Girls. She also received the golden buzzer when she appeared on America’s Got Talent.

As you might guess from its title, Lily’s new EP Heartbreak Rodeo is about hurt and loss. Yet, she comes at the weighty subjects with a sense of uplifting philosophy. This is typified by EP opener Cowboy which bristles with a bittersweetness. Its story is brought to life through image-laden lyrics, striking vocals and an expansiveness in its instrumental. Its memorable chorus is an early highlight.

Gasoline is a delicate, narrative-rich moment while Mar Vista beautifully combines the traditional with the modern in its cantering arrangement. Title track Heartbreak Rodeo is another highlight thanks to its strong sense of atmosphere and soaring, catchy pop chorus. I Need You closes the EP with a gentle, acoustic vignette.

We were obviously fans of Lily’s work already, but this EP really seals the deal. Her strong song writing shines through across each track of this collection, and musically it feels right on the zeitgeist while pushing the country pop genre further. It’s sublime.

Heartbreak Rodeo was recorded in Nashville, USA with collaborators Luke Niccoli, Lukas Nelson, and Davis Naish, among others. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.