After establishing herself with a breadth of dazzling delights these last few months, Dutch artist and producer Lilian Hak continues her upward ascent with the vibrant new single 'I Will Ever Be Your Head'.
Lifted from her latest studio album 'RESET', which is available to stream now, 'I Will Ever Be Your Head' makes for an incredibly rich and riveting listen. With her warm and emotive vocal presence gliding across a captivating indie-soul production throughout, she continues to shine as one of the more impactful names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
At eight, I fell in love with the guitar and took acoustic lessons so I could sing along. But the first instrument that truly captivated me when I saw it played live was the piano.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My musical taste is diverse and shaped by my family’s influence. Growing up, Rumours by Fleetwood Mac was a classic on our record player, and I loved it. I admired Prince and Lenny Kravitz for their self-made productions, attitude, and performances, while Sade’s authentic voice captivated me. Later, I embraced the grungy guitar sounds of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alanis Morissette. But when Björk and Portishead emerged, I was blown away. Their unique voices, original productions, and blend of samples with real instruments deeply inspired me and influenced my own music productions.
What was the first album you remember owning?
That was Like a Virgin by Madonna—initially, I was fascinated by the cover!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
When it comes to music production, it would be Glory Box by Portishead. Even though the bassline repeats throughout the entire song, I never get bored of it. It’s the unique choice of instruments and sounds that blend so perfectly together. As for lyrics, I absolutely love Sometimes You Need by Rufus Wainwright, and of course, Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell—truly a timeless classic.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I need visuals and sound to get inspired. A scene from a film, a specific dialogue, or a striking image can spark something in me. Sound is just as crucial. A certain riff or an unusual chord can set everything in motion.
My process is all about layering. I sample things, loop them, and vocal melodies often emerge naturally. I always have an instrument in my hands, and before I know it, a structure starts to take shape. Then I step away—sometimes for a few hours, sometimes until the next day—before listening again with fresh ears.
I love creating many sketches in a short time. Finishing them? That’s the hardest part. But when I believe in an idea, I take it almost all the way through pre-production, layering MIDI, vocal stacks and real instruments.
One habit (or ritual, really) is that I often forget to eat when I’m deep in the music-making process—not the best habit, I know. But my favorite way to create is to retreat somewhere—another country, a quiet cabin—bringing only the essentials: a laptop, an audio interface, a microphone and an instrument. Just me, the music, and a view of nature. That’s when I feel most in my element—just making things.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
It's hard to name just one of my favourite artists, but lately, I've been listening a lot to a new discovery of mine, Lucy Rose, Lera Lynn, and I also love to listen to Patrick Watson, Phoebe Bridgers and Michael Kiwanuka.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Radiohead. And if he were still alive, absolutely for Jeff Buckley.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part… I love the process, but the best part is when something is finished and released into the world—especially in a physical form including artwork, like an album (CD) or LP, rather than just streaming. Being able to perform it live and share my musical world with others is incredible. It’s also amazing to see how music can set a mood, evoke emotions, and connect with people on a deeper level.
And as a musician, creating from a place of freedom and feeling is one of the most fulfilling things there is.
And what is the most frustrating part?
As a musician and writer, it can be tough that everything has to come from within. That’s something I find frustrating at times, which is why I really enjoy collaborations.
Another frustrating aspect is how streaming services like Spotify have turned music into more of a consumable product. The algorithms of all social media platforms, driven by big tech companies, have also ruined the music market for independent artists. People rarely listen to full albums anymore—often just skipping through tracks or only hearing the first few seconds. The market is oversaturated with new releases every day, and on top of that, there’s barely a sustainable income model for artists. That’s a shame because so much work goes into creating a song or an album, and that deserves to be rewarded.
Live performance is essential for musicians, but there need to be more opportunities. The industry should shift to support more live music venues and create a better environment for artists to thrive.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
As long as you believe in your own story and trust your gut, it will be okay. Stay true to yourself, and music will always be a part of who you are.
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Lilian Hak's new single 'I Will Ever Be Your Head' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.