Kat Harlton
Montreal-based singer-songwriter Lydia Sutherland, recently released her new single “Date A Friend” on October 22 via all streaming platforms.
At only 22 years old, Lydia’s professional songwriting experience speaks volumes to her natural ability to self-express through song. Lydia has written for artists in Canada, the US and Australia, scoring her first major label cut with Warner Music Nashville on emerging country music sensation Robyn Ottolini’s new EP (Hold me Back). With a unique and luscious voice of her own, Lydia is bringing own her own sound into the spotlight as she embarks on a solo career.
We had the opportunity to chat with Lydia about her new single, finding the positive in tough situations, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new single “Date A Friend”?
Lydia: I came up with the idea for Date a Friend after my best friend and I broke up. When it ended, I was so overwhelmed by the negatives and the ways it would affect our friendship that I forgot how good it was for a minute. I wanted to write a song that would highlight the positives to remind myself how special that connection was and why I should be happy I ever did date him.
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the song?
Lydia: I hope fans take in that dating a friend can be one of the easiest, most special feelings ever. How it can be risky if it doesn’t end up working out. But if it makes you a little scared or nervous, that’s how you know it means something and you should probably go through with it – see what’s on the other side of that friendship.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Lydia: When I write alone, I sometimes find it difficult to write about things I’m still going through. I often have a hard time processing my feelings and get super overwhelmed pinpointing what side of the story I want to write about first. That’s definitely the most challenging part but also when I know an idea is different and means something to me.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Lydia: My career highlight so far has definitely been writing for other artists. I love singing and releasing my own music but I now lean more towards songwriting. I love connecting with people all across the world, writing in all genres and just hearing their stories. I’ve learned along the way that there’s no need to fluff a song. Fans connect with what’s real, honest and conversational. It’s actually so surprising how many people go through the same things – so keeping a song authentic to what you go through will often get an even bigger and better reaction.
Kat: What’s next?
Lydia: A lot more music! I’m currently working on a 6 song EP so we can expect a few more singles to drop after this one. I’m also working with a lot of artists on their projects so I’ll have cuts coming out this year and next. Overall, there’s a lot of exciting things happening right now that I can’t wait to share!
For more on Lydia visit: https://lydiasutherland.com