Last Updated on 2026-10-22 by a-indie
The first word that comes to mind when describing the sound of 『Win Win』, the latest album by Dorset-born British singer-songwriter Fenne Lily, is “warm.” Incredibly warm.
Not the kind of warmth that offers shelter from the winter cold, but the radiant warmth of reaching for an orange so vividly colored it seems to believe it is the sun itself, squinting in the dazzling sunlight.
Fenne Lily「Uh Huh」(Official Video)
From the 4th album 『Win Win』
Perhaps that warmth comes from Fenne’s slightly low, whispery voice. Or perhaps it comes from the sound of the acoustic guitar and banjo, which seem to stay by your side throughout the album, or from the convivial atmosphere captured on tape during the live recordings.
Yet when you notice the subtle melancholy drifting through the songs, or turn your attention to lyrics that explore pain, uncertainty, and loss, you begin to sense an undercurrent of heartache and pain beneath that warmth.
It is like reaching for a vividly colored orange, only to notice the blemishes on its skin, or suddenly discovering a scar on a gentle hand that strokes your hair. You find pain, unexpectedly, in something you cherish.
In that moment, even what once felt warm begins to feel bittersweet, leaving you wanting to cry just a little.
On 『Win Win』, Fenne wraps the pain and loneliness she carries in warm sounds.
I felt that the contrast between the album’s sound and its themes quietly offers solace to those who continue to smile even while carrying their pain.
In this interview, Fenne’s thoughtful and generous responses offered a glimpse into her rich inner world. What inspired her to make this album?
Through her candid words, let’s slowly unravel the story behind it.
Fenne Lily Interview
Artist: Fenne Lily
Interviewer: Wakiki
Translation, editing, and proofreading: BELONG Media and A-indie
Musical Roots and Influences
The First Song She Loved, and What Made Her Start Making Music
─Wakiki : First, I’d love to ask about your musical roots. What kind of music did you grow up listening to, and what eventually inspired you to start making music yourself?
Fenne : The first song I remember loving was 「Return to Innocence」 by Enigma which truly I thought I’d invented as a memory until I heard it recently in a Whole Foods and was sent straight back to being a kid in the back of my parents’ car.
Enigma「Return To Innocence」(Official Video)
I guess that wasn’t a huge inspiration, though.
The music that made me want to make music was English folk music, leading to Laura Marling, and the music that encouraged me to actually make it was The Velvet Underground, 『Loaded』 particularly.
Laura Marling「Rambling Man」(Official Video)
The Velvet Underground「Rock & Roll」
From the album 『Loaded』
I liked any music where I could trust the voice, where I felt it was coming from an emotionally decisive place.
I also had a piano teacher when I was in my early teens and watching him play his instrument so well made me want to be fluent at something like that.
It didn’t end up being piano because I didn’t practice, but I feel like I’m getting there with songwriting as my instrument.
Lyricists and Poets Who Spark Her Creativity
─Wakiki : Are there any artists or works that have influenced your musical style today or the way you approach music? If so, could you tell us what aspects of their work have had the greatest impact on you?
Fenne : So many. Whenever I come across music that hits me, I want to make music that sounds like it but being limited by the way I naturally write and sing means I take what I can apply to my way of doing things.
My ride or die for a long time has been Damien Jurado, I don’t think there’s a lyricist I’m more inspired by and his albums are so varied, production-wise — he never sounds the same but always feels the same to me.
Damien Jurado「Silver Timothy」(Official Video)
Feist was a big one when I was first starting to write and record, I love the way she approaches vocal delivery and production.
Feist「My Moon My Man」(Official Video)
While I made this new record I was reading more than I was listening to music, I go through phases of not gravitating towards recorded music.
I was going to a lot of shows in New York and feeling excited by bands that had a lot going on, full sounds.
And I was reading poetry for the first real time, I hadn’t found myself wanting to but I really got into Franz Wright and Tony Hoagland and Diane Seuss.
The scenes they build are sad and funny and beautiful.
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