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Keyboard Queen:
Lacey-Lee Evin

Lacey-Lee Evin is the keyboardist for the pop/rock band Lillix. Their debut album, Falling Uphill, was released in 2003. Lacey-Lee discusses playing the Warped Tour, Weezer and writing songs for Korg.

How did Lillix get started?
I always wanted to be in a band. So, back in 1997 I asked Tash if she wanted to start one (she said yes). Tasha went to school with Louise. Tasha confronted Louise in the school library and asked her if she wanted to play bass in our band. Louise didn’t even know what a bass was, but she said yes. Then, our next-door neighbor (Sierra Hills – 9 yrs old) heard about it and one day I came home from school and there was a drum set in our basement. That was October 22 1997, our first practice.

Do you remember your first gig?
Our first gig was Jan 23, 1999 at a small theatre in a nearby city called Kimberly. The venue was called Center 64. We performed in front of 85 people. We did about 9 songs. We all wore matching navy suits (like the Beatles would). Louise stood in the middle and she had a broken arm. Our band name was “Tigerlily.”

What were you like in high school?
I wasn’t popular. I had my 2 good friends and we stuck together. I was shy and chubby. I never had a boyfriend, i was too shy and thought no guys liked me (I had very low self esteem) I wasn’t a social person (except for when I was around my friends) Id go home everyday after school have band practice, and write songs.

What’s the biggest misconception about Canada?
That everyone in Canada is really nice. I know a lot of asses. haha.

Describe yourself in three words.
Sensitive, Thinker, Sarcastic

Do you have a quote or motto that you live by?
Expect the worst but hope for the best

Are there any rumors about Lillix that you would like to clear up?
YES! We are not manufactured (although it would be pretty awesome if we were). “It’s About Time” is a crappy song… and we agree and there is THREE lead singers in this band, not just one person who plays guitar.

What was the experience like of playing on the Warped Tour?
I was scared. I’m on the computer quite a bit so I read all the negative things that people were saying about us on the Warped Tour, stuff like they wanted to kill us and stuff… so I was a little scared. But, we did it and we kicked ass and we proved to all those punks that we were actually a good band.. So take that! haha. We made a bunch of friends with the other bands too. A lot of them came to our shows like NOFX, Anti-flag, Yellowcard, The Casualties. They’re all really good/nice guys.. I had a great time.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you on the road?
Can’t think of anything… hmm….

What’s the best concert you’ve ever seen?
The Pixies were amazing. But, I’d have to say Ozma (unfortunately they just disbanded). They were such an amazing band. I’m still waiting to see Weezer live though, I know that will take first place one day.

Do you have a favorite album?
Weezer’s “Pinkerton.”

Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?
I listen to a little NKOTB “Step By Step” cassette once in awhile. I’m not ashamed of it either. They had some great melodies.

What are your hobbies outside of music?
I love architecture. I love drawing floor plans. I love cooking. I love computers. I love spending time with my animals. I love swimming (not in the ocean though). I love jumping on the trampoline. I love just sitting in nature. and I love writing and listening to music! Haha, is that good enough?

Are you working on any new projects?
I’m writing a keyboard demo song for Korg’s new Triton Extreme keyboard. The song I am writing will be included with the Triton Extreme when you purchase it. It’s a demo showcasing what the keyboard can do. That keyboard is truly amazing.

Do you guys {Lillix] have a certain method for creating music?
Well, we all write a little differently. Most of the time I’ll have written many different parts/chord progressions then I’ll go through them all, put them together, then I have created my base. I’ll write my melody next then lyrics. Normally ill make a demo of the song on my computer then ill show the girls and we’ll start adding all of our parts there.

Are there any artists you would love to collaborate with?
I’d love to play keyboards on a Weezer song, or maybe write with Rivers. If it ever happened id be so nervous I probably wouldn’t be able to do it. It would still be very cool.

Do you have a favorite song to cover?
I really want to cover “Dance Magic Dance” (if that’s what its called) Its a song on the movie “Labyrinth” that David Bowie performs. I love that movie; it’s such a part of my childhood. I think another song I’d like to cover would be “Hashpipe” by Weezer.. or “Say It Ain’t So” or “The Sweater Song.” I would ideally love to cover a “Pinkerton” song, but I doubt Lillix fans would know any of the songs.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to make it in bands?
Write your own music. Don’t let the label take over you. Practice. Play a lot of shows. Stay focused. Don’t get an ego.

Do you have anything else you would like to add or comment on?
We have a couple of songs coming out on quite a few different soundtracks and tribute CD’s. A Lillix original song will be on special copies of “The Princess Diaries 2” soundtracks. The song is called “The Meaning.” We also did a cover of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” which will be on a tribute album to “Saturday Morning Cartoons.” Including other songs performed by many other bands. As well, we also did a cover of “The Munsters” theme song. which will be on another tribute album dedicated to “Old Sitcom” theme songs, which will also include covers by other bands

For more info on Lillix, please check out www.lillix.com