Lily Stiven isn’t mucking around. Releasing her first single of the ’25 year (williams tragedy) in May, she followed that up with two more by October, her own genre description changing up in the process, from indie-pop/folk to indie-pop/R&B.

“At the moment I’m not too worried about having a set genre! Personally I listen to so many different genres in my everyday life and am really inspired by a variety of artists, so it’s hard to pin down one genre. In saying that, my number one influence is Olivia Dean, so I take lots of inspiration from her!”

The 18-year old artist celebrated the release of her latest single NOT MY OWN with her first ever headline show, an all-ages gig at Big Fan that included fellow emerging singer-songwriters, Liberty and Star, on the bill.

Reflecting a fast-developing pop confidence the single dives into themes of identity and self-ownership. “This song means so much to me and it’s been a long time coming,” says Stiven. “Releasing it and performing it live on the same night as its release was the perfect way to start this next chapter in my music.” 

Key to the sound and musical development of the Hibiscus Coast native over the past few key years is Phodiso Dintwe (Phodiso), the Auckland musician, singer, rapper, writer, actor and producer, who was born in Botswana. 

“I met Phodiso in 2023 at my high school [Whangaparaoa College]. He came in to do a songwriting workshop with my music class. I showed him some songs I had written and he really liked them and saw potential, and we went from there!”

At first glance the musical pairing seems unlikely but it has stuck. Phodiso successfully applied for NZ On Air Artist Development funding to work with her that year, and Stiven has since released a string of independent singles that showcase her versatility, and demonstrate the progress she’s making as a writer and vocalist.

“Phodiso is a rapper, so he’s really good with lyrics! I’ve learnt so much from him and I continue to learn more every time we write. We have weekly songwriting sessions where I come into them with a song I’ve started writing and we finish it together. He really helps me grow as an artist, and it’s really cool having him as my producer as well because we’re always exploring new styles and sounds.

A three-time Play It Strange finalist while at school, she has just finished her first year at SAE Auckland, studying for a Bachelor of Songwriting.

“I’ve mainly been opening for artists this year, which has been really cool. Creating a network and friends within the industry has really helped to get my name around and to get asked to open/play gigs! Play it Strange definitely helped start me off, and it’s exciting taking the next steps, and growing more as a performer.”