A JOURNEY THROUGH THE SUBCONSCIOUS AND SUSTAINABILITY – Under the moniker Lily of the Sea, New York City-based artist Lily McMahan isn’t just making music—she’s crafting an entire universe. Her work exists at the crossroads of sound and vision, where the raw emotional power of 90s grunge meets the timeless symbolism of folk art and mythology. It’s not just a sound or a style; it’s a fully immersive experience.

Lily of the Sea’s newest single, “Hey Now,” pulses with a cathartic energy, like the release of long-held tension, yet carries a reflective intimacy that makes you feel as though you’re eavesdropping on a conversation she’s having with her own subconscious. “It’s searching for a cathartic release,” she explains, “just letting it all come out.”

For Lily of the Sea, that search isn’t limited to her music. Her creative process stretches far beyond sound, blending natural dyes, second-hand textiles, and slow-making techniques to craft the visuals that surround her songs. Whether it’s an album cover, a handmade textile backdrop, or the imagery in her music videos, every element feels imbued with care, intention and a deep connection to the earth. 

“I focus on creating materials that align with the messages of my songs, which often connect to the environment and themes like climate grief,” she says. “Instead of using synthetically dyed, mass-produced threads, I work with plants and natural materials, which has been a really meaningful experience.”