What Went Down During a Musician's Wild 10 Days Co-Writing with Lily Allen?

Wales-based singer-songwriter Violet Skies has shared her exhilarating experience co-writing six tracks for Lily Allen's latest album, which reflects on the end of Allen's four-year marriage. Skies, whose real name is Hannah Berney, described the ten-day creative journey as "the wildest" of her life, producing songs like "Madeline" and "Let You W/in" that resonate with listeners. This collaboration, alongside notable producers, showcases a blend of personal artistry and professional growth.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Violet Skies has gained attention for her recent collaboration with Lily Allen on the artist's new album, "West End Girl," released on 24 October 2023. The album marks Allen's return after a seven-year hiatus, and its content delves into personal themes surrounding her recent divorce from actor David Harbour. Skies co-wrote six tracks within an intense ten-day session in Los Angeles, a process she described as both magical and transformative. The album has already begun to resonate with audiences, reflecting her artistic contributions and establishing her presence in the music industry.

Key takeaways

• Violet Skies co-wrote six songs on Lily Allen's new album, "West End Girl".
• The album contains themes related to Allen's divorce and personal experiences.
• Skies has previously collaborated with prominent artists like Diana Ross and Mabel.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events leading to the release of "West End Girl" is as follows:

• December 2022: Violet Skies co-writes six songs with Lily Allen over four days.
• October 2023: "West End Girl" is released, marking Allen's return after seven years.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent development is the release of "West End Girl," featuring the collaborative work of Violet Skies and several other artists. This album is notable for its introspective take on Allen's life following her marriage and its subsequent end.

What was already established

Prior to this release, Lily Allen had not produced new music for seven years, making this album a significant event for fans. Violet Skies had previously established herself as a co-writer for other high-profile artists, contributing to her credibility in the music industry.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The release of "West End Girl" could lead to a renewed interest in Lily Allen's music among UK listeners, particularly as it addresses relatable themes of love and loss. For consumers, the album's themes may resonate on a personal level, potentially influencing conversations around relationships and mental health.

Businesses and jobs

For the music industry, the collaboration between Skies and Allen highlights the importance of teamwork and creativity, potentially encouraging other artists to explore similar collaborative efforts. This can also impact job opportunities for producers, writers, and musicians within the UK music scene.

Policy and regulation

As the UK music industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the success of this album may lead to more live performances and events, stimulating economic growth in the creative sector. Upcoming consultations on artist rights and streaming regulations may also be influenced by the reception of high-profile releases like Allen's.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of albums released by Lily Allen in the past seven years, "West End Girl".
• 6: The number of songs co-written by Violet Skies for the album.
• 4: The number of days it took to write the six songs in Los Angeles.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Autofiction: A literary genre that blends autobiographical elements with fictional narratives.
• Co-producer: An individual who collaborates in the production process of music, contributing creatively and technically.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As "West End Girl" garners attention, listeners can expect discussions around the themes of the album, especially those related to relationships and personal growth. Fans may also anticipate potential music videos or live performances promoting the album.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, Violet Skies may continue to build on this momentum through further collaborations or solo work. The reception of Allen's album could influence her visibility in the industry and lead to more opportunities.

Signals to watch

• Streaming numbers and chart positions for "West End Girl".
• Social media engagement related to the album's themes and songs.
• Future announcements regarding live performances or collaborations.

Practical guidance

Do

• Listen to "West End Girl" and explore the stories behind the songs.
• Support local artists and attend live performances to foster the music community.

Don’t

• Assume that all songs are purely autobiographical; consider the artistic interpretations offered.
• Neglect the diverse narratives presented in the album.

Checklist

• Check out Violet Skies' previous work for a broader understanding of her artistry.
• Follow Lily Allen's social media for updates on the album and potential performances.
• Engage with the album's themes in your own life and discussions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the album's reception is promising, it is important to acknowledge that audience interpretations may vary. The personal themes discussed may resonate differently depending on individual experiences. Furthermore, the music industry's landscape is continuously evolving, and future collaborations or releases may not achieve the same level of recognition.

Bottom line

The release of "West End Girl" signifies a notable return for Lily Allen, with Violet Skies contributing significantly to its emotional depth. As both artists navigate their careers, the collaboration represents a blend of personal storytelling and artistic expression that resonates with UK audiences. The album's success may pave the way for more collaborative projects in the future.

FAQs

What is Violet Skies' contribution to Lily Allen's new album?

Violet Skies co-wrote six songs on Lily Allen's latest album, "West End Girl," showcasing her songwriting skills and artistic collaboration.

When was "West End Girl" released?

"West End Girl" was released on 24 October 2023, marking Lily Allen's first album in seven years.

What themes does the album explore?

The album explores personal themes, particularly focusing on relationships and the emotional journey following Lily Allen's divorce.