Rising Stars: Meet Lillian Soderman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Soderman. 

Hi Lillian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My story, like many, is not a linear one. I grew up in the deserts of Arizona, daughter to a Southern Belle flight attendant and a New Yorker pilot, and sister to a gem of an older brother. I left Arizona to attend CU Boulder for university, where I studied Cultural Anthropology, thinking someone would pay me to travel around the world to write ethnographies. Instead, I became fascinated with homeless culture and moved to Portland, Oregon shortly after graduation to pursue becoming an Alcohol and Drug Counselor working with homeless youth. I grew up playing piano and singing but never wrote my own material. I attribute the writing that poured out of me in Portland to the pain I witnessed on a daily basis needing somewhere to express itself. I started playing live shows and recorded my first EP, “Winter Bloom”, in 2011. My meandering path took me to Los Angeles next to pursue becoming a trainer in a circle process known as Council. I was a part of an organization that piloted Council programs across the California prison system while nannying and playing shows on the side. I lived in Los Angeles until I graduated as a trainer and decided I wanted to be back with all my college musician friends in Colorado. Shortly after arriving back in Colorado in 2015, I recorded my second EP, “Desert Song” with several local musicians, Griffith James, Sarah Anderson, Genevieve Patterson (of Paper Bird & Heavy Diamond Ring), Mark Anderson (Still Tide), Paul DeHaven (Paper Bird/Heavy Diamond Ring) to name a few. My Los Angeles nannying resume landed me a job that eventually led me to a consulting gig, which eventually led to my current work at Salesforce as a Solution Engineer. While juggling engineering, I recorded another EP, “Light Bender” released in August of 2017. Fast forward a few years of living/quarantining (thanks, COVID), we arrive at the present moment. I just released my first full-length solo album, “Chasing Shadows”, which includes songs written from 2011 to 2021. The album is meant to be listened to in sequential order, taking listeners out of the darkness into the light. This vulnerable body of work is both exhilarating and absolutely terrifying. These are the major threads of my life that continue to weave in some fashion. I am a Council trainer, a holder of many community circles, and a musician that currently works as a Salesforce Engineer. I don’t know if these threads will ever become one or if they already are one. I have been told that I have a lot of energy and perhaps if I poured all my energy into one thread, it would take flight. Or perhaps, I don’t want just one thread because of my propensity to experience boredom. Regardless of where the path leads, I’ve committed to the continual work of healing and staying at the growth edge of myself. I couldn’t be more grateful for the world to hear, “Chasing Shadows”. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road along the way, but those bumps have largely become the inspiration for my music and writing. I also choose to engage in work and processes that keep me growing and healing, which is not always easy. A recent challenge has been the passing of my father. We lost him to COVID on the Winter Solstice of this past year, a little over a month before “Chasing Shadows” was released into the world. I’m grateful he was able to hear some of the singles before he passed. I’m curious to see what songs will emerge from these new depths. As Kahlil Gibran said, the cup that holds the wine had to be carved first and the flute that carries the song had to be hollowed out. I’ve found that joy can carve just as deep, if not deeper than grief. I try to create from whatever new depths life sends my way. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d say I’m primarily known for my music and circle facilitation around town. I’m really proud of maintaining a balance between my varying passions. 

I’m especially proud of this new album. I always strive to create spaces for authenticity and vulnerability to thrive. This album really challenges me to stay on that scary edge and show up for my audience and community. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
COVID has anchored a few lessons for me these past few years. Firstly, I’ve learned that I’m more extroverted than I thought. While I love and need some quality me-time, being in crowds of strangers fills me up in a way I’ve really missed. 

Secondly, I didn’t really think Council circles would thrive as well as they’ve thrived via Zoom. Our online trainings always fill up with faces from around the world. The circles are just as impactful via the screen and I couldn’t be more grateful. 

Thirdly, I needed to slooooow down. I was able to reset my health and move at a pace that my body could keep up with. I’m trying to sustain this as the world slowly begins to open. 

Contact Info:

• Email: singsonglillian@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.lilliansoderman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillian.music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LillianSings
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-591492377
• Other: https://lillianmusic.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Michelle Christiance
Jessie McCall