Some artists find music; for Lila Forde, music found her – and it’s been calling ever since.
With a voice like honey and an “Americana soul” sound steeped in old-school jazz, R&B, and folk traditions, the Seattle-born singer/songwriter carries the past into the present with refreshing ease. She does just that on her debut album VESSEL, a confident and cathartic coming-of-age record that captures the full spectrum of her artistry – from its roots in improvisation and harmony, to its emotional depth and genre-spanning warmth.
Raised by musician and meditation teacher parents in a spiritual household without a television, Forde developed her artistic sensibilities immersed in nature and song. Her foundation in jazz, her reverence for legends like Carole King and Bonnie Raitt, and her curiosity as a storyteller led her to a sound that transcends trends. While many discovered her through The Voice, where she landed in the Top 5 under the guidance of John Legend, her story starts long before national TV – in living rooms, jazz clubs, and anywhere people would listen.
Newly released today, VESSEL is both a sonic feast and a statement of purpose. It opens with “Temptation,” a playful, flirtatious groove dripping with ‘70s soul-pop charm – the kind of song that winks as it walks by. In contrast, “All I Expected” feels late-night and world-weary, a smoky slow-burn that leans into jazz textures and heartbreak. “Brick by Brick,” an Americana anthem recorded live with her band, speaks to Forde’s long-game vision: she’s here to build something lasting, not fleeting.
The title track, “Vessel,” lies at the record’s heart. What began as a simple mantra – “I’m just a vessel, not a home” – evolved into a celestial meditation, thanks in part to an unexpected orchestral arrangement from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. The result is a transcendent experience that feels both grounding and otherworldly.
Other standouts include the emotionally raw “Honesty,” a breakup ballad that showcases her vulnerability, and “‘Til You Melt,” a Bill Withers–inspired slice of laid-back soul infused with familial wisdom. The record closes with a moment pulled straight from Forde’s roots: a live voice memo cover of “The Masquerade Is Over,” complete with restaurant ambiance. It’s intimate, unvarnished, and true – just like her.
Forde recorded the album in just three days, funded entirely by fans who backed her Kickstarter campaign. With the help of producer Aidan Carroll and a carefully curated band, she brought each track to life with authenticity and intention.
VESSEL isn’t just an introduction – it’s a fully formed invitation into Lila Forde’s world. One where jazz, folk, soul, and spirituality coexist, and where music remains not a product, but a calling.
