Liily interview with Charlie Anastasis

We had the chance to chat with bassist Charlie Anastasis of the up-and-coming band Liily. We caught them last year and the dynamic live of the band captivated all the audience and we noticed their charisma right away. Dylan Nash, Sam De La Torre, Charlie Anastasis, and Maxx Morando are the four fundamentals that make up ambitious LA rock band. They released their debut, TV or Not TV, in 2021 and have been making waves in the industry, including a performance on Miley Cyrus‘ NYE show this year. Take a listen to their latest release, “Applause,” and catch them next time they’re in your town.

playXear: How did the band start?

I was duped. Maxx asked me if I wanted to go over to his house and hang out because he had no friends, and then it turned out to be a band practice. I’ve been stuck ever since.

playXear: How did you meet?

Maxx and l met at catholic boys’ school, l knew Dylan through little league and met Sam through Maxx.

playXear: What clicked about making music together?

I spent most of my childhood playing in bands with my friends. It gave me a purpose and a sense of direction and made everything about life less scary. But the thing about those bands that was so beautiful was less about the music and more about the sense of community it gave us. Knowing that I had something to do on the weekend with people I loved was enough. The thing that being in Liily added to my life was the first time I had been a part of making a song that I would actually listen to. It was such a shocking moment being in a room with my friends and realizing that we could actually make music that we felt immensely connected to. Obviously falling in love with a song you wrote when you were sixteen morphs over time but thinking “wow I actually want people to hear this song,” might be the most important thing that ever happened to me.

playXear: What role did music play in your upbringing?

We rocked from dawn till dusk every morning. AC/DC, Minor Threat, Scissor Sisters. Life was good.

playXear: When did you first express an interest in music?

I was supposed to go over to my friend’s house when I was 12. Right before I left, he canceled on me because he had band practice. That depressed the f out of me, he instantly became the coolest person I knew. He called me shortly after and asked if I knew how to play bass and I lied and said yes. My musical career has been built on lies and jealousy.

playXear: When did you catch your first industry break?

We had a show at the Smell in LA a few years ago and got approached by Andrew Shack who runs Flush records.

playXear: How did you come up with the name?

It was a friend of ours’ name. There wasn’t much thought put in to it we all thought it just sounded nice.

playXear: What inspired TV or Not TV?

We had really been consuming more music than we ever had in our lives up until that point and wanted to cover as much ground as we possibly could.

playXear: Writing process? Write as a band or alone?

Little bit of both.

playXear: What is the story you want people to know behind the tracks?

Honestly I think there aren’t really any hidden meanings behind our songs. We aren’t smart enough to cook up any grand messages, the only thing we are trying to cultivate here is a community. Come to a show and try and have fun really.

The harder you try to vibe. The less you’re actually vibing.

playXear: What was your favorite part of touring the US with Fidlar?

Getting to see Fidlar and Reckling play every night.

playXear: What songs/artists are you into at the moment?

Zulu

Model/Actriz 

Catcher

Been Stellar

playXear: How was it performing at the NYE show with Miley Cyrus?

It was absolutely insane, I cried like a baby.

playXear: Do you bring something on the road with you to remind you of home?

I live to forget.

playXear: What is the hardest thing about touring?

Having to be around Dylan all day.

playXear: What is the most rewarding?

Getting to be around Dylan all day 🙂

playXear: Plans after the Fidlar tour is over?

Going to be putting out as much music as possible and try to stay touring too.