six states, one bedroom- lizzy hilliard’s self produced ‘road trip’
Worlds apart from the rise of AI music, Lizzy Hilliard’s new EP feels like a breath of fresh air. From writing and producing to mixing and mastering every note within her NYC flex apartment, Road Trip consists of six intimate tracks taking us on our own journey across the United States. Hilliard’s vocals act as a warm hug around our ears, including gorgeous harmonies that showcase multiple layers of comfort.
While the EP centres around the folk and singer-songwriter genre, Hilliard demonstrates her versatility as the EP’s soundscape evolves with every state line we cross. By the time you reach the indie-rock streaks of ‘Pennsylvania’ or the country-leaning ‘Wyoming’, you forget you are listening to a solo project recorded in a bedroom; it sounds like an elevated ensemble- proving even more impressive when you realise Hilliard played all 15+ instruments herself.
The Track-by-Track Journey
‘New York’ is the perfect opening for the EP, welcoming the listener into the very ‘shoebox’ apartment where the project was born. Part of the thrill of reviewing Road Trip is uncovering the lyrical Easter eggs Hilliard has tucked away. In ‘New York’, she playfully name-checks ‘Delilah’, nodding to the famous ‘Hey There Delilah’ only to pivot back to her folk roots with a clever nod to Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘The Only Living Boy in New York.’ It’s a credit to her impressive and authentic writing style as she doesn’t shy away from mixing modern pop culture with classic folk traditions. As the track concludes, we leave the busy streets of New York behind and continue to the next phase of the journey.
‘New Jersey’ presents a nostalgic and sentimental feel to us, juxtaposing her life at 25 with the memories and perspective of her parents. It’s a sentimental nod to how lifestyles shift as the world moves around us.
Now we head to Hilliard’s home state with ‘Pennsylvania,’ where the journey hits a new gear featuring vibrant indie-rock streaks. The track poses a deeply relatable question: what does your home state really mean to who you are now? As the song progresses, we gain clarity alongside Hilliard as she navigates her identity, the ensemble elevating and swelling until we hit the powerful conclusion. Hilliard’s talent in mixing and mastering is really showcased throughout this entire track but specifically in the last minute with the layering of multiple instruments and also powerful vocal melodies and harmonies.
The journey hits a pivotal point as ‘Indiana’ appears on the horizon, shifting from internal reflection to external connection. Hilliard’s characteristic vulnerability remains a constant, but here it is shared with a long-distance connection she describes as being ‘made from the same stuff’ as her. The idea of a bond so deeply rooted that you feel truly seen is presented as something organic and rare—a heartwarming detour in the middle of the open road.
‘Wyoming’ stands out as a unique moment on the EP, being the only track to feature an outside collaborator: violinist Gioia Gedicks. The sweeping strings provide a cinematic backdrop for Hilliard’s empowering reflection on her younger self. It’s a poignant exploration of the realization that the ‘preciousness’ of youth is often invisible until you are fully grown. By looking back at the girl in the 'cowgirl hat,' Hilliard doesn't just mourn the past; she honors the journey it took to finally grow into the body—and the artist—she has become today.
We reach our final destination in ‘Oregon,’ a true full-circle moment that provides a stark contrast to the shoebox apartment where we began. The city noise is replaced by vivid nature imagery and deep-rooted home connotations, as Hilliard learns to live in the moment and appreciate the 'regular' things—like ‘Great Grandpa’s driveway’—that she once might have taken for granted. It presents a powerful learning curve, reflecting on how a single place can offer lessons that shape an entire future. It’s the perfect note to end on: a gentle reminder that while we may travel far, the most important lessons are often found in the roots we return to.
Ultimately, ‘Road Trip’ provides a necessary journey of reflection, connection, and growth as we travel across the United States—confronting the past, living in the moment, and looking forward to the future. Hilliard proves that you don’t need a massive budget, a professional studio, or a team of producers to create a successful EP. With self-belief, a comfortable environment, and plenty of inspiration, she shows us that the journey is always worth the ride.
Watch and Listen: