Dublin-born artist Lily McMahon is carving out her own space within soulful pop, bringing together elements of pop, soul, jazz, R&B and indie to create music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Her latest single, ‘Not a Want’, is an intimate and heartfelt reflection on love, vulnerability and breaking away from patterns shaped by past relationships. Written about her boyfriend Angelo, the song captures the moment Lily realised that a healthy relationship could challenge everything she had previously come to expect from love.
“When I met Angelo, I was at a stage in my life where I was used to dealing with toxic men,” Lily explains. “I had built up this expectation that I would have to deal with that kind of behaviour forever. Meeting him made me realise that I was willing to change the habits and toxic patterns that past relationships had taught me.”
At the heart of the song is the idea that Angelo is not simply someone Lily wants in her life, but someone she genuinely needs. ‘Not a Want’ explores that distinction through raw lyricism and a soulful, emotionally charged vocal performance.
The song began with Angelo Presta, who wrote the piano introduction that immediately resonated with Lily.
“Angelo had written the piano introduction and I felt a connection to it as soon as he played it for me,” Lily says. “The rest is history.”
Musically, ‘Not a Want’ showcases Lily’s ability to move between vulnerability and strength, combining a stripped-back piano foundation with warm instrumentation and her distinctive soulful delivery. The track reflects an artist who is unafraid to be emotionally open, while continuing to develop a sound that draws from a diverse range of influences.
Lily’s music is rooted in self-love, vulnerability and human connection. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Imelda May, Billie Eilish and Amy Winehouse, she has been described as sounding like “their child”, a comparison that reflects her ability to combine intimate songwriting with a soulful and unmistakably personal vocal style.
Rather than simply creating music to be heard, Lily aims to create songs that listeners can feel themselves within. ‘Not a Want’ is a celebration of finding love that feels safe, recognising unhealthy patterns and having the courage to grow beyond them.
‘Not a Want’ Credits
Lyrics: Lily McMahon
Producer: Angelo Presta
Guitar: Angelo Presta
Bass: Ernest Sirins
Drums: Liam Berry
Mixing & Mastering: Angelo Presta
For more information, please contact: Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com