Ly Talks Love, Self-Acceptance, And The Story Behind "Spinning"

New Jersey-based independent artist Ly is turning personal experiences into heartfelt pop and R&B storytelling with her latest single, "Spinning." Inspired by a love that transformed her perspective on herself and the world around her, the track captures the intoxicating feeling of finding someone who makes everything else fade into the background. Drawing influence from artists like Jessie Reyez and Kehlani, Ly blends vulnerability, emotion, and authenticity into a release that celebrates love in all its forms while encouraging listeners to embrace who they are unapologetically. We caught up with Ly to discuss the story behind "Spinning," her creative journey, and the message she hopes resonates long after the song ends.

"Spinning" feels incredibly personal. Can you take us back to the moment you realized this relationship was inspiring a song?

For a long time, I knew I was queer, but I never really embraced it because I didn’t know how to. Yes, I had role models, but I didn’t want to replicate their way of coming out, because that moment of growth is unique to everyone. Like many relationships, mine started as a friendship that blossomed into something beautiful. As she and I spent more time together romantically rather than platonically, I realized my new world began with her. I started writing lyrics whenever I could, and they were all about her. She was all I would ever talk about, and every love song became a dedication to her. The honeymoon stage of our relationship sparked the idea for “Spinning”. When it was time for me to write the song's lyrics, the music made me feel as if I were walking through a world where everything was perfect, and all I could see and hear were my own thoughts. This helped me to recognize the only way to personalize this song was to write about what my newfound journey has done for me emotionally.

You describe love as something that completely changed your perspective on yourself. How has this relationship influenced both your life and your music?

I believe that love can change one’s life in multiple ways. For me, it changed my self-love journey, where I learned that I am unable to love myself fully unless I understand what it means to be queer and its importance. I’ve always liked girls, but I never understood it until recent years. My current relationship has influenced my life, allowing me to express myself openly to my family and friends. I express myself through my clothing style, my affection towards her, and my personal beliefs and values. I feel comfortable with myself, and I can confidently love every inch of who I am. My relationship has influenced my music through allowing me to create art that unapologetically showcases who I am and what I stand for. The lyrics of all my songs, released and unreleased, express my identity, and I utilize my platform to express that further. Love can not be destroyed, but created and grown through freedom, justice, and equality.

The song carries a message that everyone deserves love regardless of identity, race, or religion. Why was it important for you to include that message in this release?

While I sadly do not mention this directly, it is implied through the constant theme of a powerful love. To me, it was important to include this message because of the current state of our world concerning the queer community. In every corner, there is inequality and hatred where there should be a loving community of people who want the best for each other. When I released this song, I imagined that it would spark hope in the hearts of those who are fighting endlessly against oppression. The world and its people need to know that they are loved for who they are and what they believe in, not what they can do or who they should be.

You mentioned struggling with accepting who you are and who you love. How has music helped you navigate that journey of self-discovery?

When I was younger, I didn’t know that identifying as something other than heterosexual was an option. I slowly started learning about it through music that showed the artist’s identity. Throughout my adolescence, I became accustomed to listening to openly queer artists more often, which helped me realize that it is perfectly fine to like girls. The more music I listened to, the more I would connect the lyrics to my own experiences, thoughts, and actions. I started dressing in a way that made me feel comfortable and began recognizing the feelings I had. I am still navigating my journey of self-discovery, but music has allowed me to break through that wall of uncertainty and confusion through its openness and vulnerability.

Jessie Reyez and Kehlani are two artists who have heavily influenced you. What specific lessons have you taken from their careers and songwriting styles?

Both artists are amazing, independent, and inspirational. From them, I have learned that my art is meant to cater to me, and that I should always come first, over my music. I always watch their interviews to learn more about who they are, and I’ve learned that self-care is the most important thing in the world. In terms of songwriting, I’ve taken away their diction and how it can make or break a song. In their music, the artists use their words to construct a story that comes from the heart. Their songs are filled with life and relatability because they express true emotions. They inspire me so much and have helped me learn the importance of storytelling and speaking my truth.

As an independent artist building your dream from scratch, what have been some of the biggest challenges and most rewarding moments so far?

One of my biggest challenges as an independent artist was the financial side of making art, specifically buying equipment. Additionally, I was learning everything on my own, so I had no idea what to buy and where to start. I spent months learning different techniques, what different equipment was used for, and how to produce music. Another challenge of mine was having the confidence to share my art. I’ve always struggled with confiding in myself and believing that I am just as capable as any other artist. To overcome that, I took time to look within myself and repeatedly told myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. So far, the most rewarding moments have been gaining that necessary confidence in my work, getting 300 streams on my debut song “A List”, and this interview article. While these may seem like small steps compared to others, these events are huge in my eyes. They show me that I am so much more capable than I let myself believe at the beginning of my career. The fact that I have the opportunity to do this interview gives me so much hope for my future in music. I pray I continue on this path, seeing as so much good has come of it.

If someone listens to "Spinning" while going through their own journey of finding love, acceptance, or confidence, what do you hope they feel when the song ends?

By the time the song ends, I want anyone going through their journey to feel understood and accepted for who they are, not who they should be. In the song, I am talking about a specific person; I want my listeners to choose who their person is. Be that themself or someone special to them. I want people to know that love is so much more important than we think. Love is in our families and our friends, and the people who keep us sane and safe. To anyone going through their own journey, I hope they find everything they need within themself, because self-love is your ticket to a happy life somewhere new, with someone else, and especially yourself. I want listeners to take the lyrics to my song and apply them to their lives so they can truly feel and understand why I wrote the song. Yes, it is dedicated to someone, but it means so much more than that. Through “Spinning”, I believe I have created a safe space for anyone who needs time to think and space to believe in their future and how to get there.