Indie-Pop & R&B Artist Lily Stiven Releases New Single ‘what’s the worst I could do’
Indie-Pop & R&B Artist Lily Stiven Releases New Single ‘what’s the worst I could do’
August 22nd, 2025
18-year-old singer-songwriter Lily Stiven, hailing from Whangaparāoa, Auckland, returns with her latest single ‘what’s the worst I could do’, set for release on August 22nd. Produced by acclaimed artist and mentor Phodiso Moeng Dintwe, the track marks a bold new chapter in Lily’s artistic journey, showcasing a confident shift into a refined Pop-R&B soundscape.
This will be Lily’s third independent release, following early recognition through the Lion Foundation and Youthtown Play It Strange songwriting competitions. ‘what’s the worst I could do’ is a smooth, introspective track that captures the emotional tension between falling deeply for someone and fearing they won’t stay. Beneath the vulnerability is a quiet strength—a sense of self-worth that asks, if being myself drives him away, then maybe he was never meant to stay. So really, what’s the worst I could do?
At just 18, Lily has already demonstrated remarkable artistic growth, with a catalogue that includes ‘Hopelessly in Love With You’ (2021), ‘Lonely Days’ (2022), ‘High and Dry’ (2023), ‘Look Where I Am’ (2024), and ‘Williams Tragedy’ (2025). Drawing inspiration from the likes of Olivia Dean and Lorde, Lily blends elements of pop, R&B, indie, and folk into a sound that is both distinctive and emotionally resonant.
Whether soundtracking a late-night drive or a moment of quiet reflection, “what’s the worst I could do” encapsulates the emotional complexity of modern love. With her unmistakable voice and mature storytelling, Lily Stiven continues to carve out a space as one of Aotearoa’s most compelling emerging artists.
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Photo Credit: Leo Liang