In Part 2 of my conversation with Manny from Australian indie pop band The Lillypillies, we dive into the creative choices that separate real artists from noise. Manny shares why he always mixes his own music—and why vocals will always come first. He talks about the ego trap in live bands, how venues often bury the lead (literally), and why he finds more creative control in the studio than onstage.

From writer’s block to merging unfinished tracks, from emotionally layered pop songs to the dancey, vulnerable hit “I’m a Loner and a Misfit,” Manny unpacks the craft behind every release. We also talk about building global reach from Australia, why he doesn't worry about local gigs anymore, and how pop music can still be deeply personal without being autobiographical.

We finish with legacy, resilience, and how Manny hopes his music continues to echo long after he’s gone. This one’s for the artists who write from the soul, mix from the gut, and dream beyond their hometown.

🎧 Follow The Lillypillies: 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLillypillies 📱 Instagram: instagram.com/thelillypillies 🎶 Available on all streaming platforms

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Manny of Australian indie pop/rock band The Lillypillies to talk about what it really means to build a music career outside of the major label system. Manny shares how the band just wrapped their third album Teleport Back—the final piece in a trilogy following Run to the Future and Songs from the Present Day. He breaks down how the band’s visual aesthetic, video strategy, and focus on DIY creativity helped them find fans around the world—without ever needing a record deal.

We chat about everything from uploading music to Australian radio via Amrap, staying inspired through travel, and the importance of finding a balance between live shows and content creation. Manny also shares his secret weapon: testing mixes in the car before releasing them, and why he treats music videos like art pieces, not throwaway content. Whether you’re an indie artist trying to do it all or a fan of international pop that doesn’t fit the mold, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

🎧 Connect with The Lillypillies: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLillypillies 🎶 https://www.instagram.com/thelillypillies/ 🌍 Tip: Add “band” or “music” when Googling “The Lillypillies” to avoid tree results

In Part 2 of my sit-down with Kalvonix, we go deep into the mind of one of Canada's most introspective and creative indie hip-hop artists. From growing up with cerebral palsy to building a dedicated fanbase, Kalvonix explains how his vivid memory and love for storytelling have shaped both his music and videos. He shares details about his upcoming synthwave-inspired pop album “Mr. Nostalgia,” where he ditches rap entirely to experiment with 80s aesthetics, catchy melodies, and full-on vocal delivery.

We discuss how every song he writes serves as a time capsule of moments, feelings, and personal milestones—from heartbreak to healing to celebrating life’s small wins. Kalvonix also opens up about writing for film, contributing a song to the indie movie Road to Thriller on Amazon Prime, and performing in front of 12,000 people at the Vancouver Olympics where he caught the attention of a Grammy-winning Eminem producer.

He gets honest about the realities of indie music financing, the balance between day jobs and studio dreams, and how social media and streaming have become his tools for independence. Whether it's building music videos with childhood friends or turning memories into anthems, Kalvonix proves that every artist can create their own lane—without waiting for industry validation.

🎧 Connect with Kalvonix: 📱 Instagram: @kalvonix 📺 YouTube: @kalvonixmusic 🎥 Movie Reviews: @biastiumoviereview 📜 Writing/Blogs: Medium - Kalvonix 🌐 Linktree: linktr.ee/kalvonix