Indie-Pop & R&B Artist Lily Stiven Releases New Single ‘what’s the worst I could do’
18-year-old singer-songwriter Lily Stiven, hailing from Whangaparāoa, Auckland, returns with her latest single what’s the worst I could do. 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.
Photo Credit: Alex Judd
Cover Art Credit: Leo Liang
