Text and Photography by Wayne Bordoli Photography
Helena-Lily is only 11, nearly 12, but she has already spent a quarter of her life singing and performing. Her passion for music started at a young age. “I have always loved singing, and my Nanna Annette would push me around Shields in my pushchair, singing old songs like ‘Right Said Fred’. I started getting up at holiday karaoke singing Disney songs,” she recalls.
Helena-Lily isn’t afraid of a challenge and takes on some very demanding songs. “At 9, I started singing songs by The Cranberries and Sam Fender. I feel a connection and understanding with his songs,” she explains. A recent performance in a high school rock musical ignited a new passion for her. “I absolutely loved being on stage and feel that I have found another passion,” she says, noting that she particularly enjoyed being part of a group. This enthusiasm for music keeps Helena-Lily very busy. Besides performing as a soloist, she’s learning to play guitar and write her own songs. She’s also involved in a duo, a band, and a trio. Her rapid progress is evident, especially since she joined her first band in October 2023 after being spotted by Bobby Proctor, who does amazing work at his Rock School at Traxx recording and rehearsal studios, supporting young musicians up to the age of 18.
It was here that her band, The Basilisks, was formed. “We play indie, pop, and rock, including songs by my favorite artist, Sam Fender. I have never seen him play live despite having tickets twice but missing out through illness,” she shares. Helena-Lily has performed at multiple festivals and showcases. An amazing performance at Coastfest with her friends Corey and Max made them the talk of the festival. The Basilisks also won a place to play the Platform 2 stage at the Mouth of The Tyne festival. As a trio, they won many new fans with the quality, raw energy, and enthusiasm of their performance, despite being together for a little over three weeks. Attending buskers, performing at festivals, and applying lessons learned at Rock School have boosted her confidence. Offstage, Helena-Lily is quiet and shy, but she comes into her own on stage. “I love performing and feel excited and nervous at the same time. When I get up and start singing, the emotions leave me and I’m just in the moment,” she describes.
