Two Voices, One Vision: Sly Grave’s Vanna and Lila on Music, Mental Health, Sisterhood, and the Power of Finding Your Voice

In the world of rock and metal, where passion, individuality, and raw emotion come together, Sly Grave is carving out its own identity through the powerful musical partnership of two talented frontwomen, Vanna and Lila. United by friendship, creativity, and a shared vision, they are proving that music is not about competition but about connection, authenticity, and supporting one another.

With their emotionally driven songwriting, evolving musical direction, and powerful vocal chemistry, Sly Grave continues to explore deeply personal themes through their music. Their song “In My Head” reflects that emotional depth, exploring the complexities of longing, attachment, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality.

For this exclusive Q&A interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanna and reconnecting with Lila, whom I previously interviewed earlier this year. Together, we explore their musical journeys, personal struggles, creative partnership, mental health, songwriting experiences, and aspirations for the future.

Without further ado, let's dive into this exclusive Q&A interview with Vanna and Lila of Sly Grave.

Amit Ahuja: Vanna, I'd love to begin by taking readers back to the earliest chapters of your life. Can you paint a vivid picture of the place where you grew up? What was your hometown like, and how would you describe the people, culture, and overall atmosphere that surrounded you during your childhood and teenage years? Looking back now, how do you feel those early experiences, family relationships, friendships, and personal challenges helped shape the woman and artist you've become today?

Vanna: I grew up in a very small town in Georgia called Ellijay. Ellijay is known for its annual Apple Festival. We have people from all over the country visiting our town’s local apple houses and vineyards. There are tons of hiking trails, mountain overlooks, waterfalls and amazing food. It’s the kind of town where everybody knows everybody.

Growing up, my life was shaped by poverty and instability. I was raised by a single mother. My dad had left me and my twin brother at a very young age. We were constantly moving around a lot, which meant I was having to change schools and having to start over socially. Every time I would make friends, I would end up somewhere new, so it was difficult to feel like I had a permanent place where I belonged. I think that helped contribute a lot to my music and it helped me create a place where I felt understood and the freedom to express myself.

Amit Ahuja: Can you take us back to the moment when music first became something truly meaningful in your life? Was there a particular experience, artist, album, or performance that sparked your desire to become a vocalist? What was it about singing and expressing yourself through music that made you feel such a strong personal connection, and when did you realize that this was something you wanted to pursue beyond simply being a passion or hobby?

Vanna: Music has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve always done competitions, and chorus in school. About four years ago, I lost myself to postpartum depression. I had given up music entirely. I never thought I would have a future in it. Eventually I attended my very first open mic out of curiosity, that’s when I met my guitarist, CC Loud. I remember watching him play his heart out on a solo with his leg propped up on his speaker, his entire performance really inspired me. I felt like that was exactly what I needed to be doing with my life. So I started singing again and the love I had for music eventually came back. I knew music was never going to be just a hobby for me. When you have so much love for something and you are very passionate about it, it should be a lifelong goal of yours.

Amit Ahuja: When you reflect on your musical journey, which vocalists, bands, or albums have had the greatest impact on your artistic development? Were there particular singers whose vocal techniques, emotional delivery, or stage presence inspired you to explore your own capabilities? As you began experimenting with different vocal styles, how did you develop a sound that felt authentic to your personality? Since becoming part of 𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢, how has your voice continued to evolve?

Vanna: My musical influences are kind of all over the place, honestly, and I think that really has shaped me into the artist I am today.

I was raised in a huge music environment. We had music always playing throughout the house. All of my family sing and play some kind of instrument. We always joked and said we would start a family band. I grew up listening to blues and soul. Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin were always on repeat. I remember listening to “A Change Is Gonna Come” and trying to mimic the tone of the song. I think that has a huge influence on the soulful elements you can hear in my music today.

When I became a teenager I started idolizing Joan Jett and Stevie Nicks. I actually entered my first singing competition with “I Love Rock N Roll.” I would study both of their stage performances and rehearse it everyday so I could be just like them.

Today, I’d say the artist that has impacted the way I perform and write today would be Joan and Stevie, but also Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox. The way she transitions her clean vocals to the gut wrenching screams is incredible. Also the way she commands an audience, it is truly inspiring.

Amit Ahuja: I'd love to hear the story of how you became involved with 𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢. How did you first connect with Lila and the other members, and what were your initial impressions of the band's musical direction and creative vision? Was there a particular conversation, rehearsal, or musical moment when you realized this was a project you wanted to become part of? How has joining the band influenced your personal growth and confidence as a vocalist?

Vanna: It’s actually a funny story, CC and I were in a band together at the time called SLY. He found Lila on facebook asking for an opener for her former band's show at Blackstrap Rock Hall. I saw that they were playing at Smith’s Olde Bar and decided to make the drive to show support for our new friends. I ran into Lila while she was coming out of the bathroom, we hugged and immediately connected. We talked like we had been friends for years. As the months progressed we started texting and facetiming everyday. We would help each other with band advice and to vent. A few months passed and we both had decided to disband our former bands. We were both feeling defeated and trying to help each other cope with the loss. We were on a call one day and I made a joke about combining what members we had left since we all had great chemistry already. Lila immediately said yes and we called up our members to surprise them. We were all so happy our musical journey’s did not have to end. We came up with the name using both of our former band names, now the rest is history. It’s very rare that you find bandmates with the same goals, music taste and we all are very like minded. I have honestly never met such talented, and hardworking individuals.

Amit Ahuja: Vanna, can you take us back to the very first time you performed in front of an audience? What do you remember about that experience—the nervousness, excitement, atmosphere, and emotions you felt before stepping onto the stage? Were you naturally comfortable performing, or did you have to overcome stage fright and uncertainty? Looking at yourself as a performer today, how has your relationship with the stage evolved?

Vanna: I remember my first performance very vividly. This was my first performance with an actual band. I was nervous the entire day because I was catching so much heat at practice about being shy and being very stiff while singing. They were worried I would not pull it off, and honestly I was too. I remember as soon as I hit that stage, it’s like something snapped inside of me and I knew what I needed to do, and I did it with every ounce of confidence I had. I was exactly where I needed to be and I enjoyed every second of it. Compared to today, I will say the confidence I thought I had then, has grown tremendously today. I have more motivation to perform now than ever. You really learn a lot opening up for these bigger bands. It’s a huge learning experience.

Amit Ahuja: Every artist experiences moments of uncertainty, especially when developing their confidence and finding their place within the music industry. Have you ever struggled with insecurities about your voice, stage presence, or abilities as a musician? Were there moments when you questioned whether you were good enough or felt pressure to meet other people's expectations? How did you learn to navigate those feelings, and what advice would you give aspiring vocalists facing similar challenges?

Vanna: I definitely had a lot of insecurities starting out. Like I said before, I grew up in a musically inclined family. My mom was the definition of a powerhouse vocalist. I knew as soon as I started my music journey that I would be compared to her. I would constantly practice in my mirror everyday after school, trying to hit the same notes that she could. I wanted to prove myself constantly that I could be the powerhouse everyone wanted me to be. Today, I realize how truly draining that was. To not be able to find your own voice because you were constantly being compared to your parent. I hated the feeling that everything was competitive. I eventually grew from that and turned into a powerhouse on my own terms. Not because I had something to prove, but because I wanted to be a better vocalist to write better music.

My advice, stop comparing yourself to other singers and stop feeling like you have to compete. For a long time I was just like that. It made it so difficult to see my own self worth and what I could bring to the table. It’s so easy to get caught up with thinking you need a stronger voice, a certain look, or a certain body. You don’t need any of that. You just need to believe in yourself. I also want plus size women to know that we belong on stage just as much as anybody else. You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit everyone else’s idea of what a front woman should look like.

You don’t have to sound like someone else to be worth listening to, and you don’t have to look like someone else to be worth looking at. There’s room for all of us.

Amit Ahuja: Outside of your musical identity, I'd love for readers to get to know Vanna as a person. What are some of the passions, interests, or hobbies that bring you happiness when you're not recording, rehearsing, or performing? Are there particular films, books, visual artists, or other forms of storytelling that resonate with you on a deeper emotional level? How do these interests influence your creativity, imagination, or approach to life?

Vanna: Outside of music, I enjoy video games and painting. I love expressing myself through fashion, and makeup. I am also a mom, so a huge part of my life exists outside of the stage.

When it comes to storytelling, I have always been drawn to darker themes. I am drawn to the outcasts. I love to see someone who fights battles the rest of the world doesn’t see. It helps to create a story people can actually relate to. That is the kind of story that helps with my lyrics today. I didn't want to write another love song, I wanted to write something that could help change a life. I want someone to hear our songs and know they're not alone. All of our songs are about our real life experiences. Hoping to atleast get through to one person.

Amit Ahuja: When people see you performing or discover your music for the first time, do you think they sometimes make assumptions about your personality based on your stage presence or the intensity of the music? What is something about the real Vanna that might genuinely surprise people? Is there a side of your personality that doesn't always come through in your public artistic identity but is an important part of who you are?

Vanna: Our first ever hate comment was a man calling us “Fat and demonic,” I couldn’t really understand why we were considered demonic. The fat part is the typical hate comments anyone would get. We joked about it for months and considered turning it into merch ideas. People always make assumptions about who you are based on how you look, your stage presence, or the music you create without taking the time to get to know the people behind it. Behind the scenes I am Co-Managing our band, I run all of our merch, I handmake every single shirt. I’m also a full time mother, while running my own business. I carry a huge amount of responsibilities, but music is a huge part of my life so I try to create a balance between home life and band life. It’s a huge struggle most days. At the end of the day I am just a woman chasing my dreams and trying to be the best mother and person that I can be.

Amit Ahuja: Looking back on your journey, what has been the most valuable lesson music has taught you about yourself? Has pursuing this passion changed how you approach relationships, personal challenges, or your own sense of self-worth? Was there a particular experience that fundamentally changed your perspective on what it means to be an artist?

Vanna: Music has opened up a whole new world to me. I realize I missed out on a lot of great things because I was letting my insecurities hold me back. I think the biggest lesson I have learned is that it’s never too late to find yourself again. Music has helped push me out of my comfort zone, and has helped me grow into who I am today. It has really brought me out of my own shell.

Amit Ahuja: As you continue growing as a vocalist and artist, what are some of the personal goals you hope to achieve in the coming years? Are there particular vocal techniques, musical styles, or creative directions you're eager to explore? If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any vocalist or perform alongside an artist who has inspired you, who would you choose and why? What would achieving that dream mean to you personally?

Vanna: I would love to continue growing as a vocalist and songwriter. I would love to tour the US with Sly Grave. Opening for some bigger acts would be an incredible experience, and I would love the opportunity to reach more people through our music.

As far as vocal techniques and musical styles go, I’m always looking for ways to push myself and step outside of my comfort zone. We are working towards a more metalcore direction, so Lila and I both have been improving a lot on fry screams and learning better techniques to protect our vocals. We are continuously experimenting with new ideas, and I think the sound we currently have is very unique for sure.

If I could collaborate with any artist, I would say Courtney Laplante/Spiritbox or Not Enough Space. I think our musical capabilities would pair up very well together. They are the current two bands I have been inspired by. I would love to learn new techniques from them and how they overcame a lot of hardships being in a band. Achieving that would honestly mean the world to me. They are both so powerful and they dominate the metal music scene right now. It would be an amazing learning experience and it would push myself as an artist.

Amit Ahuja: Thank you, Vanna, for sharing your personal journey, experiences, and insights into your musical career. It’s been wonderful getting to know you better and learning about the passion behind your music. Now, I’d like to turn our attention to Lila and ask her a few questions about her personal growth, artistic journey, and experiences since our last interview earlier this year.

Amit Ahuja: Lila, since our last interview back in March, how would you say you've grown both personally and artistically? Have there been any significant experiences, unexpected challenges, or moments of realization that have changed your perspective on music or your future as a vocalist? When you look back at the person you were during our previous conversation, what do you think has changed the most?

Lila: Lots of changes have occurred since we last interviewed earlier this year. I think the biggest change since March has been learning to trust myself more, both personally and artistically. I’ve faced some unexpected challenges that forced me to reevaluate my priorities, my boundaries, and what I really want out of music. Artistically, I’ve become more confident in my own vision and less concerned with fitting into a certain mold. I still have the same ambition and passion, but I have a clearer understanding of who I am as an artist and what I’m willing to fight for. I think I’ve learned that growth isn’t always about moving forward; sometimes it’s about letting go of what no longer serves you and coming back stronger and accepting your personal evolution.

Amit Ahuja: Lila, artists often discover that their definition of success changes as they gain more experience. When you first began pursuing music, what did success look like to you, and how does that compare with what it means today? Have you reached a point where personal fulfillment, artistic honesty, or the connection you create with listeners matters more than traditional measures of recognition?

Lila: When I first began pursuing music 10 years ago, success was getting a paycheck to make my way through college. It wasn’t a fully fleshed-out business pursuit as much as it was a job at the time, and success meant consistently having gigs to make money. Now, as an adult with more stability and grounding, success is making music a full-time career where I never have to truly work a day in my life. Succeeding is being able to take my bandmates (aka my best friends) on journeys to new places doing what we all love, and inspiring other young artists and women in music that their journey is worth pursuing.

Amit Ahuja: When you receive messages from listeners who tell you that your music helped them through a difficult period or made them feel understood, how does that affect you personally? Has a particular interaction with a fan stayed with you long after the conversation ended? Do those experiences ever influence the emotional responsibility you feel when writing or performing music?

Lila: When a listener tells me that my music moved them in anyway, I am always filled with such joy. I know how much music can mean to people and how it saved me during my teenage years. Finding out that a piece of work that I am a part of has moved, saved, or affected them personally is always such a fulfilling experience because it means that I am moving in the right direction.

Amit Ahuja: For readers who may have little or no knowledge of how a band operates, particularly one featuring both a lead vocalist and a co-lead vocalist, I'd love for both of you to explain your individual responsibilities within 𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢 in greater detail. What exactly does each role involve, both onstage and in the studio? How do you divide vocal responsibilities, and how do your individual strengths complement one another? When deciding who performs particular verses, choruses, harmonies, or emotionally significant sections, is there an established process, or do those decisions develop naturally through collaboration?

Vanna: I think a lot of people get confused with what a co-front band really is. We see ourselves as equals. We’re not one lead vocalist with a supporting vocalist. We are two frontwomen with our own personalities, abilities, and styles. We each bring something different to the table and that’s how this works.

Something we’ve noticed in music is that people tend to prioritize one vocalist over the other, but we’ve never wanted that for Sly Grave. Neither of us want to outshine each other or compete for the spotlight. We are here to create something together. Our different vocal styles compliment each other. We both have equal respect, and equal ownership. We are creating a space where we both belong.

Lila: I think this question serves as a great opportunity to educate on how a co-fronted band operates. Vanna & I are both lead vocalists, we do not separate into a hierarchy as we both have a high amount of respect for each other’s talents and abilities. Personally, I handle much of the behind-the-scenes operations of the band. This includes social media, content, production & distribution, and logistics/planning. We both participate in songwriting; sometimes she will have lyrics or a melody prepared, other times it’s me, but we always share ideas and find a way to integrate them into a new song. When it comes to dividing performances and vocal responsibilities, we often determine who will perform which parts based on their strengths or the overall vibe of the song. Our voices, strengths & skillsets compliment each other very well both on and off-stage.

Amit Ahuja: Can you take us back to the first time you performed or rehearsed together? What were your initial impressions of each other's voices, and was there an immediate feeling that your vocal styles could create something special? Looking back at that experience today, how has your musical chemistry evolved, and what have you discovered about one another as you've continued working together?

Vanna: Our first rehearsal was in Lila’s garage. CC and I drove three hours to be there that day. I remember how excited we all were. It really brought the spark back in our lives that we kind of lost for a bit. None of us had performed in a while so we were all pretty rusty. I had never done a co- front band so I was very nervous with the vocal harmonies. Lila immediately knew what to do and guided me through the entire process. It has always been this way since day one. If I couldn't figure it out, she could. Vice versa. And if we both didn't know, we would be watching eight million youtube videos on how to do it. As a band, we instantly connected through that entire practice. We were all nervous, it was something new for all of us. But it quickly felt like home. Looking back today, we have grown so much in such a quick amount of time. We are all overachievers. We kept putting in the work and we have truly flourished today. The current music we are writing now is unlike anything I have ever heard.

Lila: Before our first rehearsal, Vanna and I had talked about doing a collaboration because of how our vocals complimented each other. When we first rehearsed, it was a unanimous feeling of chills down the spine when we started harmonizing. My immediate impression of Vanna’s voice is that she was a powerhouse. She has a deep strength in her voice that captivates the room and takes our music to the next level. The first time I saw her perform with her prior band I immediately recognized her talent and knew that we could do incredible things together.

Amit Ahuja: I'd love to explore how the songwriting process works between the two of you. When developing a new song for 𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢, where does the creative process usually begin—with a personal experience, a lyrical idea, a melody, or something entirely different? How do you divide responsibilities when it comes to writing lyrics, developing vocal melodies, and shaping the emotional direction of a song? When you bring different ideas or perspectives into the creative process, how do you work together to transform them into something that feels authentic to both of you and represents the band's overall identity?

Vanna: The song writing process is the best part for me. This is where Lila and I really complement each other. Usually, one of us is going through a situation where the only way we can cope is through writing a song. Lila is very musically inclined, she can play guitar and play keyboard. Sometimes she will already have an entire song mapped out and then we both write the lyrics and melody together. Other times, I will tell her how I want a song to sound and describe the mood and melody to her and we bring it to our bandmates, and we jam it out. It's a very fun process. Usually, we divide the melodies on whose vocals would set the mood for the song.

Lila: The creative process usually begins with one of us calling the other with a song idea. We will build out a simple song structure that we can then pass off to the band members to make the real magic happen. We genuinely feel out the vibe of each song to determine where our vocals will best fit, where harmonies will stand out & if and where there should be any screams.

Amit Ahuja: I'd love to take a deeper look into your new song, “In My Head,” and explore the emotional significance behind its creation. For both of you, Lila and Vanna, what does this particular song represent on an individual and deeply personal level? Were there specific experiences, relationships, emotional struggles, or chapters of your lives that inspired its creation? How did your individual perspectives influence the songwriting process, and what was the overall message you wanted to communicate through the song? When listeners hear “In My Head,” what do you ultimately hope they take away from its lyrics and emotional atmosphere?

Vanna: The song “In My Head,” is about how you create this fantasy in your head, because the reality of that person may not be what you expected. Lila came to me with the song idea and everything just fell into place. The overall message we want to send is that we know it’s hard to give up on people sometimes, so we go back to this place in our head where they are the same person again, but in reality they changed. So you're still clinging onto a past version that does not exist anymore, hoping they will change.

Lila: For me, “In My Head” was inspired by an obsession with a fictional character and the struggle of knowing someone you feel so connected to isn't actually real. It sounds a little unconventional, but I became so attached to this character that separating the fantasy from reality was genuinely difficult, and I wanted to explore that disconnect through music. I think we both bring different perspectives into the song, but for me, it was about how deeply you can become attached to something that only exists in your mind. Ultimately, I hope listeners take away that emotional connections can be incredibly powerful, even when they don't make sense to anyone else. Sometimes, the hardest thing to let go of is something that never really existed outside of your own head.

Amit Ahuja: Beyond the technical aspects of singing and songwriting, what have you learned from one another as people? Are there particular qualities, perspectives, or personal strengths that you admire in each other? Has working so closely together changed the way you approach challenges, communicate your emotions, or understand the importance of trust and collaboration? Is there something you appreciate about one another that you haven't necessarily had the opportunity to express openly?

Vanna: Lila has really helped me grow as an artist honestly. We are constantly challenging ourselves and bringing new ideas to the band. Being in Sly Grave has really taught us how to work as a team. I had never written a song with another person, so it was very challenging at first. We put in so much time and work, the songs just flow out of us now.

Lila: As bandmates and best friends, I have learned so much from Vanna. On a personal level, I have learned that being myself isn’t a bad thing, it only was when I was surrounded by the wrong people who wanted me to dilute myself. She has encouraged me to be myself and know my self-worth, and her empathy and compassion have made me feel empowered. I admire her strength, creativity, organization, and her way of leading others. She is never afraid to confront issues head-on, and she knows how to approach others in a way that makes them feel heard despite any personal or professional challenges. We have full trust in one another, and it has been phenomenal to have my best friend as my business partner for making decisions regarding the band, but to also have candid and open conversations. She always makes me feel heard, valued, and important in every decision or discussion.

Amit Ahuja: Of the songs you've worked on together, which has been the most challenging to complete, whether emotionally, vocally, or creatively? What made that particular track difficult, and were there moments when you questioned whether you could capture the emotions or musical ideas you originally envisioned? How did you overcome those obstacles, and what did the experience teach you about yourselves as artists?

Vanna: We have a new song we are currently working on. This song has been a whole process for two years now. It’s like nothing either of us have done before. It has been very challenging but we are so determined to make it work. Without giving too much away, we both are trying to figure out techniques to make both of our vocals shine on this song.

Lila: Of the songs we have worked on together, I would say that our upcoming single “Basic Bitch” has been the most challenging. This song was originally created by Vanna & CC, and we have made tweaks and adjustments to the song to fit both vocalists into the picture. Since the song is very heavy and fast paced, we had to pave a way to make sure that both vocalists are highlighted throughout.

Amit Ahuja: When it came time to record “In My Head,” how did each of you approach bringing the song's emotions to life through your vocal performances? Were there particular sections that challenged you technically or emotionally, and did you experiment with different vocal arrangements or delivery styles before finding the right approach? Looking back on the finished recording, what are you each most proud of, and was there a moment when you realized the song had become exactly what you envisioned—or perhaps something even more meaningful?

Vanna: We both wrote separate verses on this one. She wrote her story and I wrote mine. We were both going through pretty similar situations and the song really helped us get through it. The harmonies really came into place naturally. I really am proud of the outcome of this song. I think we both shine vocally on this one, it shows the raw emotions we were feeling at the time.

Lila: When it came to “In My Head”, I brought the initial idea of the song to Vanna. I had written a verse and had an idea of how I wanted the chorus to sound, but I handed it over and gave her full freedom to add her vocal parts as she wanted. With this song, I don’t think we had many challenges emotionally because we both related to the topic of ‘limerence’ a lot. I am most proud of how we created the full environment of the song with both the vocals and music; it is an atmosphere of yearning and embodies the emotions we felt when writing the song.

Amit Ahuja: Lila and Vanna, performing live is such an important part of being a musician because it allows artists to connect with their audience in a way that recordings sometimes cannot fully capture. I'd love to hear how each of you approaches stepping onto the stage, both individually and as vocal partners. What goes through your minds in the moments before a performance, and how do you prepare yourselves mentally, emotionally, and vocally to give the audience your best? When you're performing together, how do you build that natural chemistry and energy between one another, and how does the audience's reaction influence your performance? Have you experienced a particular concert or onstage moment that left a lasting emotional impact on you? Finally, when fans leave a 𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢 show, what do you both hope they remember most about the experience?

Vanna: We both rely on each other for comfort before hitting the stage. As soon as we stand next to each other every single fear or worry disappears. We have each other and I don’t feel nervous or scared anymore. We stand on that stage together and try to have as much fun as possible. We love to just be ourselves on stage, the chemistry is already there to begin with so we just try to have fun.

The last concert we had that had a huge emotional impact on me, would be when we opened for plush. We were all so nervous and emotional that day. We all came together that night and it felt like a family. We all had each other’s backs and we performed with our heads held high. One of our favorite shows we have done so far.

When fans leave we hope they remember what it was like to be able to be themselves just for one night. All of the worries in the world should disappear at that moment. We want you to feel your best, no egos, no judgment, we love to connect with our fans. We want to feel like one big family. So when you come to our shows, you feel like you’re home.

Lila: When going on stage together, I personally feel a sense of comfort and excitement because I know that I am up there with my best friend. While I would say in the past I needed much more mental and emotional preparation, now I don’t have half of the nerves I used to. We often spend a lot of time chatting or joking around with our bandmates before going up, and then building our performance off of the chemistry we all share. When the audience is engaged, it definitely supports our energy level on stage and there will be more banter, jumping, screaming, the whole nine yards. On stage together, we have definitely had incredible moments together. The most emotionally profound would have to be when we opened for Plush, because the audience was incredible and I am personally a HUGE fan of Plush so I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy. When fans leave our show, I hope they feel connected to us and our music. I want fans to feel the love and passion we have for our music, but our immense gratitude for them to make it all possible.

Amit Ahuja: Lila and Vanna, mental health is an incredibly important subject, particularly within the music industry, where artists often face emotional pressures, personal insecurities, creative expectations, and the challenges of balancing their public identities with their private lives. I'd love to hear both of your perspectives on how mental health has influenced your individual journeys, both as people and as musicians. If you're comfortable sharing, have there been periods in your lives when music became a source of comfort, healing, or emotional release during particularly difficult times? When you're struggling with stress, anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelming emotions, how do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being? Do you feel that writing, recording, or performing music allows you to express feelings that might otherwise be difficult to put into words? Finally, for fans who may be facing their own mental health challenges and finding comfort in your music, what message of encouragement, understanding, or hope would you want to share with them?

Vanna: Mental health has played a huge role in my musical journey. I have always battled with my own mental health. I spent a huge part of my life putting everyone else before myself and I lost who I was. Coming back to music really helped me reconnect with a part of myself that I thought I had lost. Music became an outlet for me to express my emotions, which I have always struggled with expressing. Not being able to tell someone how you feel and why you feel that way is overwhelming at times. I found the best way to get those emotions out is by writing a song or just listening. It has shown me that it’s okay to make yourself a priority too. I’m still growing and learning about myself. But I think music has helped me figure out who I'd like to become.I want people to hear our music and feel understood, especially those who may be struggling themselves. If our music can make someone feel less alone, then that means something to me.

I’d tell them that they’re not alone, even when it feels like you are. Life can be very hard sometimes, and we can get caught up in trying to be everything for everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves. It can be hard to find your way back. It’s okay to not be okay all the time. If our music can give someone a place to let out their emotions then that means everything we wrote and played, wasn't for nothing. It makes all of the hard work worth it.

Lila: Mental health is an incredibly important subject to me personally. I went to school for a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus in mental health, and hold mental health certifications as well. Aside from music, being a Therapist was my dream career. I have struggled with mental health since I was a teenager, with severe anxiety and depression. That being said, I always try to remain emotionally intelligent both with band members and myself. When I am struggling with my mental health, I tend to take time to isolate and work through whatever the underlying issue may be, and have years of therapy that helped me to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Writing music has always been an outlet for me, and continues to help me sort through difficult emotions by taking something heavy and sad and turning it into something beautiful. My message of encouragement for any readers and/or fans who may be struggling with mental health challenges - don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is not losing, giving up, or weak to ask for help, and you are deserving of happiness and love. And if you don’t know where to turn, always remember that you can call 988.

Amit Ahuja: As we begin to wrap up our conversation, I'd love to give both of you the opportunity to reflect on your individual journeys and the creative partnership you've developed. What has working together taught you about yourselves, your abilities, and the importance of collaboration? When you think about the impact you hope your music will have on listeners, what kind of message or legacy would you like 𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢 to leave behind? Finally, what would you each like to say to your fans, my readers, and anyone who is currently finding the courage to pursue their own creative dreams?

Vanna: Working with Lila has helped me grow in ways I did not expect. The idea of being a co- front was very intimidating at first. I have never really explored harmonies or that kind of dynamic before. But she has helped me become more comfortable and confident in this band. We learned how to complement each other while still keeping our own styles. What I appreciate the most is that neither of us feel the need to compete. Everyone in Sly Grave is equally as talented. I leave the stage after every performance just amazed at how talented everyone is. I could not ask for better bandmates.

We want our legacy to represent what it means to build something together. No egos, no competition. People with their own strengths, personalities, struggles, identities, can come together and create powerful music together. We want people to see that everyone can be equally powerful without having to outshine each other. We hope that Sly Grave becomes more than a band people listen to. We want you to feel connected to it.

Do it. Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to be the best at something to start. You’re going to have moments where you question yourself, where you will be scared of failing or if you’re even good enough. Do it scared anyway, Don’t wait for someone else to believe in you. Believe in yourself.

Lila: While I know my individual journey was captured in an earlier interview, I will definitely speak into the journey that Vanna & I have had together. It has been full of laughter, joy, creativity, collaboration, and a genuine love for each other and the music we are making. Working with Vanna has taught me that it is okay to ask for help and to share the workload that comes with being the leader of a band. In fact, it’s taught me that I prefer it this way, which I never thought would be possible until I met her. When you enter into this partnership with someone you really care about, you can do just about anything with both minds put together. To all fans, readers, and others who are building up the courage to pursue your creative dreams - be your authentic self, and don’t worry about any negativity. The people that will love you will find you, and anyone that doesn’t, well they don’t matter anyway. So stay true to yourself and always have fun with it!

As our conversation comes to a close, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Vanna and Lila of Sly Grave for taking the time to share their personal stories, musical journeys, and experiences with my readers. Their honesty, passion, and dedication to their craft offer a meaningful glimpse into the lives of two talented artists who continue to grow both individually and together.

What makes Sly Grave particularly special is the genuine friendship, mutual respect, and creative chemistry that unite these two powerful frontwomen. Their journey reminds us that music is not simply about performing or achieving recognition, but also about self-discovery, overcoming challenges, supporting one another, and creating something that resonates with others.

I wish Vanna, Lila, and everyone in Sly Grave continued success as they move forward with new music, exciting opportunities, and the next chapter of their musical journey. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented band.

To my readers, if you haven't discovered Sly Grave yet, I encourage you to explore their music, follow their journey, and show your support.

Stay Connected with Sly Grave:

Official Sly Grave Links: https://linktr.ee/slygrave

Lila on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lila_slygrave/

Vanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanna_slygrave/

Thank you for reading, and a special thanks once again to Vanna and Lila for being part of this exclusive Q&A interview.

Want to learn more about Lila? Be sure to check out my previous interview with her from March 22nd of this year for a deeper look into her life, musical journey, and experiences.

**Photo Credits: Photos provided by Sly Grave. All rights belong to their respective owners and photographers.**