UCLA's Lily Sturges Ignites Dance Floors & Champions Women in Music Production with New Single

Los Angeles, CA – A fresh voice is emerging from UCLA's vibrant music scene, poised not only to captivate listeners with infectious beats but also to challenge the status quo within the industry. First-year music industry student Lily Sturges has officially released her debut single, “Want You Back,” a track that seamlessly blends electronic dance music (EDM) sensibilities with pop-infused vocal hooks. More than just a catchy tune, Sturges is leveraging her growing platform to advocate for a more inclusive music landscape, specifically championing the increased involvement and recognition of women in music production, a field historically dominated by men. Her journey from high school rock bands to electronic music DJing culminates in this release, signaling a promising trajectory for both her artistic career and her mission to foster a supportive community for female artists, as detailed by the Daily Bruin.

From Waldorf Schools to SoCal Beat Battle Victories

Lily Sturges's distinct musical path began early, nurtured by a Waldorf education that immersed her in the arts. Her initial foray into music involved learning the guitar, which quickly sparked a passion for rock music and led her to form a band during her freshman year of high school. This early exposure to collaborative creation laid the groundwork for her current approach. While she briefly explored R&B in her solo efforts, a pivotal shift occurred during her senior year when she began DJing. This experience, focused on creating music for people to dance to, directly influenced her migration towards the electronic dance music she now writes, produces, and performs. Her commitment to her craft was evident when her instrumental version of "Want You Back" was recognized in the 2024 SoCal Beat Battle, a testament to her innate talent and evolving skills. Despite this early acclaim, the single officially saw release only recently, after Sturges signed with the student-run label Cherry Pop Records last summer. This signing prompted her to refine the instrumentals and record vocals, culminating in the February 2026 release of her first single since enrolling at UCLA, a significant milestone in her burgeoning career as reported by the Daily Bruin.

Igniting a Vision: "Want You Back" and Collaborative Spirit

The release of "Want You Back" is more than just a song; it's a statement of artistic intent and a reflection of Sturges’s rapidly developing identity as a musician. This track marks her first venture into using Ableton, a popular digital audio workstation, showcasing her dedication to exploring new production techniques and blending genres. Her musical inspirations, including artists like Bladee, Charli XCX, and 2hollis, hint at the diverse and experimental soundscapes she aims to create. Julia Freed, a fellow first-year music industry student who plans to manage Sturges's career, highlights Sturges's remarkable confidence and drive as key factors in her potential. Freed notes that Sturges's current music, born from a genuine love for the genres she explores, radiates an excitement and energy that resonates deeply with listeners. "I feel really connected to what she makes, and I really understand it," Freed told the Daily Bruin, expressing anticipation for how the single will introduce new audiences to the world of house and EDM.

Beyond her solo ambition, Sturges actively cultivates a collaborative and supportive environment among her peers. Leilene Hernandez, another first-year music industry student who appeared in the "Want You Back" music video, credits Sturges with being a refreshing force in an often competitive industry. Hernandez was inspired by Sturges to release her own single on SoundCloud, a step she admits she wouldn't have taken without that encouragement. "She doesn't see it as competition. We're never competing against each other," Hernandez elucidated in the Daily Bruin. "She's like, 'How can I help you? How can you help me? How can we help each other to both get to a place where we want to go?'" This ethos of mutual support is central to Sturges's vision for the future of music, one where collaboration, particularly among women, leads to collective growth and success.

Analysis: The Broader Movement for Inclusivity in Music

Lily Sturges's emergence as an artist who actively champions women in music production is particularly significant within the current industry landscape. While conversations around diversity and representation have gained traction, the technical and behind-the-scenes roles, such as production, engineering, and mixing, remain heavily male-dominated. Organizations like Women in Music and SoundGirls have been working for years to address this imbalance, providing mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities for aspiring female professionals. Sturges's direct engagement with this issue, not just through rhetoric but through active support of her female peers, provides a grassroots example of how change can be enacted from the ground up, particularly within academic and emerging professional spheres. Her efforts at UCLA, fostering a community where "future executives and artists" collaborate and uplift one another, are critical. This micro-level impact can contribute to a broader shift in industry demographics. As artists like Sturges gain prominence, their advocacy serves as a powerful reminder to major labels and production houses that a wealth of talent exists outside traditional networks, and that ignoring or underrepresenting these voices is a missed opportunity for innovation and diverse sonic palettes. The focus on empowering producers is particularly acute, given that producers often shape the ultimate sound and direction of a track, thus wielding immense creative and commercial influence.

The narratives of artists exploring and evolving their sound, as seen with Sturges moving from rock to R&B to EDM, are common within the music industry. The Paul Eisenstein analysis of Justin Bieber's new album, for instance, highlights how "from his early days of pop anthems to the more mature and introspective sounds of his recent work, the Biebs has come a long way," seamlessly integrating R&B, electronic, and even gospel influences. Similarly, Melbourne-based Romanie, as highlighted by Rolling Stone Australia, released her second album, ‘It’s Not That Funny,’ after moving from Belgium and developing a distinctive voice in the alt/indie space. These examples underscore the dynamic nature of artistic development and the importance of allowing musicians to explore and redefine their sound. Sturges's journey is intrinsically linked to this larger trend of artistic evolution and genre blending, but her added commitment to social change within her creative sphere positions her as a particularly compelling figure for the coming years.

Academic & Professional Foundations for a Dynamic Career

Sturges's enrollment in UCLA's music industry program is clearly providing her with invaluable insights and opportunities. She credits her classes and a current internship, secured through a guest speaker in one of those courses, with solidifying her understanding that a career in music is a tangible and desirable path. The collaborative spirit she found among her peers extends beyond creative projects; she feels grateful that her fellow students are eager to spend time in the studio, recognizing them as "the future executives and artists of the music industry," according to the Daily Bruin. This convergence of academic learning, practical experience through internships, and a strong peer network establishes a robust foundation for her aspirations. It demonstrates the critical role that educational institutions play in nurturing not just artistic talent, but also equipping emerging artists with the business acumen and professional connections necessary to navigate a complex industry. The internship, in particular, offers hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, a crucial step for any aspiring music professional.

Her strategic vision extends beyond immediate releases. While the "Want You Back" music video premiered on February 18th, and her debut album is slated for a May release, Sturges is already setting her sights on ambitious long-term goals. Headlining iconic venues like The Roxy, performing at major festivals such as Coachella, and collaborating with global superstars like Lady Gaga are among her biggest dreams, as shared in the Daily Bruin. These aspirations reflect a clear understanding of the scale and impact she aims to achieve. Crucially, these personal artistic ambitions are intertwined with her broader mission: "showing women in music they can be producers too." This dual focus on personal success and systemic change underscores her commitment to making a lasting impact. She acknowledges the music industry's male dominance but firmly believes that "women have proven to be great producers when given the opportunity," and she is determined to be a driving force in making those opportunities more widespread.

Looking Ahead: A Vision of Evolution and Empowerment

As Lily Sturges continues her journey, the coming months will be critical in solidifying her position in the music scene and amplifying her message. With her debut album scheduled for release in May, listeners will gain a more comprehensive understanding of her evolving sound and artistic vision. Beyond the music, her continued advocacy for women in music production will be a key aspect to watch. Her proactive approach to mentorship and collaboration within her UCLA community sets a powerful precedent, and as her profile grows, so too will her platform to influence broader industry discussions. The challenge for Sturges, and for the wider movement she represents, will be to translate these nascent efforts into tangible, systemic changes that create a more equitable and diverse music industry. Her confidence in her vision, articulated as "I finally have a vision of who I think I want to be and what I want my artist brand to be," suggests a clear and resolute path forward. Observers will be keen to see how she navigates the complexities of the industry while staying true to her dual mission of creating impactful music and empowering fellow female artists.