After Lily Lane released a five-track EP inspired by her upcoming nuptials, even using the single “I Do” as an alternative to a wedding speech, she wanted her next body of work to explore what happens after happily ever after.

She was curious how her songwriting would change now that her outlook on love had shifted. As she explored those changes, Domesticated began to form.

“I found myself wondering if I’d ever feel that stomach-drop surprise that leaves you breathless, or be able to write about heartbreak again - or if I could still write love songs that felt messy, sexy and exciting,” she said. “I worried those feelings might be harder to access once you completely trust someone, live with them, and know every little thing about them.”

Although the songs on Domesticated became her way of answering those questions for herself, they can be interpreted in a number of ways. Writing these songs gave her a chance to figure out what it meant to change the way she feels about love.

“It’s not just about marriage; it’s about all the complicated, funny, frustrating and vulnerable parts of love that come with any relationship,” she said.

The creation process of Domesticated looked similar to previous albums, with Lane comparing it to an extra long therapy session (with snacks!). This time around, however, she really embraced her own instincts. Instead of overthinking whether or not something fits within a certain box, she gave herself the freedom to do what felt right in the moment.

“If it feels true, it belongs,” she said. “Moving forward, I want to keep leading with that same honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. I think that’s where the magic (and the best music) really happens.”

Lane has already released multiple singles off the EP, including the title track, but there is one song in particular she is most excited about sharing. “Amnesia” strays from the theme a bit to discuss people, places or memories one wishes they could forget. Lane said that it is raw and relatable in a way that is applicable to all walks of life.

Not only did she push herself outside her comfort zone while recording the EP, but she also did during the filming of the music videos. “Cry Baby” put her acting skills to the test by crying on camera alongside “real LA actors” that have experience doing so. It was a new level of vulnerability for her, but one that she is happy she challenged herself with.

There is a message behind Domesticated, and it contradicts a recent Vogue article claiming that having a boyfriend is embarrassing. Lane disagrees with the sentiment, saying that relationships, marriage and love are not scary. If embarrassment is the issue, there is something deeper to come to terms with.