Vanessa Williams' singer daughter Jillian Hervey on surviving freak 'Wizard of Oz' tornado and bond with her 'incredible' mum - exclusive

Jillian: "It's an ode to people that have been on this journey since the beginning. We incorporate some of our classics along with some new stuff we're working on. The house dance space we've been in for the past couple of years is the core of the sound and the experience – it's high energy."

Lucas: "Lion Babe is the only name that we thought of that stuck. We used to call each other ‘babe’ a lot, and I think Jillian always had an affinity with lions – she had this lion’s mane – and I'm a Leo."

Jillian: "I think it was very simultaneous; we just had chemistry. I was finishing school, I was dancing and always knew I wanted to sing, but I'd never found the way. Lucas was working at Truth & Soul Records (a record label) and producing, so both ideas were at the same time."

Jillian: "I hope so, she's a very busy woman. Now being a mum, I'm so appreciative of the time and energy she always took to be present. When I think back, I'm like, 'Oh my God, she came for a recital.’ I remember she was touring in Japan and she flew home for just that day then flew back. She's an incredible woman.

"Growing up, I soaked up the most by her example. I've seen how she treats people, how loyal, hardworking and disciplined she is. She's an embodiment of excellence and I strive to do the same."

Jillian: "Yes! I graduated college and she was doing a jazz run for Billboard Live in Japan. She said, 'If you want to be a backup singer, you can do it.' She gave me the binder of all her music and said, 'Learn it. I'll see you on day one.’ She treated me like everyone else. That was a great kickstart. 

"Recently we did a song with her called Bop!; I got to direct the video."

Jillian: "It's our lively, sassy soundtrack to one our favourite times of year. We wanted to create a song that embodies ‘Fashion Week’ in full force. The outfits, the parties, the atmosphere. It’s all about confidence and owning your power.

"The supermodel era was so inspiring growing up. The way they all exuded self-assurance and adventure shifted my mind as a young girl and gave us a feeling to follow."

Jillian: "I love vintage because the garments are like pieces of time, and it’s the same with music – we've always strived to show in our aesthetics what our sound is. I was a guest on RuPaul's Drag Race, and I was forever changed by that experience. I was like, ‘This is powerful.’"

Lucas: "We're still balancing that. The last run of shows we did, [we had] grandparents watching during the weekend and we'd be back for Monday school drop-off."

Jillian: "My mum did take us a lot of places, but I was one of three, so I never felt alone. I do always think of him [Sunny] being alone, but he's obsessed with his grandparents and he loves his little routine, so I think it'll be fine."

Jillian: "It was a beautiful day and then next thing there was a tornado warning in our town, which never happens. It was very Wizard of Oz. I had just lost my grandfather (Vanessa's father, a music teacher). I really sensed him there. I felt like he saved me.

"It was an out-of-your-system moment, where you realise, ‘What am I doing with my life?’ After that, I refocused. I was so thankful to have made it through."

Lucas: "To grow and continue to make music that fulfils us. We're so proud that we're able to live and thrive off our creativity, something that allows us to have a family. We're like a mom-and-pop business – a mom-and-pop band."