Interview by Anano Shalamberidze

With a wide range of influences, Lola Lennox is a British singer and songwriter. Starting her artistic journey at a young age, Lola’s music candidly reflects her personal experiences. Lola Lennox’s EP Dreamer is out now.

Firstly, let’s go back to the beginning. Where and when did it all start?

I was drawn to music from a very young age, I was about 8 years old when I started to sing, I loved the process of bringing a song to life through pulling out the feeling behind the words. As a teenager I started to write my own songs, I was a bit shy about it, so I would go to a piano when no one could hear me and write songs that were probably quite melancholic. Looking back, I wasn’t particularly good in the beginning, it took practice and the desire to make music every day before I started to grow and get better at it. 

Who were your early musical influences?

When I was younger, I was drawn to big soulful voices like Marvin Gaye, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. As a writer and lyricist, I was influenced by Kate Bush, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, I loved how they create little worlds with their music, it was so distinctive and boundary pushing.  

How would you define your sound to those who have possibly never heard your music?

When I write music, I try to create something that feels like a true expression of me, the experiences, and lessons I’ve had. I believe that everything around us can be a source of inspiration and that we can find meaning in the seemingly small things around us, even the struggles we go through can be made into something beautiful when put it to song. So, I try to create music that feels true to me, a little soulful and old school, a little gritty and colourful. I just want to make songs that make people feel a certain way.  

What has been your favorite project to work on so far, if you can point out one (or a few) of them and why?

Making the songs for this EP has been really special, I loved going to work in the studio and watching the songs come together, there was a lot of love and hard work put into each song and I’m so happy to see ready to be shared. Another very special project was singing ‘Love Is a Losing Game’ with the BBC Orchestra for the 10th Anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s passing, her music has been a huge inspiration for me, and it was an honor to sing this song for the BBC.  

Photography by Bart Kuykens

Who has been your favorite collaborator?

I loved working alongside Will Gregory of Goldfrapp on the TV series Serengeti. He is a musical mastermind, and it was a privilege to work with him in his studio, surrounded by his many, many synths. 

Can you tell us more about your upcoming ventures? What can we expect from Lola Lennox in 2023?

I’m looking forward to my debut EP ‘Dreamer’ to come out on April 7th. I also plan to perform for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, Roger Daultry of The Who is leading the event, and invited me to sing a couple of songs, I’m very excited.  

What is your relationship with clothes and personal style? Do you think fashion is a tool that helps you express yourself as well as your music?

I love fashion and wearing clothes that make me feel good. Day to day I’m inspired by the French style, clean classic and timeless, but I also like to throw in a little 90s or 70s. When I’m dressing for a music video or performance, a strong outfit can give me that extra bit of confidence, and it helps me connect to the energy of the performance that bit more.  

What would be your advice to young creatives starting out in the industry?

Everything you do should always come from a place of passion, keep your eyes and ears open to inspiration that comes from the world, the people, and the places around you. There are pressures that come with trying to make a career out of the thing that you love to do, but it is all worth it when you cherish each step of the way, when you come from a place of purpose, you will only grow stronger.