INTERVIEW: Lo Lo — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Lo Lo

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IT is good to catch up with Lo Lo…

and talk about her new single, Convenient - it follows on from Yours and is the next step in the story. The songwriter reveals what she wants to achieve moving forward and tells me which three albums mean the most to her – she recommends some rising artists we should investigate.

I ask how music came into her life and, given the choice, which artist she’d like to support on tour; if she gets any time to chill away from making music; what advice she would give to artists emerging – Lo Lo ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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Hi, Lo Lo. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi Sam! I am doing great, thank you. The week has been hectic, but good!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Hey guys! I’m Lo Lo and I’m a singer/songwriter from Toronto!

Convenient is your current track. What is the story behind the song?

If you’ve been following, Convenient is actually the follow-up to my first debut single, Yours. It’s also what comes next in the story. After my breakup, I had a really hard time making a connection with someone. I got in touch with an old friend who had moved away and also just gotten out of a long-term relationship.

We ended up being each other’s rebounds - we had a summer fling. But, that’s all it was: a rebound. This song underlines that fact. Afterwards, I heard he said some pretty mean things about me and I wasn’t happy. I came home after finding this out and I wrote Convenient.

How do you think it differs to a track like Yours? Do you find you are changing and evolving as a songwriter?

I definitely think I am always changing and evolving as a songwriter and an artist. It differs to Yours because it’s a little more intense. It’s darker. Yours came from a sad place but Convenient came from an angry place, so it has a slightly different vibe.

Might we see more material next year? How far ahead do you look?

Yes, sir! I’m actually hoping to release another single this year and hopefully three or four songs in the New Year as part of a package. I can’t wait.

How did music come into your life? Which artists did you follow as a child?

As a child, I watched Shirley Temple movies religiously. I think my grandfather was the first to show me them. She was definitely my inspiration for wanting to be a performer. I made my mom put me in acting classes, singing lessons and tap dancing classes. Growing up, I was your typical ‘90s kid - a few of my favourites that I followed were the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boy; NSYNC and Hilary Duff.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I hope to put out more music! It’s seriously killing me. I really want to show the world what I’m all about.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

Right now, I don't know if I have one in particular. After releasing my first single, Yours, I got so much positive feedback. So many people I knew, or didn't know, reaching out. Hearing my song playing in my favourite clothing stores. Man, it was all epic.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Taylor Swift - Fearless

I’ve said it many times, but Taylor Swift is one of the reasons that I’m never afraid to write about real people and true sh*t. Every song on this album was once my anthem. She didn’t care what anyone would think when she wrote about real things in her life and that helped me realize that…neither do I.

John Mayer - Battles Studies

This album came out right when I was first learning to play guitar, which is the first instrument I ever learned. That’s really special to me. I can confidentially say I once knew how to play every song on this album.

Gavin DeGraw - Sweeter

If you know me, you know my love for this man. This album came out right when I started writing songs of my own. This album influenced me a lot. Even though we obviously have different styles, I take a lot from him. I strive for my songs to have the authenticity and soul that these ones do. Sign me up.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I’d love to support Billie Eilish. That girl is so dope it’s insane.

Dream rider would consist of lots of red wine and lots of puppies around at all times. Also, iced Caramel Macchiatos and Pillsbury cookies.

Will there be some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

I’m still figuring out exact tour dates but I’d love to make it out to the U.K. obviously (smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep pushing, keep grinding; don’t give up. Put out music that is genuine and that you love - someone else will love it too.

IN THIS PHOTO: Sasha Sloan

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Relatively new - Sasha Sloan. Her song, Normal, is fuc*ed-up good. Another good one is LeRiche. Check out Under Covers.

IN THIS PHOTO: LeRiche

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I try to make chill time for myself. It’s funny because, a lot of times, I unwind from real life by playing guitar or writing a song about how I’m feeling. Non-music-related, I usually unwind by going on long walks with my mom or by watching T.V. My guilty pleasure is The Bachelor.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Since we were just on the topic of favourite albums, here’s one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite albums: Run Every Time by Gavin DeGraw