Meet Lola Young: The Rising Singer Taking the Music Scene by Storm

The past year has been significant for women in pop music. Along with the ongoing successes of big names like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, new artists have emerged, such as Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter. Among these rising stars is Lola Young, who is quickly gaining recognition and is likely to become a prominent name in the industry.

The British singer-songwriter released her third album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway, in June and is set to perform in Australia later this month after a busy tour in the USA and the UK. The 23-year-old artist, known for her gritty voice, has been gaining traction as she garners support from high-profile fans in 2024.

Notably, Snoop Dogg shared videos of Young's performances on his Instagram and expressed his desire to sign her to his iconic Death Row Records. Other major supporters include Lily Allen, Childish Gambino, and SZA. In early November, Lola Young announced exciting collaborations, including her own song Charlie, featuring Lil Yachty, and her contribution to Tyler, the Creator’s track Like Him.

"It's surprising that many hip-hop artists appreciate my music," Young shares backstage at a sold-out show in New York. "But when listeners dive deeper, they begin to notice the influence of hip-hop in my work."

You can catch some of that influence in tracks like Walk on By, which features upbeat funk guitars and moody synths, or in the lively chords of Conceited. Young connects with a variety of well-known artists due to her impressive songwriting and her authentic presence, both on stage and off. She is relatable, funny, and refreshingly honest.

Her TikTok hit, Messy, has captured attention with its theme of embracing imperfections. Young sings, "Sure, I smoke like a chimney, I’m not skinny, and I have my ups and downs like Britney. But give me a break, who do you want me to be?"

Although she has seen moderate success in the UK over the years, Young's journey began to accelerate in 2021 when she was nominated for a Rising Star award at the Brits. Her cover of Together in Electric Dreams featured in a holiday advertisement for John Lewis, further solidifying her presence. She also ranked fourth in BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2022 forecast and has been consistently releasing quality music since 2019.

Her management includes Nick Huggett, former manager of Adele, and Nick Shymansky, who previously managed Amy Winehouse. "I knew it wouldn’t be an easy job when I first saw her perform, but I also saw her incredible talent right away," Shymansky recalls, expressing his enthusiasm for her growth. "I had stepped away from management for a while, but working with Lola has been amazing."

Young's powerful voice and candid lyrics have drawn comparisons to both Winehouse and Adele. However, her personality seemed less defined in her past albums, much like the soft focus of the cover for her earlier work, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely. The clarity of her character shifted when she embraced change in her style, notably with a new mullet haircut and more daring musical arrangements.

Partnering with producer Solomonophonic from Los Angeles has also been transformative for Young. She calls him "the best, weirdest, most challenging, yet incredible person you could ever meet". His unique approach has led to a new sound for Young, incorporating unconventional, raw funk and rock elements that amplify her powerful voice.

Young notes, "The straightforward lyrics and the unmistakable vibe of my songs, mixed with a hip-hop beat, create something different. I aimed to step away from traditional pop song structures and try things that feel a bit offbeat."

The opening bluesy notes of Wish You Were Dead are gripping, and the intense chorus showcases her confidence as a performer. Another track, Big Brown Eyes, rises with cheeky energy, starting with the memorable line, "You can eat shit" before leading to an exhilarating chorus.

Young's track Conceited critiques a self-absorbed lover, while many of her songs revolve around themes of chaotic relationships, intimacy, and her own mental health, with which she has been open for years.

Young has schizoaffective disorder, which includes symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders. She shares her experience with symptoms like mania and psychosis, which she describes as extremely challenging. However, she considers her condition a form of strength. "During manic phases, I can write songs in just minutes," she explains, noting that her latest album was mostly crafted during one of those times. In the gentle ballad Intrusive Thoughts, Young confronts her mental health struggles, learning to cope with the voices that 'scream inside her head' during tough times.

Her honesty resonates deeply with fans, although she admits that the volume of messages she receives can be overwhelming. "I get long, heartfelt messages almost every hour. It's beautiful and touching, but sometimes it becomes hard to read them all."

Young’s acknowledgment that her vulnerability aids others keeps her motivated. "Knowing that I can impact lives is why I've always pursued music. It's surreal to think I can move people in such ways," she reflects. "I don't feel like I do anything extraordinary, I’m just being myself."

When asked about fellow artists like Chappell Roan, who have canceled performances due to feeling overwhelmed, Young states, "Chappell Roan is in a different league currently. I'm on my way to that level, and if I need to cancel a show, I will, but I'm not quite there yet."

Maintaining healthy mental wellness can be tough for touring musicians, especially with the pressures of the lifestyle. Despite this, Young describes her recent weeks in the U.S., including a performance at Lollapalooza, as some of the best experiences of her life. "When I feel good, I manage to push through everything. By the end of the tour, I might be tired, but this is what I’ve always wanted, and I feel great right now."

Looking ahead, Young is eager for more. She candidly admits she has dreamed of superstardom since childhood. "I've never hidden that desire. Some prefer to be humble, but I want to rise to the top," she states, naming idols like Avril Lavigne, Amy Winehouse, and Eminem as inspirations growing up.

Unfazed by potential media scrutiny, she views fame as a natural outcome of hard work. With the experienced guidance of her managers, both of whom understand the importance of balancing ambition with protection, she feels ready. "If fame had come a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have coped well. Now, at 23, I believe if it happens in the near future, I’ll be ready for it.”

Lola Young is set to perform at Wildlands, Lost Paradise, and Beyond the Valley festivals from December 28 to January 1, and will play at the Metro Theatre in Sydney on January 8 and at Max Watts in Melbourne on January 9.

singer, music, pop