Our exclusive interview with the immensely talented British artist Lo Lauren.
Kicking off the year with her electrifying single “No Good In Goodbye,” Lo has already captured the hearts of listeners and critics alike. Garnering massive support from BBC Radio 1’s ‘Future Pop’ segment and earning a coveted spot in their ‘Class of 2023’ favorites, her unique sound and compelling lyrics have resonated widely. Not only has she received accolades from Jess Iszatt on her BBC Radio 1 show and Abbie McCarthy on BBC Introducing Kent, hailed as “Kent’s answer to Katy Perry,” but she has also caught the attention of music legend Elton John on his ‘Rocket Hour’. The press has followed suit, with rave reviews from NME, Wonderland, Notion, and more, underscoring her growing influence in the music industry.
Follow Lo @lolauren
Hi Lo, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hey I’m Lo Lauren, I’m from Rochester, Kent which is just outside of London! I love making music that makes you wanna sing into your hairbrush, and I hate corriander.
Describe your sound in three words.
Melodramatic, fizzy & feel-good (we can pretend that’s one word)
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift – the big, bold pop stars that put on spectacles in their live shows. They showed me how music can be brought to life theatrically, and that inspired me to combine my love for literature with performing.
Do you play any instruments?
I play keys and I can play a bit of guitar, albeit badly.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes a bit – when I have shows, but I think it’s more adrenaline and excitement because it’s my favourite part of music. I am constantly practicing and imagining performing in my head so when it comes to actually doing it, I want it to be the best it can be!
Tell us about your new single, “No Good In Goodbye?”
It’s a big nod stylistically to the 2010 golden era of pop, it kind of emulates that bouncy, feel good energy that I loved listening to as a kid, but the concept juxtaposes that vibe completely – which is deliberate. I often like to have darker tones conceptually to counteract the vibrancy of the production in my tracks, as I feel it then encompasses that ‘dance-cry’ vibe which I’m constantly craving in music.
What’s the story behind the song?
I was with someone that I knew I wasn’t going to be with forever, so when that relationship came to an end, I thought I was going to be fine, but it actually hurt a lot more than I thought it would. It’s a reminder that no matter how much you might think you don’t care about someone or a situation, saying goodbye is always gonna hurt!
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
The first session on the song was in September 2023 with my long term collaborator andysocialclub & Boon Eason, and initially the lyric was “you put the good in goodbye” which I liked but was struggling to relate to. And so I sat with it for a few weeks and re-wrote it later along with Carys Selvey & Sam Sure, two amazing songwriters that I work with a lot, and together we all finished it. I often rewrite lyrics until I’m happy with them and for this, it was important to me that the concept was concise but meant something to me – and that’s how the final composition came together.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
Yes – it’s a mix of confusion and angst – like, “what do you mean I’m still not over him!!!?” Which were fun emotions to explore in a song as they’re not so conventional. It also paved the way for a melodramatic performance, especially in the music video…and I love the melodrama!
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
It’s always different. I usually have a title or concept that I want to explore, but naturally, I tend to lead with melodies, then match the concept and lyrics after.
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “No Good In Goodbye?”
I’m always involved in the decisions made for the production and arrangement of my songs but me and andysocialclub have such a good working relationship now that he understands the vibe and direction of the project so well. We have similar taste and neither of us are scared to say if we hate something, so it’s easy collaboration.
Tell us about the huge support from BBC Radio 1’s ‘Future Pop,’ Abbie McCarthy on BBC Intro Kent and Elton John on his ‘Rocket Hour.’ That’s amazing!
Yeah the support has been wild I’m so grateful! I have a little manifestation board at home and I have been able to tick some really cool stuff off it, which is amazing…. And Elton John saying my name / even knowing who I am was not something I expected last year hahah!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I am a nerd for a motivational book – if anyone has any new recommendations, let me know!! But personally, I LOVED the 5am Club. Granted, I do not get up at 5am and I do not practice the book like it says to do, BUT it was so inspiring and certainly got me motivated and in a good head space when I read it, should probably re-read.