May 29, 2024 |
South-East Londoner Lulu. has music running through her soul. Growing up in a household where gospel and high-praise music were regular features, the 21-year-old developed a keen ear for rhythm by listening to her father playing the talking drum. Fusing her musical inspirations, which range from Ms. Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige to Wizkid and Burna Boy, Lulu.’s sonic style has a clarity and uniqueness that’s rather rare at her young age. A soothing blend of Afrobeats and soul, listening to a Lulu. song feels like drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate after a long, hard day.
After getting involved in singing through choirs and plays at school, Lulu.’s aptitude for songwriting made itself known to her during the 2020 lockdown after a family friend suggested she try it. Her breakthrough then came in the form it does for many young artists these days – TikTok. Dropping her first two singles ‘Save Me’ and ‘Yesterdays’ garnered the young talent a healthy following, which now sits at 24k on the video platform alone.
Bouncing off this fast-moving success, Lulu. has released her first EP, Dear Disorientated Soul, via AMF Records, the label that looks after fan favourites like Loyle Carner, Greentea Peng and Olivia Dean. Exploring an emotive range of relatable themes like self-discovery, loneliness and resilience, the eight-track offering firmly establishes Lulu. as an exciting newcomer to watch. Here, we sat down with the up-and-coming artist to ask about who her dream collab would be, her go-to comfort food and what message she wants listeners to take away from the debut EP.
1. You named this debut EP Dear Disorientated Soul – what’s the one piece of advice you’d give your younger, disoriented self?
I’d tell my younger, disorientated self to live a little, from a young age I’ve always been so tightly wound and stuck in my ways to the point it would hit me a little too hard when things wouldn’t go to plan. So I’d tell my younger self to sway with the twists and turns rather than beat yourself up over it.
2. What would you say are the main influences and inspirations that shape your sound?
1. Lauryn Hill – ‘To Zion’
2. ASA – ‘Satan Be Gone’
3. Teni – ‘Hustle’
3. If you could create a dream collab with any artist who would it be and why?
As of right now dream collab would most likely be Priya Ragu, I love how her music is so rich in culture, and ever since I watched her Colors performance, the song ‘Breathe’ literally leaves me in awe every time I listen.
4. ‘Let Go’ features your parents in the music video. How was it working with your family on such a personal project?
I was really nervous, especially because for a while I felt they weren’t keen on me doing music and from then I always kept home life and music separate, so bringing them into a world they didn’t understand – my world, I felt exposed but they were really great and cooperative ;).
5. What’s the most unexpected place you’ve ever found inspired for a song?
I’ve written a song on a bench by the road with cars whizzing past, I think I’m always used to trying to find balance in chaos – so I just found comfort there.
6. What’s the most surprising genre you secretly love to listen to?
Indian Jazz.
7. Your music is deeply personal. How would you want to connect with your listeners through your music?
I’d want music to make people feel like they’re reconnecting with themselves, I feel like throughout this project there have been moments where I’ve lost myself and it was through prayer and music that I managed to find myself again. So, I hope this project helps people know they’re not alone in their struggles, and we’re all just finding our feet.
8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?
Actuarial scientist.
9. ‘Save Me’ introduced you, and ‘Let Go’ explores vulnerability. What’s the next emotional frontier you’ll explore through your music?
As I have been finding my voice and as I am becoming more assertive, the direction of the songs will reflect that, more melodic and thought-provoking, and just a blend of worlds and genres. Think about Häagen-Dazs ice cream (so many flavours, rich and sweet), that’s what I want the music to build towards.
10. With Dear Disorientated Soul coming out, what’s the message you most want listeners to take away?
The main message of the project is there is beauty where pain is, so many songs that we know and love are birthed from hurt, and we remain connected to it because of how it’s made us feel, and I think that’s where the beauty lies, that when we are at our worst there are others who feel or have felt the same – you’re not alone.
Photography by Cara Brown.
