Just Jaded
Mixing Reality With LO LA
Written By: Zaylee Bell
Finding your new favorite indie artist always feels great. Today, we’re going to be discussing your new favorite artist, LO LA. LO LA is an independent artist based in LA, getting ready for her new single ‘Backseat’, set to be released on November 4, with a music video following.
LO LA gained popularity on Tiktok when she posted a cover of ‘Queen of Disaster’ by Lana Del Ray in 2020. Now, her second single this year is on its way. ‘Backseat’ is a song that is meant to mix reality and fantasy. In the song, she tells the story of temptation, living in the moment, and becoming numb to toxic feelings.
I had the chance to speak to LO LA about her new single, writing process, inspirations, and what it’s like to be an independent artist. ‘Backseat’ will be out in the world on November 4th. Make sure to check it out, and while you’re there, take a listen to some more of her music.
1. What was your writing process and inspiration like for ‘Backseat’?
I wrote and created the song with my friend Gavin Hudner. It was actually the first song we made together on the first night we met! We just talked for a bit about similar past experiences and then played around with some chords and loops, and a few hours later, “backseat” was born.
The inspiration for the song was about the idea of giving into temptation and losing yourself in the moment. Sometimes you tell yourself not to go back to a toxic person, but no matter how many times you tell yourself not to, seeing them in the moment makes you forget all the bad things that they’ve ever done. Sometimes falling in love with the idea of someone is so powerful you just become numb to it all.
2. What does your writing process typically look like?
My writing process definitely varied depending on where I am/what mood I’m in! Sometimes I’ll sit at a piano or with a guitar with voice memos on, and I’ll improvise lyrics while playing different chords until I get something I’m happy with. Other times I’ll make a beat with a producer and I’ll write over it without any instruments.
3. In ‘Backseat’ your vocals sound almost dream-like, or as if you were in a trance-like state. I imagine this was intentional so why did you choose to do this?
I honestly just like it! I feel like a lot of my songs are a mix of imagination and reality and for “Backseat,” I tried to record dream-like vocals that reflected that. My intention with the song is that when you listen to it, you don’t exactly know if it’s reality or not if that makes sense!
4. In a previous interview you credited the Beatles for your career and writing, what about them inspires you, and is there any other artist that does the same?
I just really love the storytelling in their music and all of the cool experimental sounds and chord changes. Two other artists that really inspire me are Tyler, the Creator, and Lana Del Rey. I just love what they both write about, their sounds, and their storytelling!
5. Sometimes being an independent artist is challenging so what keeps you going, and what is it about music that you love?
What I love about music is that it’s an escape for me and it’s like therapy. Whenever I’m going through something, or I just need a creative outlet, music helps me do that, whether it’s writing it or listening to it. One of the greatest feelings in the world is when someone messages me saying that my music helped them get through tough times in their lives. It’s just such an amazing feeling and it makes me so happy that I’m able to help people through my music.
Something challenging about being an independent artist is the independent aspect. I have no team, label, or manager. It’s just me and a few producers I work with. I coordinate everything from meetings to content, to shows, to band practices, etc.. and sometimes it gets overwhelming as it’s kind of like doing the jobs of 20 people!
6. Finally, what do you want fans to take away from ‘Backseat’ or your music in general?
When people listen to the song, I guess I just want them to know that it’s normal to give into temptation sometimes and that they’re not the only ones going through what might be a tough relationship or situationship! I feel like just knowing that other people are dealing with the same experiences as you ultimately makes you feel less alone!
