Interview with soulful songstress Lola Kristine
Singer-songwriter and pianist Lola Kristine unveiled a new trio of singles, chapter two: when things fall apart on the 10th of November, 2023. She is releasing 5 chapters of song pairings before launching her forthcoming album, CHAPTERS. This series of singles is making waves in the entertainment industry, with ‘Just Friends’ being featured on the soundtrack of the popular Canadian TV show, Children Ruin Everything Season 3, Episode 4, airing on CTV in October 2023. Based in Laguna Beach, California, Lola Kristine seamlessly crosses genres, offering a fusion of soul, folk, adult contemporary, Americana, R&B, and more to create an unforgettably unique sound. She has collaborated with artists from all over the world, including Kinobe (Uganda) in a series sponsored by American Voices. In 2022, a live video of her performing went viral on TikTok, hitting 4.5 million views which boosted her online presence. She is gaining notoriety amidst legendary rock stars such as Mick Fleetwood and Don Cromwell of Air Supply.
Read our interview with the rising star below; where she showcases her sincere commitment to her art:
Which music/musicians changed your life and inspired you to pursue music as a career?
I first fell in love with music in the church. I sang in the choir and was fascinated with harmony. It sparked my passion for music and the Spirit. I also grew up listening to my parents’ old vinyl collection. The Beatles, Carole King, The Moody Blues and Cat Stevens were some of my favorites. I would say Elton John was one of the biggest inspirations to me in pursuing music and becoming a piano player. I loved his passion and watching how he rocked the stage. I was a huge fan of powerhouse vocalists like Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston. I dreamed that one day I could sing like them and share my songs with the world.
Walk us through your creative process. Do you have a routine and rituals, or is it spontaneous?
It tends to be spontaneous. Usually when I write a song, it begins with the music- a piano riff, chord progression, a melody. I turn on a voice memo recorder and grab something to write with. The lyrics start emerging as I sit at the piano and open my mouth to sing. A lot of times I don’t really know what the song is about at first. It becomes clear as the lyrics drop in. I often write about things that have been on my heart but I haven’t yet found a way to express. Writing brings the subconscious into the conscious. The first verse and the chorus tend to flow in easily but then the challenge is staying in the zone to finish the rest of the song. That’s where the true test of commitment comes in. I might light some candles, brew some tea, or do some deep breathing to keep nurturing that magical connection with the muse.
Do you have any unexpected non-musical inspirations that might surprise people?
My other passion is spirituality and personal growth. I’ve been exploring different religious traditions, philosophies and the art of healing since I was a teenager. I spend most of my time outside of music in contemplation, reading, listening to podcasts, meditating and journaling. My favorite teachers are Ram Dass, Adyashanti, Gregg Braden, Joe Dispenza, and Marianne Williamson to name a few. I love learning about the power of thought and the law of attraction. It has changed my life.
Do you have any non-musical hobbies? In a parallel universe where you’re not a musician, what would be your vocation?
Besides music and spirituality, I love surfing, practicing yoga and exploring nature. I think in a parallel universe I would put all of my energy into being a healer. I already dabble in that world as a life coach and Reiki healer but would love to do more in the future.
Can you describe an ideal setting or scenario where you would want your listeners to experience your music for the first time?
It would be most ideal for my listeners to experience my music in person at a theater type of venue with a beautiful stage, a real piano and my full band.
You have worked with some giants in the industry, such as Premik Russell Tubbs (Santana, Sting, James Taylor) and Jeff Haynes (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock). However, if you could pick any historical figure (living or deceased) to jam with for a day, who would it be and what kind of music do you think you would create together?
That’s a hard one- there’s so many on my list! I think one of my top picks would be Stevie Wonder. He’s an incredible musician and an amazing soul. I think we could write epic uplifting songs together about unity and hope. I feel aligned with his perspective on life and I love his style of writing.
What is your favorite experience from performing live? Any wild stories from touring?
One of my favorite on stage experiences was getting to perform a cover of ‘Both Sides Now’ by Joni Mitchell with Michael Manring on bass and Jeff Haynes on percussion. That song has always moved me deeply and to get to perform it with those two legendary players, it was a dream come true. A fun and somewhat wild story from touring happened in the dead of winter a few years ago. We were touring the Midwest and didn’t have room for the whole band in one car, so I got to drive a convertible we borrowed from the band leader’s wife. I had never driven a convertible before and felt like I had to live it up, even though it was freezing cold. I drove through Arkansas for hours with the top down. I felt so alive.
chapter 2: when things fall apart is the second release of 5 chapters of song pairings before you launch your forthcoming album, CHAPTERS. Tell us more about why you decided to release your music in this manner, and how it informs the story that you want to tell in CHAPTERS.
Each chapter on this album is like a different stage in my personal “hero’s journey” of transformation through romantic relationships. I’ve gone on this journey multiple times and each time I learn more. It felt important to me to share how I have found freedom after years of toxic relationship cycles, codependency and love addiction. I feel like many people can relate to the story of love and loss. If my listeners find themselves in a particular chapter right now, I want them to know they are not alone. I want them to know that even in the darkest times, the sun will rise again. Love can be a healing and refining force.
After the release of the rest of CHAPTERS, what’s next for you musically?
I would love to do some touring across the country (and hopefully the world!) and then begin work on another record. I am already writing music for the next project. It will be an inspirational, Gospel-influenced album.
Stream chapter 2: when things fall apart BELOW:
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