Lola Young
Biography
Lola Emily Mary Young is a British singer and songwriter born on January 4, 2001, in London. She grew up in a musical household in Beckenham, South London, with her Jamaican-Chinese father and English mother. Her stepfather, a bass player, and her mother encouraged her musical talents from a young age. She began taking piano, guitar, and singing lessons at age six and developed a passion for songwriting by eleven. Young attended the prestigious BRIT School in Croydon, known for nurturing artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
Career
At 15, Young won the Open Mic UK singing competition with her original song "Never Enough". In 2016, she was a runner-up on the CBBC show "Got What It Takes?". After graduating from the BRIT School, she was discovered by Nick Shymansky, Amy Winehouse's former manager, and Nick Huggett, who first signed Adele. In 2019, she signed with Island Records and released her debut single "6 Feet Under," followed by the EP "Intro." Her subsequent EPs include "Renaissance" (2020).
Young gained wider recognition in 2021 after performing her cover of "Together in Electric Dreams" for the John Lewis Christmas advertisement and appearing on "The Late Late Show with James Corden". This led to a nomination for the Brit Award for Rising Star. Her debut album, "My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely," was released in 2023. In 2024, her single "Messy" went viral and topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming her first charting song. Her second album, "This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway," was also released in 2024. She has also collaborated with artists like Tyler, the Creator.
Musical Style and Influences
Lola Young's music is a blend of pop, R&B, neo-soul, and indie-pop. Her powerful and raw vocals are a distinctive feature of her sound. She has cited a wide range of influences, including Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, D'Angelo, and Eminem. Her songwriting is known for its brutal honesty, often exploring themes of messy relationships, mental health, and the complexities of youth.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Lola Young has received several nominations and awards. She was nominated for the Brit Award for Rising Star in 2021 and was shortlisted for the BBC Sound of 2022 poll. In 2025, she won the Ivor Novello Award for Rising Star. She was also nominated for Best Pop Act at the 2025 Brit Awards.