Naarm (Melbourne) indie/folk singer Lolitah and I had a chat about her various musical projects, being paid in veggies and what we can expect to see next from her!
Can you start by sharing a little bit about how you started writing music and your journey so far as an artist?
Growing up, I was always writing little poems – about my parents, my teachers, myself. But this never really transcribed into writing music until I was 12 and really struggling with anxiety. We had this shitty keyboard at home and I remember distinctly my dad suggesting I write a song about how I was feeling. And so I wrote this song called ‘true light’. Since then, I’ve taught myself guitar and mainly compose on there now. I was also lucky enough to record some songs at the local SAE in my graduating year, and started releasing music in 2023. My journey since moving to Melbourne has been incredible, and I’ve had the opportunity to perform my music live and record and release two more songs. I’ve learnt so much being amongst such a thriving music community and think it’s so important that if you’re in the ‘village’ you’ve got to be a villager!
In your instagram profile you describe yourself as a ‘truth teller’ and I think it would be fair to say you see storytelling as a key part of your artistry. Can you tell me a little bit more about how these things guide your songwriting?
I think truth is an interesting notion and I am continually learning that two things can be true and exist at the same time. For me, music softens the teething process and helps me surrender to whatever it is I’m feeling. Most things are revealed slowly and more often than not, that can be unsettling. but I’m not afraid to lean into the discomfort as that’s when I feel ‘truth’ can really be tugged out. Lyrically, I take great inspiration in the stories of my life and those around me and feel I have a duty to document those stories through songs. It’s how I connect, and how I communicate. I find most songs are pieced together from journal entries and poetry and general scribbles in my notebooks (I have 4 red notebooks of varying size ahah)
You’ve released two singles in the past year (or so) NOT CONVINCED and Clay. What are the stories behind these two songs?
I wrote those two songs during high school and still hold them very close to my heart. Clay explores the malleability of human connection – how relationships, like clay, can mould, reshape, and sometimes crack under pressure. I wanted to invite listeners to reflect upon their own sense of self-worth and how sometimes, there is more beauty in breaking. NOT CONVINCED is such a fun one to play live, as its very outside my usual genre. It’s about a close friend I had that slowly turned into something sour. It’s kind of everything I wanted to say but was too afraid – a pissed off anthem about calling out someone’s lying behaviour.
And is there anything you can tell us about your upcoming EP ‘a museum for modern art’? And/or can you tell us more generally what the next year looks like musically for you?
Of course! I’ve been recording a museum for modern art over the past couple months and it’s been the most fun experience. I’ve had friends in to help out with parts, alongside working creatively with my producer, and it just keeps re-affirming my ethos of collaboration. I don’t want to give too much away just yet … but in one sentence the EP is about layers: embracing the odd yet beautiful parts of ourselves and learning to co-exist with the different colours of ourselves.
As well as your solo work you’re also in the band Salvadera. How does your headspace shift when you’re switching between the two projects and do you find yourself drawn in different directions depending on whether you’re writing with the band or solo?
Such a great question and something that I have actually been thinking about a lot. Before being in the band, I’d never written in such a space where my main role is just lyric writing and melody. But it’s definitely been a fun challenge and I think it’s incredibly special to have found people that I connect with so musically. It’s also great to have different creative opinions in the arranging process. The music we write is more in the soul/alt rock/sometimes jazzy genre which brings out this other side of my voice that I love. I’ve found I use less metaphors when writing in the band and it’s cathartic to just say what I mean and sing it loud.
I’m a huge fan of ‘outside of the ordinary’ gig spaces and I noticed you’ve performed several times at CERES. Can you tell me more about how you got involved with that? And how it feels performing in that sort of environment (more casual, within nature etc.) compared to at a more traditional gig or festival?
I adore CERES, and my parents actually used to take me and my brother there when we were living in Melbourne as kids! In terms of getting involved, I saw a poster for the market music gig guide one morning and just sent them an email. It’s such a lovely community and a great space to perform. There’s definitely a different vibe when you’re performing in the morning but it’s super wholesome and I feel takes some pressure off it. Everyone’s kinda just chatting, sipping coffee and tuning in when they want. Being outside is always a bonus too! And the box of random veggies they give you as payment has definitely expanded my recipe repertoire haha!
Finally I end every interview with this question, can you recommend a few up and coming artists you’ve been listening to who you think deserve a bit more love?
Clare Perrott, Hannah Donnelly and ARAMINTA are all exceptional artists. Ruby Gill is an all time favourite and big inspiration of mine too. I would also recommend listening to Hana Stretton’s recent album tiarn – soundscapes that are beautiful, soothing and patient.
You can follow along with Lolitah here.