When we first came up with the idea for GirlTalk, we wanted it to be a fun conversation about music, makeup, fashion, and everything in between. So when we had the opportunity to talk with Lauren Pritchard, known to most as LOLO, we knew that we needed to feature her in our first GirlTalk segment. 2015 was an incredibly impressive year for LOLO who released her EP on DCD2 Records, wrote an off-Broadway musical titled “Songbird,” joined the co-headling tour of Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness and New Politics, and was featured on two iTunes Best of 2015 playlists for Songs – New Artists and Singer/Songwriter.
For our first GirlTalk interview, we spoke with LOLO about her latest release, Comeback Queen, her tour must-have items, and her opinion on the lack of female presence in the music industry. Read our full interview with LOLO below!
You started your acting career back when you were 18 and in 2006 you performed in Broadway’s “Spring Awakening.” Since then you’ve dabbled not only in writing your own music, but writing an off-Broadway play as well. The musical, “Songbird,” is more focused on country music versus the pop/rock/jazzy music you typically write. What was the difference in writing music for a play versus music for your own album?
You have to keep in mind the voices that you’re writing for. When I’m writing for myself I know what my voice can do and what I like to sing. When I’m writing for other people, I keep their styles in my head as I’m creating the melodies they’re going to sing. Lyrically speaking, I try to write from an honest and soulful place regardless of who I’m writing for.
Your latest release, Comeback Queen, is simply incredible. It’s filled with so much soul and power and the lyrics themselves really speak to people and resonate with them, myself included. What or who was the inspiration behind the EP?
I was going through a really difficult/emotional time and I realized the best way for me to heal myself was through music. To be able to share that with people and feel understood helped even more. We all go through times where we feel defeated by whats happening to us and it’s important to stand up to the hard stuff and come back stronger than you were before. That’s the big picture message of the “Comeback Queen” EP.
When you started to pursue music, you changed your music name to LOLO to separate the actress side of you from the music side of you. In a recent interview, you actually said that the main difference is that “Lauren Pritchard does all this writing and co-writing and creating, and then LOLO screams at people onstage for her personal agenda.” Other than screaming at people, is there a difference between Lauren and LOLO on an everyday basis (whether that includes the way you act, dress, or even do your make up)?
I am 100% both names but it’s really important for me to be able to separate my life on stage and off. Ultimately I’m the same, loud, outspoken but tender person, whether I’m LOLO or Lauren and that’s the difference.
Just a few weeks ago, Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland spoke with Huffington Post to discuss how he feels that there is a lack of women in the music business. He explains his reasoning by saying that to him, women have it harder to make it through in the music industry. Having been a part of music for a good majority of your life (through Broadway and your current musical endeavor), do you agree with his statement? What was it like for you when you first got your start in the music industry?
I completely agree with him, there is a major lack of female presence in the music industry. I’ve spoken on this topic before: we have a lot to prove. One of the things that I think is a major struggle is that we are constantly having to defend our feelings, especially if they’re extreme. We can’t just have them. If we’re defiant then we’re on our period or a bitch, if we’re sad then we’re a mopey girl. Guys are able to say what they want and no one is blaming their hormones for their words and expressions. I wish we as women were afforded this same luxury. The other real problem that we don’t talk about enough is sexual harassment. It happens a lot more than anyone is willing to admit and you have to work hard to make sure that you don’t fall prey to this. These issues, along with several others, can be a major turn off to a woman looking to enter the music business and so we’re left with a boys club. I love the men I work with and I’ve been very lucky to be able to work beside men who go out of their way to put my female voice at the front of what we’re doing but there’s still a lot that needs to change in peoples mentalities about the inner workings of the industry.
In 2015, you opened for The Wilderness Politics tour (with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, New Politics, and The Griswolds) and now you’re on the road again! If we were to go through some of your bags, what would we find? What items are on your tour must-have list?
Must haves are as follow: matching pjs (I have several sets), nail polish, Aura Cacia Lavender oil (it helps me get sleepy), Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap (it’s multipurpose), Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar (I drink 2 tablespoons every morning), my jump rope (it’s good for your lungs), my entire ring collection (it has it’s own special carry case), Tiger Balm & Arnica Cream (for sore muscles) and my Bose Mini Soundlink bluetooth boom box (for pre-show dance parties).
Speaking of tour, how are you getting ready for this current headliner run after spending the previous few weeks opening for other performers?
We’ve added 5 new songs to our set, which is so exciting! Finding a new running order and rhythm to the show is the main purpose. It’s been so fun!
With music playing such a huge part of your life, what is the best advice you’ve received and what advice would you give to aspiring female artists?
Don’t stop. If you love it don’t stop. The other great advice I received long ago was about money. You cannot do this for money. You are going to be working on things that take years to create and see the light of day and you have to work diligently on these things regardless of income (money) and outcome (result). Devote yourself to your projects and desires, work hard, be nice, say please and thank you and you will begin to see rewards big and small.
For more on LOLO: Website | Facebook | Twitter