Lola Young is the kind of artist who wears her heart on her sleeve, making her music feel like a personal conversation. Growing up in South London, she found herself drawn to songwriting as a way to process the world around her. By the time she was in her early teens, music had become her outlet, helping her express the raw emotions she didn’t always know how to articulate. You can hear that emotional depth in her songs—there’s a certain vulnerability and edge to her voice that makes you feel like she’s telling your story, not just hers.
Lola doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Whether she’s singing about the highs and lows of love or navigating her own sense of self-worth, she approaches it all with an honesty that’s rare in pop music today. She’s got that grit—like in tracks such as "None For You" or "Bad Tattoo"—where she confronts heartbreak and self-doubt head-on, but she does it with this fierce determination that makes you root for her.
Her live shows are intimate, almost like she’s sharing secrets with the crowd. Even in a packed room, she has this way of making every person feel seen, as if the lyrics were written just for them. There’s something magnetic about her stage presence—you can't take your eyes off her. She’s not putting on a front, she’s just being her, and it’s that authenticity that makes you feel connected to her music on a personal level.
What’s also incredible about Lola is how she’s using her platform to talk about issues that are close to her heart, like body positivity and mental health. She’s honest about her own struggles, which makes her even more relatable to her fans. It's not just about the music for her—she wants people to feel empowered, to embrace their imperfections, and to know they’re not alone.Lola’s debut album, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely, feels like flipping through the pages of her diary. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s real. From moments of heartbreak to flashes of self-discovery, she captures the complexity of what it means to be in your early twenties, trying to figure it all out. It’s clear she’s an old soul, wise beyond her years, and yet she brings a freshness that’s uniquely hers.
I had the chance to attend Lola Young’s This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway tour on October 19 at the House of Blues in San Diego, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment I walked into the venue, there was this buzz in the air—a mix of excitement and anticipation. What really struck me was the diversity of the crowd. People of all ages, from teenagers to older fans, all with different styles and backgrounds, had gathered for this one shared moment. It made me realize how far-reaching Lola’s music is; it’s not just for one group or type of person. Her songs connect with everyone in some way, and in a weirdly beautiful way, I felt like her music had healed us all differently without ever having to put those feelings into words.
One of the sweetest things was meeting other fans before the show. So many of them had road-tripped or flown in from different cities just to see her. There was this real sense of community, like we were all part of something bigger, bonded by this shared love for her music. It was heartwarming to hear people talk about how much her songs meant to them—some fans had stories of long drives, personal hardships, and how her music had been a constant companion through it all. It felt like more than just a concert; it was a gathering of kindred spirits.
When the lights dimmed and Lola finally walked on stage, the crowd absolutely roared. I’ve been to a lot of shows, but there was something different about this one. It wasn’t just excitement—it was like we were all ready to be vulnerable together, ready to dive into the raw emotions her music evokes. Lola stepped into the spotlight with this quiet confidence, and as soon as she started singing, you could feel the energy shift. Everyone was singing along, dancing, and losing themselves in the music. It didn’t matter where you were standing, you felt like you were right there with her, sharing every word and every note. That connection, that sense of being part of something intimate even in a crowded room, is something I think only a rare few artists can create.
As for her performance, it was stunning. Lola’s voice live is something else entirely—it’s even more powerful, more visceral than on record. Each song felt like it had a heartbeat of its own, and you could feel the emotions swelling in the room as she performed. Songs like "Don't Hate Me" hit especially hard for me. That track always leaves me emotional because it captures so much of the rage and confusion I’ve felt while navigating messy, painful situations in my life. When she began singing it, you could literally feel the air shift—everyone seemed to hold their breath, completely captivated by her. It was one of those moments where the room felt like it was suspended in time.
The raw vulnerability in her voice, paired with the lyrics, created this overwhelming sense of understanding. It was like she was voicing all those tangled feelings we sometimes don’t know how to express ourselves, and in doing so, she made you feel like you weren’t alone in your pain.
Throughout the night, Lola’s stage presence was just magnetic. Whether she was pouring her heart out in the more intimate songs or getting the crowd moving with the upbeat ones, she commanded the stage with a quiet, yet undeniable power. There’s something so special about seeing an artist who can make every person in the audience feel connected to them, no matter where they are in the room. That’s something not many performers can pull off, and it just reaffirmed how special Lola is as an artist.
By the end of the night, it wasn’t just about the music—it felt like we had all shared an experience, one that left everyone walking away with a little piece of healing. For me, her album This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway already felt like it was speaking to my own life as a 20-something trying to survive and make sense of everything, but seeing it live took it to a whole new level. It was like the emotions that were already simmering in the tracks had come to life, amplified by the energy of the room and the collective connection between Lola and her audience.
This is only the beginning for Lola Young! I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing gut wrenching records that will inspire and resonate with humanity. The raw talent, emotional depth, and connection she creates with her listeners set her apart, and I can easily see her headlining some of the biggest festivals around the world. Her star is only going to rise from here, and I can't wait to watch her journey unfold.
1
15
0
Related Posts
