LØLØ on “the devil wears converse,” Evolving Sounds, and Singing with Simple Plan

Photos & Words By: Toby Shapiro

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Alt-rock/pop-punk artist LØLØ is stepping into an exciting new chapter following the release of her new single “the devil wears converse”. We caught up with LØLØ to talk about the story behind her new track, how her sound is evolving, and what’s inspiring her lately both in and out of the studio.

Photo by: Toby Shapiro

TS: What was your inspiration for “the devil wears converse”?

LL: I watched "The Devil Wears Prada" for the first time and thought that it was a really great title. I then thought to myself, “how cute would it be if it was Converse instead? I should write a song called that.” I had the title in my notes for a couple years and even tried writing it one other time before, but didn’t quite nail it. This time it just felt right. Inspired by any cute band boy in Converse — you know the type.

TS: Can you walk me through your songwriting process?

LL: I almost always start with a concept and lyrics — it’s hard for me to write the song’s melodies if I don’t know what the song is about. A lot of the time I just have little poems in my notes app, or a few clusters of lyrics. Then once I have a little part, I’ll try to put melody to it, or bring it into a songwriting session.

TS: Who is your biggest musical inspiration and why?

LL: Green Day for sure! I just grew up loving them and listening to "American Idiot." I always thought the songwriting was so incredible. 

TS:  How has your sound evolved over the past years, and where do you see it heading next?

LL: Even though I’ve always done a kind of pop music, I’ve tried out a few sub-genres of that — pop/rock, pop/punk, straight up pop… my new album I’m writing is a mix of pop/rock and singer songwriter kind of vibes.

TS: What has been the most memorable moment on your recent tour or performances so far?

LL: Singing "Jet Lag" with Simple Plan has been really amazing. Simple Plan was truly one of my favourites growing up, so it’s still so crazy to me that I get to sing with my IDOLS. I used to black out when I went on stage with them because of utter shock & disbelief I think? But as of recently, I have been a little more calm and able to take in the moment and how truly incredible it is to be up there with such legends! 

TS: How do you prepare mentally and physically for a live show?

LL: I try not to psych myself out too much — just make sure to drink a lot of water, make sure I’m well rehearsed and in shape… things like that. I always do a vocal warmup before too! 

TS: Who are some of your biggest musical influences right now?

LL: Boygenius is my new obsession. Their songwriting is so clever without trying, and so conversational and matter of fact. I think they’re really really cool.

TS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their voice?

LL: I’d say to just keep trying different things and writing different songs until you feel like you’ve found yourself! I feel like I had to write a million songs until I started writing things that felt truly and authentically me. Plus, you’re always going to be evolving — sometimes I hear an old song of mine and I’m embarrassed or feel like what I am doing now is SO much better, and that’s constantly happening to me because I’m constantly changing. 

TS: Outside of music, what’s something that inspires or motivates you?

LL: I find movies and TV shows really inspiring actually — on my next album I’m writing, at least three songs so far have come from movie titles!

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