Interview with singer-songwriter Lola Rhodes

                   "Being an independent artist is a constant hustle," says Lola Rhodes, "and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always loved being scrappy, paving my own path towards the things that I want." The L.A. based singer-songwriter is to be admired when it comes to building an audience, utilizing platforms like Periscope and Patreon, Rhodes is nose to the grindstone in almost every capacity and aspect of her creative career. And, by all indications, it's payed off. Her self titled debut, which is available via Bandcamp and other outlets, bears the mark not only of building something with your own hands, but of possessing an unbeatable determination and spirit. "Music connects me to myself in ways I didn’t know that I needed to be healed" says Rhodes, "and it connects me to my listeners in the same ways."


AHC: What has this journey in music, so far, been like for you, the highs and the lows, and what life lessons do you feel you've picked up along the way?

Lola: Music has definitely taught me a lot about myself, things that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore without it. Being an independent artist is a constant hustle and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always loved being scrappy and paving my own path towards the things that I want. It’s definitely a family trait! This year has already been such a killer year releasing my album, growing my digital fan base through platforms like Periscope and Patreon and collaborating with super talented folks from all around the world. I try to never get addicted to the highs because I know a low will be waiting for me right around the corner. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in that respect and how you choose to navigate through your life.

AHC: What first drew you to music and what was your early musical environment like growing up? Were there pivotal songs for you then that just floored you the moment you heard them? 

Lola: My earliest, fondest memories of music revolve around my dad. He introduced me to so many different genres growing up and probably without even realizing. Soul, funk, motown and gospel were some of the genres that I first made a connection with. Kirk Franklin and Tower of Power I can remember listening to and just being blown away. The sound of the band, the melodies and the incredible emotional force that drove through the vocals really resonated with me and still does to this day. 

AHC: Do you remember the first song that you ever wrote or played? Or that first moment when you picked up a pen and realized that you could create whole worlds just by putting it to paper? 

Lola: Yes, I do. It’s called “Our Melody” and it was written on the banjo, which I just played like a guitar because I don’t know how to play the banjo, and I strummed it out with a piece of cardboard because I didn’t have a pick. I still have the original recording, too. The cardboard stroking the strings really added to it, I think! I started writing music as a way to communicate in the relationship that I was in at the time because I could never just say what I was feeling and be understood. I literally wrote him songs if I had anything to discuss (which was a lot) and he would actually hear me and see me. It felt empowering and I haven’t stopped since.

AHC: Which musicians have you learned the most from? Or writers, artists, filmmakers, teachers/mentors etc? 

Lola: Whenever I get asked this question, I always think of my high school drama teacher, Mr. Randolf. I remember being in his class and we were discussing the different actors and artists who didn’t necessarily fit the mold and who were able to become successful by creating their own work. At the time, I was studying musical theater (I went to a performing arts high school) and I didn’t want to hear any of that. My plan was to audition and get the roles! The only problem was when I got to New York, I wasn’t very good at auditioning. Oops! It wasn’t until I was pretty set in my singer songwriter ways that I stopped and said, oh my god..Mr. Randolf was on to something! His words always stuck with me and they allowed me to believe in myself and my craft and make it into a reality. 

AHC: What do you think makes for a good song, as you're writing and composing, is there a sudden moment when you know you've found the right mix, that perfect angle of light, so to speak? 

Lola: Realizing you’ve written something really special comes in different forms for me. A song doesn’t get recorded or go on a record unless I really believe in it and it resonates with me lyrically and melodically. There are certain songs that have lines that I’m really proud of and those songs as a whole usually stick around for a while. Becoming more open minded with my writing and music, it’s hard to judge a song immediately because if it isn’t the right song for me, maybe it can fit a different artist or even genre better. 

AHC: Do you consider music to be a type of healing art, the perfect vehicle through which to translate a feeling, a state of rupture/rapture, hope lost and regained? Does the writing and creating of the song save you in the kinds of ways that it saves us, the listener?

Lola: I like to be cheesy and say that music was my first language because that’s what it felt like. Still to this day, to try and communicate with just my words and speaking voice is a constant struggle. Ask anyone who knows me! It’s a disaster. Music connects me to myself in ways I didn’t know that I needed to be healed and it connects me to my listeners in the same ways. What I love about music is that it is universal and so is the meaning of songs. I’ll write a song about something personal and specific, but the listener connects to it in his or her own way and it’s a beautiful connection that we get to make that we probably wouldn’t have had the chance to make under different circumstances. I find this to be an incredibly powerful form of art and something that I will need for the rest of my life. 

AHC: When you set out to write a song, how much does 'where the world is' in its current moment, culturally, politically, otherwise, influence the kinds of stories you set out to tell?

Lola: As of recently, I have written some political songs because it’s the only way I can try and wrap my head around what is going on in this crazy world. My usual muse is love and exploring the relationship we have to it as humans. Not just love for another being, but the love you have for yourself that tends to take you on its on rollercoaster from time to time. 

AHC: Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for other musicians and singer-songwriters out there who are just starting out and trying to find their voice and their way in this world? What are the kinds of things that you tell yourself when you begin to have doubts or are struggling with the creative process?

Lola: I remember when I first started out I was fearless. I would write anything that I was feeling. Then I got a little more critical of myself overtime and became quite miserable. Luckily, I found my way out of that dark place and I’m back at a more understanding, fearless state. Just keep writing, no strings attached. Not every song has to be a hit. You have to get certain ideas and things out of your head so just let yourself release them. It makes you a better songwriter, period. When you start to become critical of every single thing you write, it’s a nightmare and you end up coping out to the old “writers block” excuse. Just. Keep. Writing. 

AHC: Do you have any new projects you'd like to mention?

Lola: As of right now, I am focused on releasing my debut album and getting that to reach as many ears as I can. While doing that, I am constantly collaborating with producers and DJs all over the world. There’s a lot of new music to come and in a slew of different genres! ​


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Lola's self-titled debut can be purchased via lolarhodes.bandcamp.com/music
Official website: www.lolarhodes.com/