Tracks (1)
LAST PLAYED ON EIREWAVE:
Messy
Lola Young (born 4 January 2001) is an English singer and songwriter from Beckenham, South London. Known for her distinctive voice and emotive songwriting, Young first gained widespread recognition in 2021 when she was nominated for the Brit Award for Rising Star. That same year, she was chosen to cover the 1980s hit "Together in Electric Dreams" for the John Lewis Christmas advert, delivering a slowed-down, soulful rendition that resonated with audiences. In 2022, she placed fourth in the BBC Sound of 2022 poll, cementing her status as a rising talent. In October 2024, Young collaborated with Tyler, the Creator on the track "Like Him" from his album Chromakopia.
Young grew up in Beckenham, South London, in a household rich with creativity and music. Her father, a bass player of Jamaican-Chinese descent, and her English mother encouraged her artistic development. She also drew inspiration from her aunt, Julia Donaldson, the celebrated author of The Gruffalo. By the age of six, she was taking piano, guitar, and singing lessons, and by 11, she had discovered her passion for songwriting.
Young's early musical journey began with her participation in Open Mic UK competitions. Despite facing multiple eliminations, she persevered and won the competition at age 15 with her original song "Never Enough". This achievement earned her a music development package and £5,000 to advance her career. The win also led to her enrollment at the BRIT School, where she refined her skills. In 2016, she appeared on CBBC's Got What It Takes?, finishing as a runner-up. Following her graduation from the BRIT School in 2018, Young performed at local gigs and open mic events, eventually catching the attention of Nick Shymansky (Amy Winehouse’s former manager) and Nick Huggett (who first signed Adele), both of whom became her managers.
In 2019, Young signed with Island Records and released her debut single "6 Feet Under", followed by the EP Intro. Her next project, Renaissance, released in April 2020, showcased her evolving sound and artistry. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Young remained active, performing virtually and releasing music like "Woman". In 2021, her cover of "Together in Electric Dreams" for the John Lewis Christmas advert brought her mainstream attention, along with a performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Her debut album, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely, was released in 2023, following the success of its lead single "Stream of Consciousness" and a European tour. The album received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and genre-blending production.
In 2024, Young’s singles such as "Messy" gained traction on TikTok, expanding her international audience. That year, she collaborated with Tyler, the Creator on the track "Like Him" and continued to release new music, including "Wish You Were Dead" and "Big Brown Eyes". Her growing discography reflects her versatility and emotional depth as an artist.
Young has been open about her struggles with mental health, including her diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder at age 17. She has also faced recurring vocal cord cysts, which have temporarily affected her ability to perform live. Despite these challenges, she remains an advocate for resilience and self-expression, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health.
Sign in
