Lovelle has learnt to stay true to herself every day through her music, inspiring others to follow her path – here she shares her influences, icons and heartbreak & hangouts in East London…
I wanted to be an artist at first. I loved designing things and drawing whatever I saw in-front of me. Then, when I was young listening to artists like Nirvana, Dr Dre etc, I noticed how it would make me feel and began to understand how I made other people feel when I started singing, writing and telling my own stories.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say confidence. There’s a lot of opinions and criticism, so I’ve had to learn to block them out.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Nothing to do with music but in life – If you don’t want someone to know your business, don’t speak about it. Someone always has someone they trust.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I’d love for Pharrell to produce for me, and I’d love to song-write with Frank Ocean.
Last live music/concert you saw?
Lady Black Bird at Koko.
Favourite gig/collaboration so far?
Erykah Badu at Primavera Festival. That shit changed my life.
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be – dead or alive?
Frank Ocean.
What do you do when you’re not creating music?
Listen to music. Seriously though, I’m also a model so maybe shooting. I love art so I enjoy going exhibitions and galleries. I love the water so I’ll be somewhere near there. Also rock climbing, and I want to start swimming again.
What new music do you like?
I think Asake is pretty cold.
What are you working on right now?
There’s going be a Summer Tape Pt 2
Any advice you’d give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t listen to the bullshit. Surround yourself with people that love you genuinely, trust yourself and don’t stop.
What does success look like for you?
Happiness, not having to worry. Living freely.
Top 3 favourite movies?
Ratatouille, The Truman Show and not a movie but Friends. These are not in order or anything, but what came straight to my head. So don’t come for me lol.
Do you have a favourite mantra?
I don’t but I definitely try to lead with love, compassion and understanding.
How else do you relax?
Life is so loud that whenever I’m able to be still and silent, I will. Being in a gallery usually allows me to relax as it’s quiet and also being by the water.
Any East London stories/memories?
I feel like I’ve had bare. I’ve been heartbroken in Shoreditch, I’ve had the best night at Ace Hotel before it went under, I’ve stayed at my favourite spot at Locke Hotel, I’ve performed over at Hackney Theatre. Got a lot of memories.
Favourite East London restaurant/hangout?
Smokestack is my spot and Troy Bar for a night of music and some good Caribbean food.
Listen: spotify
Where to see Lovelle? Sunday Live Music Sessions, Mama Bar, Mama Shelter Shoreditch, 437 Hackney Rd, London E2 8PP @mamashelterlondon
When? 10 September 2023
For all Mama Shelter’s events and to book to see Jeff Lang