Lola Bates Talks New Single, Musical Memories And More

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and vocalist Lola Bates (formerly known as Lola Colette) has released her new single, “Girl’s Girl,” available now across all major streaming and digital platforms. She chatted to us about the track and more:

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

When I was 7 years old, my dad invited me into his studio one morning; at the time a garage in our backyard in Hancock Park. My sister and I asked if we could write songs with him, and he created a couple simple pop tracks for the both of us to sing to. It was my first time putting on headphones and singing into a microphone. He asked, “Would you like to hear the track before you sing?” and I just shook my head and told him “go!” Out came a fully-fledged song with lyrics, a strong repetitive melody and even some improv vocal lines in the outro. Listening back it’s seriously adorable, and at the time I think my parents and I were astonished at how naturally songwriting came to me. It was such a special experience that helped foster my love for music and the studio.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I began truly songwriting at age 14. As I started to explore classic rock and music from the 80s, it felt like a natural way to express myself, when at times I felt constrained by my classical piano training. I was able to infuse my multi-instrumental skills into an art-form that helped me articulate my feelings and emotions. 

 

You have released your latest single ‘Girl’s Girl’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The lyrics to ‘Girl’s Girl’ poured from a very vulnerable place, reflecting a romantic situation I found myself entangled in between two people. There was a lot of guilt I felt consequently that helped me look inward and question what it means to be a ‘girl’s girl.’ While we all have a deep need to be loved and wanted, I believe being a girl’s girl means first removing yourself from harmful situations that might hurt others, to look out for yourself, your body and your mind. Only then can we make a real effort to show up for our fellow sisters with the emotional support and care they may need. When we’re strong enough to offer love and support to others without sacrificing our own wellbeing, we’re able to show up as the best “girl’s girls” we can be.

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

Girl’s Girl was co-produced by myself and Maxwell Joseph. Drums, piano and acoustic guitar were recorded at EastWest studios in Los Angeles, and the rest at my studio in Laurel Canyon. 

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Definitely. Working alongside engineer Robert Carranza always sparks cool conversation tangents. We’ll end up talking for 30-or-so minutes about an experience Robert had while working as a consultant on the new Las Vegas Sphere, or a recording session with Beck in the 90s, or other stories about cool musicians he’s worked with over the years. It’s always amusing to hear a group of music nerds talking over a Mendocino Farms feast in the control room – but someone’s always eventually gotta chime in with ‘let’s get back to work!’

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Yes, a few of the songs on my record feature my vocals processed through the Earthquaker Devices Afterneath pedal, which creates cool ambient spaces that make vocals sound dreamy and airy. For most of the main vocal performances on the record I used a Soyuz Tube Condenser microphone and the Manley Cardioid Tube Condenser microphone, which I feel both compliment the tone of my voice nicely. For the piano-heavy tunes, we recorded on Frank Sinatra’s old piano in Studio 3 at EastWest studios, which was such a pleasure and such a beautiful experience. I am so grateful to have access to such amazing recording equipment.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

  On my upcoming debut album, Love and Power, listeners can hear me at my most happy on the song ‘Three Little Words,’ most angry on the song ‘Average Girlfriend,’ and most reflective on ‘Power.’ To add a couple, you can hear me most romantic on ‘Every Time,’ and most sad on ‘Two Pretty Dolls,’ but I’m not trying to give away too much before the music is released 😉

 

Who were the musicians who were on the song with you?

It was a pleasure to include my friend Puma on drums for all the songs on the album, he really captured the foundation of the groove that ties the whole album together. His playing on ‘Girl’s Girl’ helped me dig into some great bass, rhythm guitar and synth performances, and foster the super lush and elegant vocal performance that weaves through the track. I also featured my co-producing partner, Maxwell Joseph on the guitar solo. We wrote the bridge together—Max composing the solo while I whispered haunting lyrics on the spot, which made the moment feel magical.

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

Not at all. While the lyrics to ‘Girl’s Girl’ come from a very vulnerable place, I feel like vulnerability helps me thrive as a songwriter; it feels impossible not to be vulnerable when I’m songwriting, otherwise I don’t feel that the song is magic. From the first line of the song I started to feel that magic and just ran with it.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles! Five words to describe it would be: mystical, charming, remarkable, grunge, and sensationally aromatic. 

How do you look after your voice?

Great question. I’ve been training for 8+ years with vocal coach, Julia Gregory. Aside from weekly sessions and daily exercises, she’s given me amazing tools to keep my voice in good shape. When I am recovering from colds or little sleep, I fill a water bottle halfway with water and sing scales through a metal straw. The bubbling water helps hydrate the vocal cords – it works wonders. For tone accuracy I sing scales through a thin vocal straw, which helps regulate breath and air pressure. I recommend these practices to any vocalist!

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026? 

Unfortunately I do not yet, but I am beyond excited to visit and play my music when the opportunity arises! 

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Once I have left the stage, I hope listeners get a sense of who I am as an artist overall; that I’ve poured all my skill, energy and artistry into this body of work. From the conception of the melodies, to playing almost every instrument on the album (besides drums, strings and horns), to the final details in the mixes; Love and Power is a true, honest reflection of myself. I also hope the lyrics ignite listeners’ imaginations and ideas about love, relationships, and power—encouraging people to look inward, work through difficult emotions, and connect with their own inner power.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I usually bring to the stage my Nord Stage 3 and my favorite white and black American Deluxe Fender Jazz bass, which I altered with sick-sounding DiMarzio bass pickups. In my dreams I’m playing a Baldwin upright piano on stage, but I make do with the awesome versatility of the Nord! I also like to create live vocal effects using the Eventide Space pedal, which sounds super slick and clean. 

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Cool question. I recently dove into the novel ‘The Strange Case of Jane O.’ by author Karen Thompson Walker, which is about a young mother experiencing amnesia, hallucinations, and premonitions, leading her psychiatrist to question reality as he tries to solve her mysterious psychological symptoms. I’m especially drawn to contemporary realistic fiction—stories like this one that are cerebral and thought-provoking. I can imagine creating introspective soundscapes and ambience to mirror the psychological tension of an adaptation of this novel.

 

 Do you have any visualisers to accompany the release?

Yes! If you haven’t watched it yet, please check out the music video for ‘Girl’s Girl’ directed and shot by Chandler Clamp, produced by myself and Isabel Mesko, and choreographed by Meisha Lee. It was such a pleasure working with this amazing team. Each upcoming single and album release will also feature a music video.

I usually oversee shoots as a producer from start to finish, having full creative control over the visual product, while still inviting an open collaboration between myself and the creatives who come together to make the visuals. I love to see the talent others bring to expanding the world around my music; it’s always an exciting and magical process. 

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

 I’m a total music enthusiast, and while artists like Joni Mitchell, PJ Harvey and Tori Amos are high up on my tier of favorites, the span of genres and artists I love reaches pretty wide lengths! I’ve always loved Joni’s sound vocally. Anytime you put on a Joni Mitchell song, you can name the artist in under five seconds – she is undeniably herself. Upon studying her music over the years, specifically the album ‘Hejira’, I’ve noticed the nuance of how she uses her voice as an instrument, which I feel is something I am developing in my artistry as well. Tori Amos is an artist I look up to as both a pianist and performer.

A few of the songs on my upcoming album feature moments on piano in which I channel a similar emotion and fire as what I feel when I listen to Tori’s music. I also love PJ Harvey’s answer to the grunge era. While bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam dominated the rock scene in the 90s, she broke through with a raw, gritty, uncompromising sound entirely her own, especially on her album Rid Of Me. I hope to cut through the current pop/alternative scene with my own uncompromising sound with my upcoming debut album, Love and Power. 

 

Do you have any further new music releases planned for this year?

Yes, listeners will be excited to know that I am shortly releasing the second single from my upcoming debut album in April! The full album will then be released in May, I can’t wait to share it with you. 

 

What makes Lola Bates happy?

What makes me happiest is when I’m able to enter ‘flow state’ in my studio, completely immersed, letting a song materialize out of thin air. I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not, I feel most in tune with my sensuality, and feel most intimate with myself and my art. I hope everyone has a passion that brings them that same kind of joy.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By WMA Agency

Lola Bates new single “Girl’s Girl,” available now across all major streaming and digital platforms.

Stream Here: https://ffm.to/lolabatesmusic

Her forthcoming debut album, Love and Power, arriving Spring 2026 via the newly launched label, Gravel and Echo Recordings, distributed by Virgin Music Group.

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