For our final interview before the Christmas holidays, we’re thrilled to welcome a guest who fully embraces the festive spirit: Lola Violet. The singer-songwriter has just released her brand-new Christmas album Magic in the Season, a collection of original holiday songs that are sure to bring joy to your playlist. In this conversation, Lola shares the inspiration behind the album, her creative process, and her take on the music industry, offering multiple insights and holiday cheer. Let’s dive in!
So, your new Christmas album Magic in the Season just came out. Why did you decide to do a Christmas album?
I grew up always listening to Christmas music during the holidays and I always wanted to write my own Christmas songs. I feel like nowadays, not many people release new Christmas songs, they mostly just do covers of the old ones. So, I really wanted to make my own and put some new Christmas songs out there.
How was the creative process? Was it very different from your non-Christmas-related music or was it similar?
It was honestly very, very different. When I started writing the songs, I thought: "his doesn’t sound anything like my other music". But I made sure it still felt like me. A lot of the music I’m making right now is dark pop, kind of Britney Spears vibes, so it's very different. But you can still tell it's me who wrote the Christmas songs.
If you could describe the album in three words, what would they be?
Hmm, let me think… festive, joyful and seasonal!
That’s cool! If you had to suggest one of your songs to someone who hasn’t heard your music before—any song, not necessarily from the Christmas album—which one would you suggest?
What a great question! Honestly, I’d base it on what I’ve noticed people like. From my earlier music, I’d suggest Dirty Clothes. It’s my most popular original song and everyone I show it to really likes it. For my dark pop era, I’d say Habits and from the Christmas album Kitty Can’t Kiss is doing really well on TikTok. While I’d love to share my personal favorites, I’d rather recommend songs I know people are drawn to, trusting they’ll explore more later.
What’s your favorite Christmas album by another artist? That’s hard! Honestly, I’d say Michael Bublé’s Christmas. I know it’s mostly covers but his voice is incredible!
Agreed, he’s amazing! Who are the artists that inspire you the most?
Definitely Lana Del Rey and Britney Spears, they’re my biggest inspirations right now. When I first started writing music, I was heavily inspired by The Beatles, Queen and their storytelling. I also love Tyler, The Creator, he’s a dream collaboration for me.
You’re part of the youngest generation of singers right now. How do you use social media? I noticed you’re very active on TikTok. Do you think it’s important for fan engagement?
Definitely. Honestly, if I didn’t have to use social media, I wouldn’t, it can be overwhelming and toxic. But TikTok is super helpful for sharing my music. I’m big on TikTok live streaming, that’s where I get the most engagement. Thousands of people join my live streams every night, which is amazing for reaching new listeners.
One topic that often comes up in our interviews is the lack of women in music production. Have you noticed this as a singer?
Yes, there aren’t many women producers which is frustrating because I feel more comfortable working with women even though I have great male producers friends. On this album, I was fortunate to work with a female producer, Justine Blazer, which was really cool but, overall, production is still very male-dominated.
LA is such a big music city. How would you describe the music scene there as an independent artist?
Honestly, I'm not gonna lie, don’t like it. It’s toxic, especially for independent artists. There’s so much gatekeeping and, if you’re not in with a specific group of people, no one will even talk to you. It’s something that needs to change. Earlier this year, I visited Nashville for the first time as a musician and went to a songwriting event at the Bluebird Cafe. I went there before but not as a singer. I expected the same cold vibe as LA open mics, where no one listens or connects, but it was the opposite. Everyone was so friendly, supportive and genuinely interested in each other’s performances. I was just blown away, I was like: "wow people are actually nice to each other and actually want to be friends with each other". But I'm making it work and that's honestly why I love TikTok live so much, I'm able to do it from home without having to experience that kind of thing, which is a blessing.
What are your future plans? Do you have new projects coming up?
I have an EP coming out next year! I’ll be releasing one song each month starting in January. It’s going to be dark pop again. After that, I might try something new and experiment with my sound.
That sounds exciting! Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring singers?
I'd just say don't listen to people who doubt you. Just keep going and ignore all the people that aren't believing in you: if you really want to do it, you can!
Great advice. Can you suggest a song that represents your country? It can be yours!
I’d say Dirty Clothes. It has an American vibe and is inspired by Tyler, The Creator.
You can follow Lola Violet here and listen to her Christmas album here: