In this interview, we talk with Lottie, a Spanish singermaking her way in the urban music scene. With her music and early 2000s-inspired style, Lottie shares details about her career, experiences in the music industry, and her latest singles, Expectations and Like This. Her sound, a fusion of rap, R&B, and pop, reflects her unique personality and passion. During our conversation, Lottie gives us an honest and refreshing look at her journey, discussing the creative process behind her songs. Find out why she is becoming one of the most promising artists in the Spanish music scene!
First of all, let’s talk about your latest single, Expectations. How did the idea for it come about?
Expectations is a bit of a special song because I had spent months writing non-stop, but then I decided I just wanted to make something fun without overthinking it. So, I sat down to write, and in less than two hours, the song was done. I really liked it, so I showed it to my friend Tere. We kept refining the details until we had the final version.
I saw that the video is really cool and features women with a lot of attitude. How did both the song and the music video come to life?As for the video, most of the girls in it are very close friends. One of them is my dancer, and others are people I’ve collaborated with on fashion or dance projects. When casting, I wasn’t looking for anyone in particular, I simply asked people I felt comfortable with and who I knew would bring good energy. That’s exactly what I wanted to convey: positive vibes.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your upcoming song Like This, which drops tomorrow?
Of course! The release is coming up, and I think you’ll really like it. It’s a special song, quite short, with a cypher-like style. The first part has a boom bap sound with classic hip-hop elements, and then there’s a complete switch, it turns into a track with trap and drill influences. It’s a statement of my style and personality. Many people, just by looking at me, don’t expect me to rap the way I do, and this song is my way of saying, "You didn’t see that coming, huh?" I talk about my ambitions and how unstoppable I am, with a style that isn’t very common in Spain.
I read that you participated in the Benidorm Fest, the festival that selects Spain’s representative for Eurovision. How did you experience it, and what do you think about it now looking back?
I remember it very fondly. I feel like our edition was really special, maybe because the year before, Chanel won Benidorm Fest, turning it into a phenomenon. It was a really fun experience, and I met amazing people. It was also exhausting, one challenge after another, but I take away the lessons learned and the great moments. Before, I wasn’t particularly a fan of Eurovision but now I feel more connected to that world.
If you had to recommend one of your songs to someone who doesn’t know you yet, which one would it be?
I think I’d recommend Expectations because it can reach a broad audience. My style leans a lot toward old-school hip-hop and early 2000s music, which is more niche, but Expectations, even though it has that sound, is still very accessible. Even my mom who usually doesn’t listen to this kind of music likes it, so I think a lot of people could enjoy it.
How and when did you start taking music seriously and creating your own songs?
I started writing when I was 12 or 13 because I really liked poetry, but my lyrics had a rhythm I didn’t fully understand. Then, I discovered hip-hop culture and realized that what I was looking for was something else. From that moment, I never stopped writing. At 15, I made an EP, but it was at 19, when I was in a band, that I started becoming more professional. Even though my solo career officially started last September, I’ve been in the industry for a while through various projects.
As a woman in the urban genre, have you noticed any differences within the industry?Yes, without a doubt. Hip-hop culture has always been very male-dominated. If you look at the genre’s history, most of the big names are men. I think it’s important to push for more female representation in these spaces. Women are often held to a higher standard. When a new female artist comes out, people say things like, "Oh, but she doesn’t dance that well," or "Her voice isn’t perfect." Meanwhile, new male artists aren’t judged as harshly. It’s a systemic issue, but the more aware we are of it, the more we can change it.
Many female artists have told us that there are very few women in recording studios, especially in production. Have you noticed this as well?
Absolutely. There are very few female producers, and I think it’s because we unconsciously associate that role with men. I’ve also noticed that on TikTok and other platforms, when you see lists of "emerging artists" or "new talents," women are often left out. It’s frustrating because so many women are doing incredible things, but they are often overlooked.
How would you describe the Spanish music industry from your perspective as an emerging artist?
I feel like in Spain, there are three or four big artists who dominate the charts. Also, here and in other parts of Europe, we’re a bit behind in terms of supporting new talent. In the U.S., if they see potential in someone, they invest in their long-term development—Tate McRae is a great example. Here, if you have a viral hit, they sign you, give you an advance, but if you don’t get quick results, they push you aside. That makes it hard to build lasting careers. Creating a global superstar takes time, work, and consistent support, but that way of working isn’t fully established here yet.
Are there any artists who inspire you?
There are so many. Everyone from the 2000s has inspired me a lot, icons like Fergie, Aaliyah, Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears, and Rihanna. Now that I think about it, all my influences are women, which I find very interesting. I also love old-school hip-hop: Missy Elliott, Tupac, Outkast, A Tribe Called Quest… The list is long and, since I’m a bit of a nerd, I actually have a notebook where I jot down notes about my favorites.
What’s a typical day in the studio like when you’re recording?
My recording days start early. I wake up, have breakfast, and go to the gym because it helps me clear my mind. Then I go back home, get some work done, and later head to the studio. I usually record with Luki, who has produced most of my songs and has been my friend for nine years. In fact, he started producing because I encouraged him to. In the studio, we record the song, and then I take the demo home to listen to it over and over again until I’m completely happy with it. I don’t have any weird rituals, it’s just a process of many repetitions and adjustments.
What do you love most about being a singer, and what’s the most challenging part?What I love most is performing live. I love doing concerts, connecting with the audience, and meeting other artists. I also love songwriting, actually, I got into music through composition. The hardest part is everything that isn’t directly related to music, recording, handling rights, sending press releases, coordinating interviews... Even though I have people who help me, a lot of the work still falls on me. But I consider myself lucky because I’ve had great mentors who taught me how to be a well-rounded artist and not rely on anyone to move forward.
Do you have any advice for those who want to become singers?
First of all, save as much as you can. You’ll have to make a lot of sacrifices, and I’m not just talking about material things, I mean important moments too. I’m talking about not going out with friends, not spending on little treats, because every euro counts. Another key piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who believe in your project as much as you do. They don’t have to be the best at what they do, but if they truly believe in you and your work, they can grow with you. Loyalty and trust in your team are everything.
You can follow Lottie, singer, here and listen to her music here: