Lola Young Discusses Her Rise to Fame
Lola Young spoke with NME about her passion for music and why she believes her single “Dirty” went viral. Read the full interview below or watch the video above.
- Read more: Lola Young: Clearly South London Star, Breaking America
The singer, songwriter, and former NME Cover Star shared her thoughts on the red carpet at the Brit Awards 2025, discussing how “Dirty” became one of the biggest singles of the past year.
Understanding Her Message
“I think this is about not needing to conform to what society expects women to be,” she said. “While it can be challenging, everyone often feels like they’re not enough. ‘I want to be myself, isn’t that allowed?’ – those are powerful lyrics! I am incredibly proud of that, and it seems to resonate with a broader audience than I anticipated.”
“I embrace every new experience as it comes. I take pride in the song,” she elaborated.
She also discussed her recent cover of The Cure’s cult classic “Close to Me,” which she released last month as part of Triple J’s Like A Version series.
“I love music. I appreciate that their sound is nostalgic yet still feels relevant,” she remarked. “They are an incredible band.”
At the 2025 Brit Awards, Young took the stage to perform her viral hit and was nominated for the “Best Pop Act” category, competing against Charlie XCX, Dua Lipa, and Rising Star award winner Miles Smith. Although the award went to Jade, it marked Young’s first nomination since launching her solo career.
The awards night saw several nominations for The Cure, their first British nods in three decades, including Best Rock Act, Group of the Year, and Mastercard Album of the Year for “Songs of the Lost World.” However, they left empty-handed, leading to online disappointment from fans.
For a complete list of winners from the night, click here.
Regarding Lola Young, her debut album “This is Not for You” received a glowing five-star review from NME, hailed as “the most distinctive and bold exploration of her experimental influences.”
“Young’s first full-length album features an emotional touch in its production; the eclectic mix of soulful sounds stands out alongside raw, gritty indie influences, capturing the complex experiences of South London. This collection feels equally empowering and poignant,” the review stated.
In her discussion with NME, she shed light on her approach to songwriting. “I believe that if an artist isn’t genuine in their lyrics, it becomes glaringly obvious,” she stated.
“I’ve found that the songs feel perfect when you write them, and then they evolve in how they resonate with people. The album is gritty, authentic, and raw. It reflects honesty, which is what I strive to be and who I am right now.”
The article on Lola Young highlights her success with “Dirty” and her passion for music, which originally appeared on NME.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/brits-2025-interview-lola-young-messy-success-love-of-the-cure-3843224?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brits-2025-interview-lola-young-messy-success-love-of-the-cure
