Interview: Lola’s Newfangled Rockers

The Lola’s Newfangled Rockers is a musical outfit in which artists from many countries collaborate. Λαγωνικό talked with the band and brings you the vibe!

Hello! What was it that first drove you to get into music?

'We all have our own reasons, but I think worldwide everyone in this group loves music and has been playing music from a very young age. What makes some people like chocolate? They just feel good. I don't think it's just one thing.'

What are the basic qualities that make a good musician?

'You need to have good reflexes and hand-eye coordination to be a good instrumentalist. You also have to work hard and practice. Learning from songs you like and that were extremely popular is a good way to start. That way you can learn from the best. To be a successful singer, you need to have a huge ear, a great natural vocal range, do a lot of practice, and be somewhat obsessive to get it all right. I think the overwhelming majority of musicians have a stronger intuitive side and are more in touch with their emotions and the way they express them.'

What's your creative process like with Lola's Newfangled Rockers?

'Usually everything starts with ChordSlinger putting down a base for a song and working with Lola on the lyrics and vocal melody. Songs are gifts from the universe that sometimes appear spontaneously and other times we have to drag them out. Then the track goes to our drummer Kike to give it a more final shape. Jezzy adds the bass, and Miguel and the guitarist play their own parts. ChordSlinger comes in at the end and adds synth and other sounds to fill out the track. After that, everything goes to Kike for mixing and mastering. After his first version, we all listen to it and suggest changes. We do this over and over until we all agree (one of the requirements for this band is to be a team player).'

Which famous musicians do you admire and would like to collaborate with?

'Neil Young and Aerosmith would be awesome.'

What's the best advice you've been given that has helped you as a band?

'People told us that collaborations never work and nothing ever comes out of them. We've proven again and again that this is wrong, so in a way, that was the best thing anyone could have told us. So, the advice we'd give would be to listen to your heart and ignore everyone else's advice.'

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

'We'd try to find a way for revenue to be generated from all recordings. It would be good for the industry and for musicians.'

What's your approach when it comes to writing music?

'Only write it if it's true for you and it's something you feel now or have felt strongly in the past. If you don't feel anything, don't try to force it. It'll come on its own.'

What are the main themes of your lyrics?

'Moments in time when someone realizes something personally significant. Sometimes it's an event. Sometimes it's a feeling, like in the song "I will rise again".'

Tell us the story behind the single «Stop This War».

'This song was written based on a news article about when Russia first invaded Crimea 14 years ago. The article described the horrors that took place and the plight of people fleeing, their homes being burned, and being killed, raped and everything else you can imagine.'

What was the response to your album?

'It's generated a lot of interest. We'd really love for it to be played in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries like Romania, where we think it could have a significant impact.'

How do you see Lola's Newfangled Rockers 10 years from now?

'I think we'll be making music until we're old and gray. We all love making music, so why not. Let's hope we get some exposure before that!!!!!! 🙂

Thanks for the interview! Keep on rocking!'