Soho Rising: Lola Young, the 21-year-old singer catching the ears of the industry

Have you heard of Lola Young? Either way, chances are you have heard her voice: she sang the acoustic cover of ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ by Phil Oakey and Giorgio Moroder for last year’s John Lewis Christmas advert. The artist was also nominated for the Rising Star Award at this year’s BRITs, which ended up going to previous Soho Rising artist, Holly Humberstone. What’s more, Young is supporting yet another Soho Rising act, Griff, on tour around the UK in March this year. So, it only seemed fitting that we invited her to White City House for a Soho Rising performance of her own.

The south Londoner may only be 21 years old, but she’s packed a lot into that time. Young won a national open mic contest in 2016 at the age of 13 while she was studying at The BRIT School, which counts some of the UK’s biggest music acts as alumni. Fast forward a few years, and she’s now on the roster of mega music label Island Records, and working with two managers – one who signed Adele, and another who managed Amy Winehouse. It’s safe to say greatness is within easy reach for this young artist.

With some very promising singles released already, particularly the 2021 retro-leaning, bluesy banger ‘Fake’, and the catchy modern ballad ‘So Sorry’, released in February 2022, excitement is building for her debut album, which is currently being produced – due to land at the end of 2022. 

Watch the video above to see moments from Young’s performance at White City House and an earnest chat with the artist.