INTERVIEW: Lulu Simon
By Mel Johnston
PC: Shervin Lainez
Lulu Simon is a fresh voice in the indie-pop world who creates songs that are both relatable and danceable. For example, when listening to her new synth-pop tinged track, “Strangers,” you may be reminded of the cathartic breakup hits of dance queen Robyn. With the song, Simon’s work takes a moodier turn from her debut EP. It shows her growth as a lyricist – her words show a deeper, more nuanced perspective on the end of a toxic relationship.
Right after the release of “Strangers,” we chatted about her creative process, time at home during quarantine, and how she transforms complicated emotions into songs.
Congrats on your new single! How is "Strangers" different from your previous releases? Was the process different for you this time and were you drawing upon any new influences?
Thank you! I think "Strangers" is a little different from anything on my EP because it’s a little darker; there’s a little less of that ’80s synth-pop shimmer. The process for writing "Strangers" was definitely a little different because I wrote it to a looped track instead of on my guitar, and it actually took me a long time to finish because it’s really difficult for me to connect with a song that I’m writing if I don’t physically have it in my hands. I also was so stressed out about the situation that the song is based on. I wanted to make sure that, whatever I wrote, it was the right thing and that it would properly illustrate how I was feeling while also having a bit of bite to it.
What inspires you to create? Can you tell us a bit about what your writing process looks like and how you usually begin writing a song?
I’m typically inspired by emotionally tumultuous situations in my life. I feel like writing is my biggest emotional outlet; it makes it easier for me to process my feelings or just get them out of my system when I put them into a song. I’m constantly writing down lyrics or song ideas in my phone, so when I’m feeling like I’m absolutely stuffed to the gills with emotion, I grab my guitar, find a cozy place to sit — usually in my closet — and see if anything I’ve jotted down fits my vibe. I like to try and write a song in one sitting. I feel like when the energy is flowing and I’m on a roll, that’s when I get the best, most emotionally cohesive material.
What have you been up to during quarantine? Have you been working on music or creative projects? Have you been busy with any surprise hobbies?
I’m working on music again now but, for the first 2.5 months of quarantine, I literally didn’t touch my guitar at all. I really thought I’d have all of this downtime to write a million and one bangers, but instead, I started painting, and specifically, I started painting frogs. Literally, a frog a day for 2 months.
Who are your biggest musical influences/inspirations? Who are some of your dream musical collaborators?
I grew up really loving Queen and No Doubt. I love Carly Rae Jepsen so much; she’s like literally the light of my life. Also, Kim Petras, The 1975, Lana Del Rey, Phoebe Bridgers, etc... It honestly feels so hard to choose the biggest influences because I really feel like every song I listen to shapes me in one way or another.
I’d love to collaborate with Charli XCX. I feel like she’s really got her finger on the pulse of what’s new and exciting in pop music. I feel like we’d have fun, too, so Charli hit me up. :)
Which artists are you listening to at the moment?
Well, it’s October so, obviously, I’m listening to Kim Petras’ TURN OFF THE LIGHT which is simply perfect. A whole album dedicated to Halloween? She’s a genius and I love her with all of my being.
What was the last live show you saw?
I think the last live show I saw was My Chemical Romance in December. Wow, that was literally a lifetime ago, I’m shook. Great show though.
Are there any movies, books, or TV shows that you're really digging right now?
Every autumn, I rewatch Gilmore Girls as a means of self-soothing. I don’t do so well with change, and the changing of the seasons makes me uncomfortable and sad. I love summer — I’m sad to see her go — but also I love Halloween so I’m easing into fall with my Gilmore Girls.
How do you want your listeners to feel when they're listening to your music? What do you hope comes across to them?
I hope, first and foremost, that my listeners can tell how much I love the music I’m making, because I really, really do. So, I guess I really just want my listeners to feel the way that I do. Writing is such a cathartic experience for me, and it’s so freeing to be emotionally vulnerable and expressive and to just acknowledge how I’m feeling and get it out of my system, or lean into it, or do whatever it is that I need to do in order to let my emotional self thrive. So, I hope my listeners get that same sort of release.
Make sure to listen to “Strangers” and keep up to date with Lulu Simon via her socials!
She also recently released a new single for Team Joe Sings!