Lola Young (singer)

Last updated
Lola Young
Lola Young-1017 (cropped).jpg
Young in 2016
Background information
Born (2001-01-04) 4 January 2001 (age 24)
Croydon, London, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active2019–present
Labels Island
Website www.lola-young.com

Lola Young (born 4 January 2001) is an English singer and songwriter from Beckenham, South London. She is best known for covering the 1980s hit "Together in Electric Dreams" for the John Lewis Christmas advert, with a slowed down arrangement, and for her 2024 song "Messy", which became her first song to top the UK Singles Chart. In 2024, Young was featured on the song "Like Him" on Tyler, the Creator's album Chromakopia .

Contents

Young has been recognised by multiple awards, with a nomination for the Brit Award for Rising Star in 2021 and placing fourth in the BBC Sound of 2022.

Early life

Young grew up in Beckenham, South London, to a Jamaican-Chinese father and English mother. [1] She attended Balgowan Primary School and later attended the BRIT school. She was introduced to music at an early age. Raised in a musical home by her stepdad, a bass player, and her mother, who nurtured her musical talents. Her aunt, Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo (1999), also influenced her creative development. [2] At six years old, she began piano, guitar, and singing lessons, developing a deep love for songwriting by the age of 11.

Career

2013–2017: Career beginnings

Young's early foray into music saw her participating in Open Mic UK singing competitions. [3] At 15, she won the competition with her song "Never Enough", which led to a consultation package with Future Music and £5,000 for music development. [4] This victory opened the doors to the BRIT School, where she honed her skills. [5] In 2016, Young appeared on CBBC's Got What It Takes? , finishing as a runner-up. [6] After graduating from the BRIT School in 2018, she continued performing at local gigs and open mic events, eventually catching the attention of industry figures Nick Shymansky, Amy Winehouse's former manager, and Nick Huggett, who first signed Adele. [7] The two soon became her managers. [8]

2018–2023: Breakthrough and My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely

In 2019, Young signed with Island Records and released her debut single, "6 Feet Under", followed by the EP Intro. [9] Her next EP, Renaissance, was released on 28 April 2020. [10] Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she maintained her presence through virtual performances and continued to release music, including the single "Woman". [11] [12] In 2021, Young gained wider recognition with her performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden and her rendition of "Together in Electric Dreams" for the John Lewis Christmas advert. [13] She was also nominated for the Brit Award for Rising Star. [14] Young's lead single for her debut album, "Stream of Consciousness", was released on 25 November 2022, followed by a successful European tour. [15] The album, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely, was released in 2023. [16]

2024–present: This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway

Young's second album, This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway , was released on 21 June 2024. [17] Singles such as "Messy" gained popularity through TikTok, leading to a rise in her international popularity. [18] In 2024, Young collaborated with Tyler, the Creator on his album Chromakopia and continued to release singles such as "Wish You Were Dead" and "Big Brown Eyes". [19] On 21 January 2025, Young performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon . [20]

Personal life

Young has spoken openly about her diagnosis with schizoaffective disorder at age 17. [2] Young has faced recurring vocal cord cysts, making it hard for her to sing and causing her to cancel shows. She has also struggled with mental health issues. [21]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
CAN
[22]
US
[23]
My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely
This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway
  • Released: 21 June 2024
  • Label: Island
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download
5288

Mini-albums

TitleAlbum details
Intro
  • Released: 7 November 2019
  • Label: Island
  • Format: CD, digital download

Extended plays

TitleEP details
Renaissance
  • Released: 28 April 2020
  • Label: Island
  • Format: Digital download
After Midnight
  • Released: 20 August 2021
  • Label: Island
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
[24]
AUS
[25]
CAN
[26]
IRE
[27]
NZ
[28]
SWE
[29]
US
[30]
US
Rock

[31]
WW
[32]
"6 Feet Under" [33] 2019Intro
"Pick Me Up"2020Renaissance
"Woman"Non-album singles
"Ruin My Make Up"2021
"Bad Tattoo"
"Blue (2AM)"After Midnight
"FAKE"Non-album singles
"Together in Electric Dreams"
"So Sorry"2022
"Stream of Consciousness"My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely
"Annabel's House"2023
"Don't Hate Me"
"What Is It About Me"
"Money" [34]
"Conceited" [35] This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway
"Wish You Were Dead" [36] 2024
"Intrusive Thoughts" [37]
"Big Brown Eyes" [38]
"Fuck" [39]
"Messy"11121
[40]
482445
"Flicker of Light" [44] TBA
"Charlie"
(featuring Lil Yachty) [45]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
[46]
AUS
[47]
CAN
[48]
IRE
[49]
NZ
[50]
SWE
Heat.

[51]
US
[52]
US
R&B/HH

[53]
WW
[54]
"Like Him"
(Tyler, the Creator featuring Lola Young)
202433554328281629637 Chromakopia

Awards and nominations

OrganizationYearCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
BBC 2021 Sound of 2022 Herself4th [56]
BRIT Awards Rising Star Nominated [57]
Ticketmaster 2022Breakthrough Artists for 2022 [58]

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References

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