LOLO – born Lauren Pritchard – has already lived her a few lives in the music business. As a teenager, she moved to Los Angeles and lived with Lisa Marie Presley while singing in a reggae band. After this experience, she originated the role of Ilse in the hit Broadway show Spring Awakening, which she held onto for two years. Her next stop was the major label pop world, being signed by Island Records out of the U.K. and releasing Wasted In Jackson in 2010. Ultimately, this led to performing alongside Fall Out Boy, Matt Nathanson, and Panic! At The Disco on studio recordings.
Moving forward a few years, LOLO has had a big 2015. She released an EP through Pete Wentz’s label DCD2 titled Comeback Queen. In support of that EP, she’s been on the road with Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, New Politics and The Griswolds since Oct. 12. This impressive billing comes through town on Nov. 18 with a Manhattan show at Terminal 5. For those in the NYC area that are unable to make it on 18th, the tour reaches the Starland Ballroom on the 24th and The Paramount on the 25th. Still keeping footing in the theatrical world, LOLO co-wrote a musical called Songbird, which is playing at the 59E59 Theatre through Nov. 29.
In support of her area tour dates and Songbird, I had the opportunity to do some Q&A with LOLO. Tennessee may be her home, but some New York attitude came through in her answers. Selections from Comeback Queen EP can be heard on LOLO’s Soundcloud page: http://www.soundcloud.com/lolomusic.
When was the first time that someone called you LOLO?
LOLO: The first person to call me LOLO was my best friend Alex at age 16. It started as “Pritch The Bitch” but somehow became LOLO along the way.
What’s to be expected from your set on the upcoming tour with Andrew McMahon, New Politics and The Griswolds?
L: A lot of fun, a lot of power. I’m so thrilled to be out on the road singing my own stuff. Huge fun, very thankful!
Might you be featuring or appearing during any other artists’ sets on the tour?
L: Possibly!
What can you tell me about Songbird, the musical that you have in the works?
L: It’s a story about love and loss and dreams and sadness, set in Nashville, Tennessee. Our actors also function as the musicians. They are incredible. We are very lucky.
Having starred in a major Broadway play, do you have any goals for Songbird? Or is just getting it performed in a New York theater your main concern?
L: I’m thrilled to have Songbird be a production! It’s very beautiful! I know Songbird is going to have a special life, I’m excited to see what unfolds.
As someone who acts, writes and has a performing career aside from your acting, do you have a way of describing your career?
L: I call it being a “creator.” It’s a lot of fun!
What do you miss most about being away from New York?
L: Too many things to list! But I do not miss the random stinky weird New York City smells when you’re walking around and you see no trash but it smells like fish. Do not miss that at all.
Having grown up in Tennessee, and lived in Los Angeles, New York and England otherwise, does any one place most feel like home for you?
L: They all feel like home in some way because of the friends in each of those places. But Tennessee is always home.
When you’re not busy with recording, touring or writing, how do you like to spend your free time?
L: With my family in Tennessee. Even in my downtime I’m always writing.
Finally, LOLO, any last words for the kids?
L: Whatever you’re doing, throw yourself all in. Do things that scare you and challenge you. You won’t regret it.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
