Lagata (2:22)

This week on Dope, Titi and I dive into the world of probiotics. The hype, the science, and what your gut bacteria are really doing behind the scenes. From drinks and gummies to probiotic pillows. Yes, really, probiotic pillows. We're breaking down what's legit and what's just brilliant marketing with expert Insight from gastroenterologist Dr. Roshi Raj. Listen to Dope Labs on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

Lynne Hoffman (2:52)

Music Saved Me.

Lolo (2:53)

I only had my first tour in 2021, so just like a few years ago now. And then I would meet people after the merch booth and they say like, oh, like this really, I feel like you wrote this about me. Or like this really touched me. And then I guess I kind of realized like, whoa, I guess I'm affecting people. And it was a little bit surprising to me because I just never like, experienced that and, or knew that that was possible in that way.

Lynne Hoffman (3:19)

Welcome back to Music Saved Me, the podcast where we explore the trend, transformative power of music and the stories of artists who have found hope, healing and connection through their art. I'm your host, Lynne Hoffman, and today we are joined, I'm so excited by a truly special guest, Lolo. Now, Lolo is a singer, songwriter, and rising pop powerhouse. We're talking like 35 million streams already on that's just on Spotify alone. Her raw honesty, her infectious melodies, and the way she turns real life heartbreak into hope and into unforgettable songs is like nothing I've ever, ever heard before. My personal fave, Hot Girls in Hell. And it's just unbelievable. From her early days as a self proclaimed theater kid in Toronto to making waves on TikTok and touring with pop punk legends, Lolo's journey is literally as inspiring as her music is now. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering Lolo, where have you been? This conversation is a testament to the power of music to save, connect and uplift us all. So turn up the volume and join us as we dive in to the story of how music saved Lolo. Lolo, welcome to Music Saved Me. I'm so psyched to meet you.

Lolo (4:32)

Hello, so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having me.

Lynne Hoffman (4:35)

Can you share a little bit about your musical journey with our listeners? What first drew you to music as a form of expression?

Lolo (4:44)

Well, I guess it would be a mix of two things. I don't know how I ended up with this as a child, but I just remember my first CD was a Green Day cd. It was American Idiot. And I just used to like be obsessed with that. I was obsessed with that and Avril Lavigne. But at the same time I was also a huge theater kid. And I remember I was like in all these, like, I used to watch actually Shirley Temple videos with my grandfather and I just like wanted to Be her. I happened to have the exact same hair as her. My natural hair is really curly.

Lynne Hoffman (5:18)

Wow.

Lolo (5:18)

And at the time, it was short and curly, and I was like, oh, I have to just be that. And so I like, begged my mom to put me into singing lessons and tap dancing lessons and acting classes. So that kind of is where I started out. So I was like this, like, liked punk music, I guess, but also like super theater kid. So it was kind of like a mix of both, which I. I guess kind of, you know, makes sense of the person I am today. So. Yeah.

Lynne Hoffman (5:45)

But surely Temple. I mean, that's. That was very unexpected answer.

Lolo (5:49)

Yeah, I. Yeah, my grandfather used to show me all the videos and I was, like, obsessed with her. I thought she was so cool. Her and Billy Dar Armstrong. I was like, oh, yeah, those.

Lynne Hoffman (5:58)

Yeah. Perfect combination. Like, who would have ever put that together? That's like not chocolate and peanut butter at all.

Lolo (6:04)

Yeah, no. It's so random. But, like, I think it really did end up affecting me. And, like, I. I feel like I was influenced by both of those things. And I feel like today I'm kind of just like, you know, I like to rock out, but very emotional and dramatic and so.

Lynne Hoffman (6:22)

Just a little bit.

Lolo (6:23)

Yeah, just a little bit.

Lynne Hoffman (6:26)

What's the most interesting or unexpected place your music has taken you so far?

Lolo (6:31)

Interesting, Like. Like actual place that I've visited.

Lynne Hoffman (6:34)

Yeah.

Lolo (6:35)

Well, actually, I just found out today that I'm going to be going to Newfoundland, which I'm super excited about because, as I said, theater kid, and I love the play Come From Away. I think it's amazing. So I'm really excited to do that because I heard that, like, you actually get to go and kiss the fish and do all that stuff. So I would say that is an unexpected but very exciting thing that I'm doing. But, I mean, music has taken me all over. Like, I've been to so many cities in Europe and all over the U.S. canada, but, I mean, for some reason, Newfoundland just sticks out as cool. Yeah. Unexpected. Yeah.

Lynne Hoffman (7:13)

You're about to embark on a massive US Tour. That is what I heard is sold out. That's an incredible feat for a new artist. That's huge. Does that make you nervous at all or are you excited to.

Lolo (7:27)

Yeah, well, so I actually, I did my US Tour, which was sold out, so that already happened. But I have a US tour this summer with Simple Plan opening for them, which was another one of my idols growing up, so it's just so exciting. But for my own show, like, yeah, I had so much anxiety, honestly, because I have been an opener so many times and I wasn't sure, like, can I sell tickets to my own show? Because you never really know. Like, you don't know if you have like passive listeners or they're fans of you, but you know they'll go to see you open for someone, but they don't necessarily want to go to your own show. So, yeah, I was a little stressed out putting that up for sale, but it all sold out and it went amazing. And it was honestly even more rewarding, obviously, than opening because it was like my own show. All of the whole room was filled with my fans, you know, everyone was screaming my lyrics. So it was quite the experience.

Lynne Hoffman (8:18)

I bet. Congratulations on that.

Lolo (8:20)

Thank you.

Lynne Hoffman (8:21)

Do you have a go to song or artist that always lifts your spirits when you need it or when you're having a bad day?

Lolo (8:29)

Honestly, I kind of go back to that Green Day record. That was my first cd. I don't know if it's because, like, it's nostalgic as when I listen to it, I kind of like feel like a little kid that had no worries because I was like a 7 year old. And it kind of reminds me of that maybe, but that is definitely something. Like normally if I'm ever upset or stressed, I kind of just like press play on American Idiot and listen to it front to back. Also really random. The song Grace Kelly by Mika always gets me going. I know that's such a random answer whenever people ask me that, but there's just something about that song I really like.

Lynne Hoffman (9:06)

Well, speaking of something about that song, you have a new EP out called Possibilities.

Lolo (9:11)

That was the deluxe version of my album that got released called Falling For Robots and Wishing I Was One. But Possibility was the single.

Lynne Hoffman (9:19)

Yeah, great artwork on that, by the way. Not just the video, the artwork on the album, which. Which, like, these are just small details that get so lost nowadays that are coming back. And I'm. I'm so grateful to you for doing that. Can you tell us a little about the song?

Lolo (9:34)

Yeah. So the song is basically about the possibility of someone hurting you because, you know, you're kind of scarred from before and you've found someone that you're into or in love with or whatever, and it's going great, but there's just like this little voice at the back of your head that's like, well, you know, they could hurt you. It could end up terrible. And it kind of starts to almost taint and ruin, like something that's good. And it's Kind of like about that battle within yourself to, you know, you should just be able to relax and be like, I'm happy now. Everything's fine. But, like, sometimes I know I have this a lot. Like, there's just this voice in the back of my head being like, well, it could go wrong any second now. And so it's kind of about that. It's about, like, I'm in a happy relationship now. And something about that is really scary because I'm like, well, any second, he has the power to just, like, hurt me. And something about that is really terrifying.

Lynne Hoffman (10:35)

Yeah, I. When you mentioned that, I think anyone can go back in their life and think about moments like that, and, you know, it is scary. It's scary to take a risk on someone else.

Lolo (10:46)

Yes.

Lynne Hoffman (10:47)

And. And you just explain that so beautifully in your songwriting. How do you approach writing or performing music? Either. Or when maybe you might be experiencing something like that emotional or a mental health challenge?

Lolo (11:02)

Honestly, I try to just be, like, as authentic as possible and just kind of go for it where, like. And not hide anything and kind of just, like, put myself fully out there. I find that to be, like, the most therapeutic for me. And, like. Like, it ends up. I'm gonna say ironically, but I guess it's not ironic. But, like, it ends up being the most therapeutic for my audience, too, when I do that. And when I, like, just, you know, write exactly what I'm feeling and not try to sugarcoat it or, you know, water it down or anything, I feel like that's when people relate the most weirdly. I mean, not weirdly. I guess that makes sense. But in my head, I would be like, oh, maybe this is too much. Whatever. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I feel like anytime I just end up going for it, it just kind of works.

Lynne Hoffman (11:47)

Oh, you go for it. I think that's what really gets people, is that you're. You're so fearless.

Lolo (11:52)

Thank you.

Lynne Hoffman (11:53)

Not only just in your writing, but in your performance of the song. You're telling us exactly how we're feeling. Did you know that? That's what I mean. When was the first time you sort of realized that your music really touched on that nerve in people?

Lolo (12:09)

I. I guess I didn't. I didn't realize that, honestly, until I started performing the songs and meeting the fans after. So, like, I only had my first tour in 2021, so just, like, a few years ago now. And then I would meet people after at the merch booth, and they'd say, like, oh, like, this Really, I feel like you wrote this about me or, like, this really touched me. And then I guess I kind of realized, like, whoa. I guess I'm affecting people. And it was a little bit surprising to me because I just never, like, experienced that and. Or kn. That that was possible in that way. And it's funny because I used to try to write songs, like, I used to make a conscious effort back in the day, like, I need to make this relatable and, like, what other people would understand. And I feel like I did try to, like, dumb it down or water it down, and I wasn't going into such specifics with my older music. And then when I, you know, Hot Girls in Hell, for example, which you mentioned, I'm so specific talking about such a specific person in such a specific instance. And I feel like that was the first song that everyone was like, you wrote this about my ex. Like, this. I. How. How are you? In my brain? And I'm like, wow, that was, like, the most specific first verse ever. And for some reason, it really hit people. So now I'm just like, okay. I guess we all kind of lived a shared experience or something about being specific. To me just hits people, I guess, like, they could see it for themselves, which is really cool.

Lynne Hoffman (13:35)

So that. That's, I think, called being completely authentic. Like, there's.

Lolo (13:40)

Thank you.

Lynne Hoffman (13:41)

There's no, you know, fake stuff or, you know, like you said, watering it down to. It must have been a shocking moment for you to realize that, though, that you could be that raw and real and not worry about the consequences and feel that back at you. I mean, I'm old, and that song took me back to when I was, you know, in high school, and, you know, this guy was being a total jerk. You know, I didn't know what to do about it. And, you know, I can only imagine the experiences that you had, but it definitely spoke to me years later. So there's your audience right there.

Lolo (14:15)

Well, I love that. I love to hear that. Hate to hear about that guy, but love to hear.

Lynne Hoffman (14:19)

I know, who cares whatever happened to him?

Dan Flores (14:24)

What was.

Lynne Hoffman (14:24)

What would you say is a pivotal moment in your life that, you know, shaped who you are as an artist today? Can you pinpoint any one moment?

Lolo (14:33)

Honestly, I feel like this first headline tour that I just did, so it started in October of 2024, so just, like, six months ago, I guess that was the first time that I kind of really, like, I've. I've performed sets before, like, 30, 40 minutes, but that was the first time that I really, I think, like, brought my album to life and, like, made a show of all my music. And, you know, it kind of, like, had a story all to it. And that was the first time that I, like, looked out into the audience full filled with people that were there to just see me and that were connecting with my music. And I was kind of, like, looking out. And I remember, like, the first night I was really fudgeing nervous, so I was like, oh, my God. Like, I get really bad imposter syndrome. I'm always like, oh, well, this isn't. This isn't a real concert because I'm performing. So there's no way, like, this isn't the kind of concert that I would go to because I'm performing. So it's like a fake concert. It's, like, not as professional. I always think that in my head for some reason, but I was kind of just like, nope, this is a concert. And I was. I would. Every night before I went on stage. I started the first night because it made me feel better, but I would just picture, like, young me, like, dancing in the basement and. Or singing, performing to my parents. The Green Day record and just her freaking out and being like, oh, my God, like, are we doing this? Are we about to get on stage in front of all those people? And I'm like, yeah, you got this, girl. And then I would go on stage and it would just really helped me with the nerves and stuff. Just be like, I got this. I got this. But that was a really pivotal moment, I think, that I realized, like, oh, like, I actually. This is a real concert and I'm a real artist, and I can't have imposter syndrome. So I would say that would. That whole tour would be the. The moment. Yeah. Especially that first show in October.

Lynne Hoffman (16:23)

Do you think music has healing powers?

Lolo (16:27)

Oh, 100%. Like, no doubt. I mean, I hear it from everyone, and even if I didn't hear it from people about my music, I know, like, I have personally been there with other people's music. So, like, it's so interesting doing this and being on this side of things, because I feel like for so long, like, growing up, I was on the other side and I was a fan and I was going to concerts and I was, like, getting saved by other people's music. So that's why it really, like, hits even harder to think that I could possibly be that person for other people, because, like, I know how it feels to be on the other side. And I'm like, holy shit. And that's where the imposter syndrome really comes from. Because I. It's. It's crazy to think, like, it almost sounds, like, cocky to say or, like, weird to say. Like, yeah, I'm affecting people. Like, that's a weird sentence to say for me because I feel like I've been on the other side.

Lynne Hoffman (17:20)

So, no, the imposter thing I can relate to. I had a job once in television years ago, VH1, and I was so scared, I almost called them to tell them I didn't want to come in because I felt like I was an imposter. I told my whole family. I'm like, I'm an imposter. I'm just reading a script here. I don't know what I'm talking about. No, it happens to a lot of people. And you're not. That's not an unusual thing, and I'm so glad you're past that now because, wow, you are not an imposter. What inspires you to keep creating even. Even on the hard days, like, when it's really hard to even be inspired?

Lolo (17:56)

I would say just, well, there's a few things. One kind of knowing that there was. There's other people wanting me to create and waiting for me to create, which is a little bit, like, pressure. I feel like. Sometimes I feel like, oh, like, what would happen if I just, like, quit music today? There would be a lot of people that would be sad or, like, expecting things from me. But then that's also not healthy because I need to do things also for me. But what inspires me to keep going, I guess, and creating on days that I don't want to create is that, like, I feel like creating is the only thing that kind of makes me feel better. So when I am in those slums of, like, not wanting to work or feeling uninspired and just, like, feeling mentally not there or, like, down or whatever, I know that writing it out is honestly going to make me feel better. So just creating in general ends up doing the trick. Always for me. I just like, I'm that kind of person, I guess. So that would probably be the main thing.

Lynne Hoffman (18:59)

And what messages do you hope listeners take away from your music? You know, especially those who might be facing their own challenges. What. What would you like them to know?

Lolo (19:07)

I hope they know that. It's just, like, they're not alone in any of this. We're all kind of going through it in our different ways. And, you know, my whole album that I put out last year, it's called Falling for robots and wishing I was one. And it's about like, either having experiences with people who don't seem to have a heart or wishing that you kind of didn't have such a big heart yourself. Because sometimes it's really hard to feel things. So hard. And it's like, I wish I was just a little bit more numb so I could just, like, go through life and I could be a robot. But I feel like the whole theme of the album and something, a message that I really want to push through is that, like, it's okay to feel things, it's okay to not be perfect and to just have all these emotions or be sensitive because that is what makes us human and it's normal and that's just life. So I hope that they listen to the songs and realize that they're not a robot, they are a human and we're not perfect and we feel things and that's okay.

Lynne Hoffman (20:09)

Well, that's a beautiful thing to end this podcast with today. It is truly an honor to be able to talk to you and gosh, so excited to watch your star continue to rise. Although I don't not. I'm not sure that it there's much room to go up any higher.

Lolo (20:22)

I hope so.

Lynne Hoffman (20:24)

But keep that that energy that you have and don't lose it because it's always hard when you feel like you have to reinvent yourself. But when you're truly authentic like you, you're never gonna have a problem with that. Best of luck to you. Lolo. Thanks for coming on music. Save me and keep in touch for sure.

Lolo (20:40)

Thank you for having me.

Dan Flores (20:44)

Why is a soap opera western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the meat eater podcast network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today. Listen to the American west with Dan.

Lynne Hoffman (21:08)

Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Unknown Dad Speaker (21:13)

Sometimes as dads, I think we're too hard on ourselves. We get down on ourselves on not being able to, you know, we're the providers, but we also have to learn to take care of ourselves. Arapahoe way you gotta pray for yourself as well as for everybody else. But never forget yourself. Self love made me a better dad because I realized my worth.

Dan Flores (21:34)

Never stop being a dad. That's dedication. Find out more@fatherhood.gov brought to you by the u. S. Department of health and human services and the ad council.

Lagata (21:45)

The culture's favorite reggaeton historian, public scholar and recording artist. Yes, that means I've done the work on my show, the Reggaeto Colagata podcast. I'm not only talking to Floriano, who has the number one reggaeton track in the world right now. I'm also going to be on Perreo to see speak with music and editors like Raina, who is known for her media Rogera tracks and collaborating with artists like Baby. We're also giving you the cultural breakdown straight from the story. Listen to Regeto colagata on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Dr. Maya Shankar (22:12)

Hey, I'm Dr. Maya Shankar. I host a podcast called A Slight Change of Plans that combines behavioral science and storytelling to help us navigate the big changes in our lives.

Lynne Hoffman (22:22)

I get so choked up because I feel like your show and the conversations are what the world needs. Encouraging, empowering counter programming that acts like a lighthouse when the world feels dark.

Dr. Maya Shankar (22:38)

Listen to A Slight Change of plans on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your gut microbiome and those healthy bacteria can actually have positive effects. Your mental health, your immunity, your risk of cancer, almost any dise disease under the sun.

Lagata (22:59)

This week on Dope Labs, TT and I dive into the world of probiotics. The hype, the science, and what your gut bacteria are really doing behind the scenes. From drinks and gummies to probiotic pillows. Yes, really, probiotic pillows. We're breaking down what's legit and what's just brilliant marketing with expert Insight from gastroenterologist Dr. Roshi Raj. Listen to Dope Labs on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

Lynne Hoffman (23:28)

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.