In January 2024, singer-songwriter Lola Kristine released Chapter Three: Into the Woods, the third segment of her planned five-part project, which will conclude in an album called CHAPTERS. The two tracks in Chapter Three are “Find Me In The Wilderness” and “Living For Myself.”
Talking about chapter three, into the Woods, Lola Kristine shares, “These are two of my favourite songs I’ve ever written. They push me to my edge vocally, where I can hold nothing back. ‘Find Me in the Wilderness’ was the missing piece to tie the album together, inviting listeners to rediscover their wild souls.” Akin to a diary, CHAPTERS is a testament to love’s transformative power and the freedom to embrace one’s authentic self. Chapter three: into the Woods is Lola Kristine’s first release with World Peach Records, an all-female indie label.
XS Noize spoke with Lola Kristine to explore the inspiration for the project, her use of layering vocal harmonies, and her creative process.
What three things can’t you live without?
God, the breath in my lungs, and love.
What inspired chapter three: into the woods?
This chapter is about returning home to yourself after being lost for a while. It’s a journey through the wild, dark forest within to find freedom from old stories and limitations.
You will release five chapters, culminating in an album entitled Chapters. What prompted such an ambitious project?
It’s not necessarily that I wanted to create this album, but I needed to. This project has been on my heart to create for many years. The original vision was simply a collection of love songs, but over time, the concept became more of a redemptive tale about the transforming power of love. Romantic relationships have been my greatest teachers. They have forced me to face myself over and over again. They have taught me compassion and led me to greater freedom. Throughout all of these relationship journeys, music has been my confidant. In my songwriting, I explore the depths of my feelings and unravel more of the mysteries of life. It has felt essential to share these musings with the world.
I know many other people are also on this journey through relationships, and I hope my music comforts and connects them.
What is the terminus of the five chapters? Catharsis? Self-love? Emotional liberation?
Self-love and emotional liberation are major themes throughout the chapters. The final chapter is entitled ‘Parasamgate’ – a Sanskrit expression I learned on a meditation retreat. It means to go beyond, to cross fully onto the other shore. The record’s final song is ‘The Other Side’, and it invites listeners into the total freedom and bliss that comes after moving through major trials in life and seeing that suffering is an illusion.
Do you use any special recording techniques in the studio?
I took on the role of the main producer for this album, and it has been super fun learning through the process. One of the signature production elements on the record is the use of background vocals. I have always loved harmonies since I was a little girl singing in the church choir. You can definitely hear that influence on this album. To get that big choir sound, I did a lot of vocal stacking of my voice, layering multiple tracks of harmonies, using different character voices, and positioning myself at varying distances from the microphone.
How did you get started in music?
My parents listened to lots of great music when I was a kid, which sparked a certain joy in me. When I was 9, I started taking piano lessons and then singing in the church choir. I’ll always remember my first big solo in the church—’ O Holy Night’ on Christmas Eve. I let the Spirit move through me, felt the power of the vibrations, and then I was hooked.
Which musicians/singers influenced you?
Elton John, The Beatles, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, Joni Mitchell.
What would you say if you had to explain your sound to the uninitiated?
Soulful singer-songwriter. Norah Jones meets Brandi Carlile with some Whitney Houston sprinkled on top.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
I would say it evolved naturally. At different points in my career, I’ve leaned more towards certain qualities/genres, but I feel this album is the most authentic expression of where I’m currently at.
What can you share about your writing process?
My writing process is more like channelling. I have to turn my analytical mind down and listen for what wants to be written through me at that moment. I often don’t even know what the song is about as it’s coming in, and then the meaning begins to reveal itself.
How do you define success?
I used to think success was about fame and fortune, but through meeting enough people who have obtained plenty of financial success and popularity, I’ve realized it’s an endless game that leaves you unsatisfied. Success is being able to celebrate yourself. Are you someone you would admire? Someone you would respect? Success, to me, is about staying true to your deepest values and living a life that you feel proud of. You create your own standards.
What do you want listeners to take away from your music?
After many years of bypassing, I’ve learned how important it is to let yourself fully feel your feelings, and I hope these songs provide a space for my listeners to experience their own emotions. I want listeners to know they’re not alone on this journey of life and that the sun will rise again. I want to inspire them to return home to their hearts. To find forgiveness. To know the power of their voice. To live courageously. To love more deeply. I want them to know that no matter what they’re going through, they will find more freedom on the other side if they allow that experience to transform them.
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