Today we’d like to introduce you to Lola Red.
Hi Lola, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2012, I moved away from my small town to attend music college in St. Paul. I was an 18-year-old sad bastard, listening to folk music, always caught in a floral dress. On an island by the river, I met a sporty young drummer named Seth. He was wearing a Pearl Jam T-shirt. I had hardly heard of Pearl Jam at the time. After a few months, I fell in love with his music. He showed me the genres of Grunge, Classic Rock, New Wave, and so much more. He plays with the righteous strength of Dave Grohl and the smooth sensibilities of Ray Manzarek. A few years into playing together, the genres started to melt into something I wasn’t familiar with, but welcomed just the same.
In 2015 I met a lover who brought me into the world of boutique amplifiers and pedals. He wore his curly hair greased back, light-washed denim jeans, perpetual flannel shirt. I always thought he looked like Robert Plant. The kind of man who would ruin my life and simultaneously make our music better. The band slowly became more and more rock n’ roll and Lavender Daughter became a new creature.
Pulling ourselves together in the Covid-19 aftermath and canceling huge tours and grand plans for the sake of safety was not an easy call to make.
This year, we take on our third record, the largest project we’ve ever birthed. This year, I came out as trans. This year is significant. This year is hopeful. I am endlessly thankful for Seth’s understanding and support of my transition. And as I have abandoned the floral dress, my gender, and the acoustic guitar, I will always be a sad bastard. Lavender Daughter’s new record will be released in 2023.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being in a band for 10 years has its challenges, for sure. I remember there were times when Seth and I really got on each other’s nerves. There have been ex-members who pulled some wild sh*t. We’ve all had our own battles with addiction and mental illness. The reason we are still together is that Seth has shown such immense patience and unconditional support. He really is the glue that holds it all together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I find the most pride in being a band of queer folks. Being gay is a sacred gift and the music is our homage to that gift. Our agenda as a band is to reach out to fellow queers and trans folk by not only bearing our struggles and weakness as a Medal of Honor, but showing the world that gay and trans folks are not defined by our trauma. We are more than what has been thrust upon us. It feels powerful to be currently making our third record with some of our absolutely closest friends. For those likeminded and We write about themes of gender dysphoria, coming into queerness, and the loss of god.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
There is a book by Carrie Brownstein called Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl. I’ve read it several times. It lit an absolute fire under my *ss to be playing music in what was formally known as a “boy’s club.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lavenderdaughter
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Nav8ku1TRd95Ov8EfSAVs?si=536eDf5nQoeyU91yZocK-A
Image Credits
Jennifer Guenther Photography
