Lovelle On Accessing Emotions Through Music

From the unique sounds of South East London to accessing emotions through music, Gina Tonic chats to musician and model Lovelle about her new single ‘I Can’t Stop Thinking Bout U’, an emotional track on overcoming recent heartbreak, as well as her dream musical collaborations.

Your new track ‘I Can’t Stop Thinking Bout U’ is a really vulnerable song - much like your work on T.H.E.R.A.PY. - but readers may not know that you actually have a Level 1 qualification in Mental Health Awareness - do you think this qualification helps you with being able to express yourself?

I didn’t even realise you knew that lol. I have always been expressive, whether it has been via drawing, dancing, singing or through conversation. My emotional intelligence has always been quite high and I’m very in tune with myself and others. I’ve always found it super important to not withhold emotions. I studied psychology in college, done my Level 1 and 2 in mental health awareness and problems and will actually be moving onto study psychotherapy. I’d say my qualifications have definitely helped me understand the finer details.

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The music video is incredibly intimate, how did you feel while filming - was it triggering in any way to recreate a heartbreak on screen like that?

I was ready to tell my story. The whole process was very healing for me without realising. Once the video was done I felt like a weight had lifted. Kojey made the process extremely comfortable, we have beautiful chemistry and we both low key had a story to tell. I think when you have gone through something like heartbreak, no matter how far you’ve come you will always remember what that felt like.

I read that being from South East London affects your creativity massively, including your music. Do you think South East London has a specific sound?

London itself has a unique sound. I’m so passionate about where I'm from because the people I'm surrounded by are so talented. There are a lot of people who have come up who are dominating the world right now from where I’m from.

Your dad used to be a rapper - how has having a musician in the family influenced your own musical output?

My dad put me onto music. Our household listens to almost everything, we’re not stoosh when it comes to different genres, we’re so open to listening.

You’re a woman of many talents - charity work, modelling, content creation and more - how do you juggle a workload like this, especially one that requires so many different kinds of creativity?

I give it all to God because lord knows i cannot do it all myself. When I say that, I just ask for guidance and support. I also try not to worry about the things I can’t handle or control. I can only do so much and that’s all I’ll do, the rest is up to God.

Do you think being plus size affects how you move in the music industry and is it harder or easier than the fashion one?

I don’t think about it. There are so many people in our industry that look how they do and no ones saying I ain’t listening to them because I don’t like how they look, especially fans. Fans aren’t judging you like that. I don’t think anyways. I think we’ve moved away from this era if i’m honest. Sometimes labels might wanna change how you look but I don’t hear it as much and the modelling world can still be a bit funny when trying to get a look but If anyone has an issue or is making it hard for someone to do well due to size or race etc can fuck off.

Who are some of your dream musicians to work with?

Frank ocean, Kendrick, Sza, Sampha, Dave, Jorja, Sasha Keable, Kaytranada

What do you want people to walk away from the song feeling?

I want them to feel. Literally. I want them to access their emotions and feel this song and allow this song to hit a memory or take them to a place where they were like shit, this made me feel this inside. I tell stories and I want people to learn that about me. I’m sensitive so the shit I write will always be genuine and from a raw place.

Words: Gina Tonic