Let’s face it: nostalgia is trendy, which makes this the perfect moment for lolitslea to shine. She’s a pro at enveloping her throwback influences from the 2010s into music for today’s scene. She dubs her special flavor of pop-rock “neon pop punk” as a nod to her predecessors who pioneered the genre, including Hey Monday, Forever The Sickest Kids, Cobra Starship, Metro Station, and more who embraced the poppier side of pop-punk. She is taking her favorite nostalgic elements from these artists and re-writing them into new music that sounds fresh for her fans in 2024.
The passion, heart-wrenchingly raw autobiographical lyrics, and contagious energy on lolitslea‘s upcoming album Nothing Lasts Forever is a breath of fresh air for a genre that needs new leaders to pave the way. On the other hand, we’d be remiss to celebrate her music without acknowledging her roots.
To help you find the lolitslea gateway track that resonates with you, idobi Radio teamed up with her to pick the song you should listen to depending on your favorite neon pop-punk band of the 2000s. She shared insights into how these songs inspired her sound and the significance behind these influences.
“Favorite Singer” — lolitslea
FFO: “Radio” — Hot Chelle Rae
It’s funny cause I love Hot Chelle Rae and their synthy pop, full band instrumentation, and catchy hooks, but this song comparison came after I had written and finished “Favorite Singer.” A good friend of mine said this song reminded her of mine, and I can see it from the tempo, bounciness, feel-good energy of the two! It was also heavily inspired by “He’s Just Not Me” by Artist Vs. Poet, who were also leaders of the neon pop-punk movement.
“Call It A Fling” — lolitslea
FFO: “Whoa Oh (Me Vs Everything)” — Forever The Sickest Kids
Speaking of pioneers for the neon pop punk subgenre, Forever The Sickest Kids knew how to make an addictive, singalongable tune. “WOAH’s” for days. Any chance to shout a gang vocal is a song worth singing. I use gang vocals in almost all my songs, and that is something that will never change. It’s too much fun!
“Like Yesterday” — lolitslea
FFO: “6 Months” — Hey Monday
I hadn’t thought to compare my music to Hey Monday, but then they started popping up alongside every neon pop-punk article that’s out there, and I’d be lying if I didn’t play “6 months” on loop in middle school. Emo ballads are my all-time favorites, and Cassadee Pope has continued to inspire me as an artist today, so this makes sense!
“I Guess I Like You Anyway (Glitch Gun Remix)” — lolitslea
FFO: “Starstrukk” — 3OH!3
I’m a sucker for the techno/scene 2008 era, especially the really crunchy, video game-like instrumentals spliced with punky vocals and real instruments. Being able to collaborate with Glitch Gum on an official remix for “I Guess I Like You Anyway” was awesome because we got to bring back some of that electro feel and mesh it with the new genre of hyperpop that you hear today.
“What’s That To You?” — lolitslea
FFO: “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” — Fall Out Boy
Even though it’s a more mainstream FOB song, nobody can deny how iconic it is. I started writing “What’s That To You?” with the “Am I more than you bargained for yet?” melody as inspiration. Fall Out Boy has always been able to seamlessly transition between pop and rock, and I love that.
If you’ve been thirsting for an artist who reminds you of your youth while remaining relatable in the present day, lolitslea is exactly who you’ve been waiting for. She honors the origins of her genre while leading the path for a new generation. Her debut full-length album comes out on October 11. She will be touring in the U.S. to support the release. Dates and info are available here.
