Lou Lou de Rose, a gifted freestyle artist and passionate activist whose music is as therapeutic as it is socially conscious. Born into a Rastafarian household in Eastbourne, Lou Lou grew up immersed in the rhythms of reggae and the values of peace, love, and justice. Her life took a pivotal turn when she moved to South London at 14, deepening her relationship with music as a powerful outlet for healing and self-expression.
Lou Lou’s debut EP, LOUNUH, introduces listeners to a raw and soulful journey through love, light, pain, and passion. Her story as a young mother at 15 has shaped not only her personal growth but also the depth of her music, which draws on the earth’s seven vibrations to deliver profound messages of healing. This deeply personal EP, created over three transformative years, captures the essence of her journey, thoughts, and transitions. LOUNUH explores the intersectionality of human experience, much like the phases of the moon, which serve as a metaphor for the trials and growth Lou Lou has undergone. Each track reflects a distinct phase in her life, with every experience aligning to guide her to this moment. Lou Lou’s music encourages listeners to embrace their own phases, trusting the rhythm of life to carry them through transformation.
The EP delivers a soulful exploration of personal and emotional themes: "Mixed Emotions" dives into the complexities of feelings, setting the tone for the EP’s overarching themes. "Ultra Ultra" showcases Lou Lou’s freestyle skills as she reflects on life’s challenges and growth. "Bonnie and Clyde" is a bittersweet breakup anthem, expressing the heartache of ending a deep connection, while "Hush Little Baby" offers love and reassurance to her daughter. In "Paperchase," Lou Lou channels her hustle and ambition, drawing from her experience of leaving school and striving for success. Finally, "Toxic" unpacks the dynamics of turbulent relationships, exploring the interplay of masculine and feminine energies.
Beyond music, Lou Lou uses her platform to address social issues, fight for youth rights, and advocate for equal opportunities. Inspired by her daughter, she chose her artist name to represent beauty, resilience, and love—qualities that radiate through her work. Grounded in authenticity, Lou Lou speaks her truth and empowers others to do the same, embracing her role as a modern Nubian queen dedicated to justice and transformation.
In this interview, we dive into Lou Lou’s artistic journey, the inspirations behind her music, and her vision for change. Join us as we explore the story of a woman who seamlessly intertwines art, activism, and healing—leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.
Take us back do you recall the moment you told yourself I'm going to make this my career Describe that moment What made you pursue this career?
I used to go to a performing arts school and I was even about to get a scholarship but life had its own trials and tribulations Despite all that music was always in my life, my dad was a musician so I grew up surrounded by it. Even when things went off track everything just kept leading me back to my passion. Music was always there and it felt like no matter what I did I couldn’t escape it. That’s when I knew it was more than just a hobby It was my calling.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My style is raw and real I don’t overthink it. I freestyle everything because it lets me be fully present and honest with my emotions. I explore the intersections of being human the contradictions we all have I’m confident but I’m also shy I’m loud but I’m deep. My music is therapy for me and hopefully it’s a space for others to feel understood too.
What are you most passionate about What themes or concepts do you explore in your music?
I’m passionate about truth. My music digs deep into the experiences of being human, especially the parts people try to hide. Trauma healing identity self love chaos peace All of that lives in my music I want people to know it’s okay to be complex It’s okay to be messy That’s where the growth happens.
Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your work?
Lauryn Hill has always resonated with me She’s not afraid to talk about the hard stuff and challenge the status quo. The BLM movement also impacted me heavily It showed me the power of using my voice not just for myself but for my community.
If you had to title this chapter in your life what would it be?
This chapter would be called Becoming Lounuh I’m stepping into my fullest version of myself and really owning my path my light and my voice.
When was the last time you did something for the first time What did you learn from that experience?
The last time I did something for the first time was when I dropped my EP Lounuh It was my first time fully trusting myself as an artist and putting my work out into the world I learned that sometimes people see your light before you do and that's okay What matters is that you eventually see it too.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve been given is to trust the process I know it sounds cliche but nothing happens overnight. You’ve got to nurture your growth water the seeds and believe in your path even when it doesn’t make sense yet.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
I had to learn that not everyone is going to understand your vision and that’s okay I used to let that get to me but now I realize that the right people will vibe with you at the right time. You’ve got to be patient with yourself and your journey.
Has there ever been a time when you felt like giving up and starting a new path What keeps you focused?
Yeah there have been times when I questioned it all Life gets overwhelming especially when you’re trying to balance your dreams with real life struggles. But what keeps me going is knowing that my story isn’t just mine My daughter my community my experiences they all push me to keep going I don’t have the luxury of giving up.
What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you recently?
Releasing my EP Lounuh has been the most exciting thing so far It’s the first time I’ve felt like my art truly reflects who I am. Seeing people connect with it and knowing that it’s resonating out there in the world has been amazing.
In your opinion whom do you consider to be a visionary What about them do you admire most?
I’d say Lauryn Hill is a visionary. She was never afraid to be herself and she used her music to speak truth to power. What I admire most about her is that she’s unapologetic about her journey and she created art that lives on way beyond her time.
How do you show up for yourself What’s self-care look like for you?
Self care for me is music. Freestyling is how I work through my emotions and give myself permission to feel It’s also spending time with my daughter traveling when I can and being present in the moment. Self-care is knowing when to step back and just breathe.
The past years have been life-changing What's something new you've learned or discovered about yourself in the past 3 years How have you applied that to your work?
Over the past three years I’ve learned how resilient I am I’ve gone through a lot of challenges but I’ve come out stronger every time I’ve applied that resilience to my music It’s in the way I express myself and the way I keep pushing forward no matter what.
What was the inspiration for your new project Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the music?
Lounuh is inspired by the intersections of being human It’s about the chaos and the peace that coexist in all of us It’s a journey of self-discovery healing and owning who you are even when life is messy.
How does your new music compare to your previous releases?
This new music is way more authentic to who I am now I’ve grown and you can hear that in my lyrics and delivery It’s rawer more introspective and I’m not holding back I’m letting people see the real me.
Describe the creative process When did you know you had the final cut?
My creative process is all freestyle I don’t plan it I just let it flow. When I feel that release that sense of peace I know it’s the final cut It’s about trusting my instincts and not overthinking it.
What do you feel has been your biggest growth as an artist?
My biggest growth has been learning to trust myself and my voice I used to doubt whether people would resonate with what I had to say but now I know that my truth is valid and it’s powerful.
Following your dreams comes with many ups and downs What would you say is the hardest thing about following your dreams?
The hardest thing is staying focused when life throws curveballs It’s easy to get distracted or discouraged when things aren’t going as planned. But staying true to your purpose and knowing why you started in the first place is what keeps you grounded.
In your opinion what do you think is not fair about today's music industry?
I think the industry is more focused on commercial success than authenticity. There’s a lot of pressure to fit into a certain mold but real art doesn’t always work that way It takes time and it doesn’t always look like what’s trending.
How do you hope your music resonates with viewers or impacts the world?
I hope my music makes people feel seen and understood I want it to be a space where people can find healing and strength in their own stories I want to remind people that they can be everything loud quiet broken whole and that it’s all valid.
What's next for your career?
Next, I want to continue evolving as an artist I’m working on more music exploring new sounds and pushing myself to go deeper I’m excited to see where the journey takes me and what new layers I can uncover in my art.
Connent with Loulou De Rose
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