For Lost Girl, making music is more than therapy. It’s about “true art and self expression.” Since going viral on IG in 2017, Lost Girl’s been dropping soulful R&B tracks that speak to her audience in a way that feels insanely real, and her new era’s realer than ever.
With her next single “WILD” out today, we spoke to Lost Girl about her new era, finding herself as an artist, and more.
Your new track “Romeo” takes on an alternative narrative, following the rejection of romantic idealism. Did you write the track from a specific experience, or a more general perception of relationships?
“I’d say I wrote it from a certain viewpoint I held at a time in my life. Years ago I viewed love from a very toxic perspective, one that exposed my reluctance to form long lasting relationships because I thought I would hurt people or be hurt myself. “Save your tears for someone who cares” can sound very unsympathetic, rightly so because I was genuinely operating from a place of not caring about the damage I may cause.”
Your next project “EGO” is dropping soon too. Can you describe the story behind it?
“The project title “EGO” comes from me literally writing these songs from my Ego. Upon reflection, I realised I wasn’t communicating my true self in some of the lyrics, more so from the person I thought I was or the identity I created to protect myself. Hurt can change the way a person views themselves or the world and by default I became the monster I spent most of my life fighting against.”
You’ve been making music for a while, with a number of viral tracks under your belt. How would you say your approach to music has changed since you started out?
“My approach has changed greatly, it started as therapy but has now become true art and self expression. After years of feeling misunderstood and undervalued in the industry, I now feel like more than ever, I have something to prove. I’m now releasing music, putting my best foot forward, following my heart on what I think is great, not influenced by others’ opinions. I am Lost Girl and I know what Lost Girl sounds like.”
You’ve always had a really authentic relationship with your fans, posting candidly on social media. Why is that realness important to you?
“Because I’m just Jovanna. Still that young girl from Reading with a dream, still making mistakes and learning myself. I don’t see the point in pretending I have it all figured out. I’ll always be myself in hopes it gives someone else the courage to be themselves too. I’ll never sell a facade – it goes against the reason I started this which is to promote hope rather than perfection.”
There aren’t a ton of openly queer girls in the R&B music space rn. Have you faced any hurdles or struggles being out in the music industry?
“To say it shortly, yes. I’ve had industry experiences where they didn’t understand me wanting to cast a girl as my love interest instead of a man. “How does this translate to the masses”. I was writing songs about girls long before it was ‘cool’ to be sexually ambiguous online, facing criticism internally about how that would sell. But I’ve never cared, though. I’m not bisexual because it’s interesting, I’m bisexual because it’s who I am.”
To younger music artists who want to do what you do, what advice do you have to share?
“Make a bunch of crappy music until you find your style and your voice. Experiment, scrutinise, and fall in love with the process. Evoke feeling, be honest and bare your soul – and don’t let people’s opinions skew your view of how you express your experience of life. (Most of them don’t know what they are talking about lol).”
I love your personal style. Who/what inspires your sense of fashion the most?
“Thank you, and honestly no one. I have a very particular taste in fashion, that only I understand. Some things people might think I’d like, I don’t and sometimes I wear things way beyond what people expect. It’s just either my vibe or it’s not. It’s really hard to describe but I like things that make me feel confident, allow me to stand out or on some days make me feel comfortable.”
You recently hit up New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. Did any looks stand out to you this season?
“Yes. Kim Shui’s show was beautiful. I love every piece and the vibe that was embodied was so memorable to me. A mix of feminine and masculine, sharp tailoring, just the right amount of detail – it was truly a special experience. The hair and makeup matching the looks was also very inspiring.”
What do you think is the biggest misconception about you?
“I often feel judged in social situations because I find it hard to be my whole self on a first meeting. I’m a deep person with many layers and I don’t think it’s possible to truly know me without time or true submergence into my soul. As an empath, the most important thing to me is kindness and consideration of people, understanding their intricacies and acting according to what I pick up from their energy and personality. I often find that, in quite a surface level industry as music, I don’t know where I fit in.”
What do you think the music industry is lacking right now?
“True collaboration that’s not dependent on clout or crowd pleasing. I want to see artists work with others because they rate them rather than what they can do for them. Many new or independent artists are overlooked until the supporters make them mainstream and then all support from industry peers feels fake because they didn’t care before. To me, good music is good music regardless of how popular it is.”
Lastly, what’s one thing that’s on your bucket list this year?
“It’s quite simple but to do a headline show and tour the UK singing and meeting supporters. I feel it’s something I’ve been missing for years – true human connection. Also to walk in a fashion show or play a role in a show/film -I want to showcase the many facets of my brand as Lost Girl.”
