· Lucy Lerner · Reviews
LAOLU Unveils The Cathartic And Atmospheric ‘All In Me’
After nearly three years away from the musical limelight, South East London singer-songwriter and musician LAOLU returns with her latest single ‘All In Me’.
It is a personal journey as Laolu battled with depression and the pressures of the industry which in turn inspired her musically and gave her the confidence to return. Singing from a young age and graduating with a degree in Commerical Music Performance at Westminster University, Laolu always knew music was her career choice.
She has worked with Katy B and Little Simz, opened for British artists including Chip, Ghetts and Ms. Dynamite and collaborated with the likes of DJ and producer Blinkie (Major Lazer, Wretch 32, Lana Del Rey), as well as producer P2J (Stormzy, Tinie Tempah, Chris Brown) and singer-songwriter J Warner (Kojey Radical, SG Lewis).
‘All In Me’ is incredibly atmospheric with soaring strings, a driving beat, electronic textures and Laolu’s wistful, soulful vocals riding over the top.
Speaking about her new single Laolu says that, “it is based on a conversation I would have with depression if it were a person. Realising that I cannot give power to it and expect myself to move forward, it’s a conversation I have with myself also to try and let go and be free of all the darkness. Writing this song was one of the hardest things I have had to do, but it was also really cathartic for me.
My hardest years with depression were these last couple of years, and I stopped making music completely. I had days when you want to end your life but you’re not strong enough to do so, then you beat yourself up about not committing suicide – it’s very dark and can be the loneliest thing to go through. I lost friends and became distant from my family. I would often stay home, and just allow myself to let the darkness from depression engulf me”.