South London singer Lola Young's candid hit "Messy" has recently topped the UK charts after a steady two-month climb, earning her a Brit Award nomination. With this breakthrough, it seems that this could be her year.
Young bursts into a car, chuckling uncontrollably while displaying her new set of gleaming gold dental grills.
I just had these grills put in, she explains once she regains her composure. But they're quite intense, so you're going to be stuck with this look today, and a slight lisp.
The screen freezes suddenly, showing her location in the US with interrupted reception.
Juggling global travel and high demand, yet still finding time to have solid gold teeth grills fitted, she's living the quintessential life of a pop star.
Her song became ubiquitous at the close of 2024 and finally hit the top spot on Friday.
At 24, Lola is the first current UK artist to reach number one since Chase and Status and Stormzy in August, the youngest since Dave in 2022, and the youngest British female to achieve this feat since Dua Lipa in 2017.
Her chart success came hot on the heels of her nomination for Best Pop Act at the Brit Awards.
The response has been incredible, seeing the love 'Messy' has garnered," says Young earlier in the week. "I adore the song – it's personal and vital to me. So, I'm thrilled that it's resonating so deeply.
Her hit was featured on her album "This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway," released last May.
The track gained momentum when US influencers Sofia Richie Grainge and Jake Shane shared a 14-second TikTok video of themselves dancing to its chorus. Young's song has now been used in 1.3 million videos on the platform, including clips of Kylie Jenner lip-syncing as a dog or an elderly woman vaping uproariously alongside the caption "94 and still messy."
Young emphasizes that the song's success is not solely owed to TikTok.
The song was already making waves before TikTok," she clarifies. "It found its stride through various avenues. TikTok is a great platform, but my music isn't tailored for it. I create music for myself and my fans. The Sofia Richie clip is just one example of its broad success.
The track's resonance extends beyond viral fame; its lyrics, addressing the struggle of never feeling enough for someone, have struck a chord with listeners. "I want to be me, isn't that allowed?" she questions in the song.
It connects with people because it delves into the idea of internal contradictions within oneself, Young explains.
The high-flying success of "Messy" brings a sense of accomplishment to Young, signaling a new phase in her career.
It feels like the right moment," the 24-year-old expresses. "It's been a journey, but it aligns with where I should be.
Many of Young's tracks, like "Messy," are monologues directed at an unseen, irrational partner.
Her songs often explore complex romantic dynamics, from the affectionate yet volatile relationship in Wish You Were Dead to feeling weak-kneed over a lukewarm lover's critique in Big Brown Eyes.
Young's raw and incisive lyrics leave little room for ambiguity about her song's themes.
When asked about the authenticity of the situations she sings about, she responds, They're pretty real, as genuine as it gets. I draw from my own experiences. They reflect my encounters and emotions.
Her unfiltered songwriting style distinguishes her from her peers as she shares her truths unabashedly.
I don't deliberate much. Music is where I can be brutally honest," she explains. "It never feels like a challenge or a soul-bearing act. I've always expressed myself freely through music.
Her album culminates with a candid spoken-word outro, affirming her journey towards self-acceptance and self-love while rejecting toxic relationships.
Managed by industry veterans who previously collaborated with Amy Winehouse and Adele, Young embodies a blend of vulnerability and resilience reminiscent of these artists.
Adding to her unique style are the conversational flair of Lily Allen and the modern pop sensibilities of Charli XCX.
Her rise coincides with the "Brat" era of Charli, representing empowered women who embrace their flaws and exude confidence. Young identifies with this sentiment.
There's a definite parallel, embracing empowerment and individuality," she notes. "I offer a slightly different angle, where it's like, 'I don't care, but I do'. That's what resonates with me the most.
As she gears up to release her upcoming album, Young promises a more profound exploration of diverse themes beyond love.
There's more to uncover," she reveals. "I have stories to share, experiences to delve into that go beyond love.
With "Messy" dominating the charts, Young's future looks promising, showcasing not just her music but also her sparkling personality.