7 Untold Secrets Of Lola Young's Journey Before 'Messy' Made Her A Viral Sensation
The journey to becoming a globally recognized artist is rarely an overnight success story, and for South London's own Lola Young, her ascent was a slow-burn masterclass in dedication. While many new fans discovered her raw, soulful voice and mature songwriting through the mega-viral hit "Messy" or her haunting 2021 John Lewis Christmas advert cover, the foundation for her success was laid years earlier through relentless gigging, competitive wins, and a deep family connection to music. As of December 22, 2025, Young continues to evolve, but understanding her formative years is crucial to appreciating the depth of her artistry, which includes her recent critically acclaimed albums, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely (2023) and This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway (2024).
Before the major record deals and sold-out tours, Lola Young was a young musician honing her craft in the competitive landscape of Southeast London. Her pre-fame life reveals a driven artist who was writing songs before she was a teenager and navigating the industry long before TikTok turned her into a household name. This is the untold story of the talent, grit, and pivotal moments that shaped the artist we know today.
Lola Young: Complete Early Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Lola Emily Mary Young
- Born: 4 January 2001
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 24
- Hometown/Origin: Born in Croydon, raised in South London (Southeast London)
- Nationality: British (English)
- Genre: Soul, R&B, Pop, Singer-Songwriter
- Key Early Influence: Joni Mitchell, Prince, Alanis Morissette
- Family Background: Father was a professional bass player; mother constantly played music in the household
- Early Education: Attended the prestigious BRIT School in Croydon
- Pivotal Early Win: Winner of the Open Mic UK competition in 2016 (at age 15)
- Record Label Signing: Signed to Island Records at age 18
- Debut Album/EP (Pre-Fame): Intro
The Formative Years: From Croydon to The BRIT School
Lola Young’s artistic life started almost as soon as she could speak. She was born in Croydon and grew up immersed in music in Southeast London, a vibrant cultural hub that would shape her raw, honest songwriting style.
Her household was a constant source of musical education. Her mother ensured the sounds of legends like Joni Mitchell, Prince, and Alanis Morissette filled the air, providing a rich sonic palette. Crucially, her father was a professional bass player, giving her a direct link to the dedication and discipline required for a music career. This environment instilled an early passion, leading her to begin learning instruments at the age of six and writing her first songs by age eleven.
A significant step on her path was her enrollment at The BRIT School. This famous performing arts and technology college, which boasts alumni like Adele and Amy Winehouse, provided a structured environment for her to develop her skills. However, Young has since noted that while the school was helpful, true success is about the work ethic, stating, "You don't need to go to the BRIT School to be successful." This reflects her belief that her 'before fame' period was a result of intense training and practice, not just institutional support.
Secret #1: Winning a Major Competition at Age 15
One of the most defining moments of her pre-fame career came in 2016 when she was just 15 years old. Lola Young entered and won the national Open Mic UK competition. This victory was a massive validation of her talent, thrusting her into the spotlight at a young age and providing crucial exposure. The win proved that her combination of smoky vocals and mature songwriting was ready for a wider audience, long before social media became her primary platform.
The Grind: Gigging, Signing, and Early Releases
Winning a competition is one thing, but establishing a career requires consistent effort. Lola Young spent several years gigging relentlessly around London, performing in small venues and building her stage presence. This period of 'slow burn' development is what she credits for her authentic artistry, emphasizing that she had to "train massively" to reach her current level.
Secret #2: The Island Records Deal at 18
The hard work paid off when, at the age of 18, Lola Young was signed to Island Records. This was a monumental achievement, placing her on the roster of a major label known for nurturing legendary artists. The signing demonstrated that industry heavyweights recognized her potential based on her raw talent and years of gigging, not just a viral moment.
Secret #3: The Forgotten Debut Album, Intro
Before the EPs and singles that gained widespread attention, Young released her debut project, the album Intro. While not a chart-topper, this early work is a vital piece of her discography, showcasing her initial explorations into the soul, R&B, and pop blend that would define her later sound. For dedicated fans, Intro is the blueprint, revealing a writer already grappling with complex themes and emotional depth.
Secret #4: A Multi-Instrumentalist From a Young Age
Lola Young is not just a singer; she is a multi-instrumentalist. She started learning instruments at age six, a foundational skill that informs her songwriting process. This deep understanding of musical structure allows her to be completely involved in the creation of her music, giving her topical authority and control over her unique sound.
The Breakthrough Moments That Weren't ‘Messy’
While "Messy" became her signature viral hit, two other key moments propelled her from an emerging artist to a recognized name. These moments were critical in bridging the gap between her pre-fame grind and her current stardom.
Secret #5: The John Lewis Christmas Advert Cover
In 2021, Lola Young was chosen to record the cover song for the prestigious John Lewis Christmas advert. Her rendition of "Together In Electric Dreams" by Giorgio Moroder and Philip Oakey introduced her voice to millions of UK households overnight. This high-profile placement was a massive career booster, providing a significant mainstream platform that many artists spend years trying to achieve.
Secret #6: The Slow-Burn TikTok Debut
While "Messy" was the explosion, her initial presence on TikTok was a slow-burn strategy. She had been using the platform to share her music and connect with fans long before any single track went viral. This consistent effort allowed her to build a dedicated online following, ensuring that when a track finally did take off, she had a ready-made audience to support her subsequent EPs and albums.
Secret #7: Early Songwriting Focus on Emotional Honesty
Even in her early material, Lola Young's songwriting was marked by a commitment to raw, unvarnished emotional honesty. She explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and complex relationships with a maturity that belies her age. This focus on genuine, relatable lyrics—a trait she likely inherited from her influences like Alanis Morissette—is the true secret to her lasting appeal, ensuring her career is built on substance rather than fleeting trends.
Lola Young’s journey before fame was a testament to the power of a musical upbringing in South London, the discipline of a professional education, and the sheer grit of years spent gigging. Her breakout success was not an accident but the inevitable result of a talent that had been meticulously trained and nurtured since childhood. Fans who delve into her early work, from her Open Mic UK win to her debut Intro, will find a rich, compelling narrative that proves she was always destined for the spotlight.
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