Lolo Zouaï Talks Crying in the Carwash EP and Independent Artistry

Singer-songwriter Lolo Zouaï released her latest EP, Crying in the Carwash, on Dec. 6, featuring five tracks that pay homage to her musical roots and demonstrate her growth and evolution as an artist.

Crying in the Carwash captures the spirit of Lolo's reflective and dynamic songwriting, delving into themes of love, self-discovery and personal experiences. Her hypnotic R&B vocals, combined with the infectious beats and production, create a captivating listening experience that keeps fans engaged throughout.

(Photo Credit: Danica Robinson)

Under her new independent label, Keep It on the Lolo, she has the freedom to explore even more of her creative vision. This project is a testament to her sonic experimentation and showcases her ability to push boundaries while staying true to her musical identity.

During an interview with Sweety High, Lolo Zouaï shared the inspiration behind Crying in the Carwash and provided insight into her process and the challenges she encountered while bringing the EP to life.

Sweety High: What was the inspiration behind the title and the overall theme of the EP?

Lolo Zouaï: I lived in LA for two years, and California doesn't often have much rain. I had a car—a cute little Tesla with pink flames that I called Miss Puff. But I remember feeling really unhappy living in Los Angeles and missing my life in New York, where it rains a lot. The weather in New York can create a moody atmosphere, and when it's sunny in LA, you don't feel bad even if you're feeling sad. So, sometimes when I was a bad mood, I would go to the car wash, and that's where the idea for the concept came to me. I thought "Crying in the Carwash" would be a fun name with some humor and alliteration. I often start my songs with titles, so that's what happened with that song.

At the time, I was making music with Oscar. I met him at the end of last year, and the first song we made together was "Ice Cube." Oscar is from the United Kingdom, so we incorporated some drum and bass elements into a couple of songs. Then, I realized that there was this moody and alluring feel to the music I had been making. It all fits into this blend of R&B pop and raw emotion. The songs are also really catchy. Overall, it was a great collaboration. I also think that this EP is the first project that I've made that has the theme of love, which I've never really done.

(Photo credit: Danica Robinson)

 

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SH: Can you give us some insight into the creative process behind each song and how they came together to form this cohesive project? Were there any particular challenges or breakthrough moments during the creation of the EP?

LZ: The EP started when I was in the studio with Oscar in LA. We were having fun and experimenting with different sounds. One of the songs we created was "Encore," which felt like it needed to be released immediately. It had the energy I had been wanting to bring back, similar to my previous songs like "Challenge" or "Caffeine." After making "Encore," I felt like I was back in my independent bag, and I got really excited about finishing a small project with Oscar before working on my next album.

 

SH: It sounds like "Encore" was a significant turning point for you. From the EP, do you have a favorite song?

LZ: Oh, it's hard to choose! I absolutely love "Encore," of course. But I also have a special attachment to "Ice Cube." It feels like a song that is perfectly accomplished, both sonically and in terms of the mix.

 

SH: That's fantastic. Now, looking at the tracklist of your EP, did you intentionally arrange the songs in a specific order?

LZ: Yes, the order of the songs was deliberate. I wanted to tell a story.

The first song, "Crying in the Carwash," is about feeling sad without giving a specific reason, keeping it vague. Then, "How to Love" represents my desire to learn how to be in a relationship but acknowledging that I need help. "Ice Cube" is the catharsis of letting go of control. "Lava Lamp" portrays the phase in a relationship where things start to die down. And, finally, "Encore" signifies the beginning of the cycle again, and I embrace mischief. It's a play on words because "Encore" can mean wanting more but also symbolizes the start of a new cycle.

 

SH: I see what you did there. It's fascinating how you've structured your EP to tell a story. There are different layers to your artistry. Can you speak more about that?

LZ: Thank you! I believe my artistry is ever-evolving, and it won't stop here. Some people fall in love with a specific song and want me to make more music like that. But as an artist, I have to do what feels right and authentic to me. I can't always recreate the same sound. It's an ongoing journey of self-expression and growth.

 

Also read about: Penelope Scott Reveals the Philosophy and Story Behind Her Mysteries for Rats EP

 

SH: Your music has resonated with audiences worldwide. How does it feel to have such a profound connection with your listeners? And what impact do you hope to make with your music?

LZ: Thank you for acknowledging that. Sometimes, I forget that people are listening to my music and connecting with it until someone approaches me on the street or at an event and tells me how much a particular song has helped them. Just yesterday, at a holiday party, someone mentioned how "Crying in the Carwash" has been a source of support during a difficult time. Those moments truly touch me because that's what my music is for.

In terms of impact, I want my music to simultaneously show vulnerability and confidence. I want to demonstrate that it's possible to be all those things and still be good. My goal is to make people feel comfortable being themselves and to challenge the idea that we have to fit into a specific box. As an artist, I've struggled with labeling or branding myself as one thing because I'm diverse in my cultures, style and taste. I want to show that it's okay to be authentic and embrace who you are. I believe that's why people connect with my music—they feel that authenticity.

 

SH: You have a lot of creative control over your music. How do you approach the songwriting and producing?

LZ: Yeah, even when I was signed, I had just as much creative control, which was great. Now, it's like I have control of all aspects of my career like promoting and all of that.

I go into the studio with an idea or a feeling and start with the mood and the production. Once the production is figured out, I lay down melodies because I have endless ones in my head. Freestyling is so fun for me. After I put together those melodies, I try to find lyrics that relate to my title.

For instance, with "Lava Lamp," I was in the studio with Oscar, and he has a couple of lava lamps in his studio. I was staring at it, and I thought, "What kind of song can I make out of the title 'Lava Lamp?'" And then I realized that relationships kind of move like a lava lamp and that I could make it a metaphor for a relationship.

(Photo credit: Danica Robinson)

 

SH: How do you feel this EP showcases your growth and artistic development compared to your previous releases?

LZ: It shows growth as a human because I'm talking about love, which I've always feared, and my curiosity through different sounds and productions. I feel like "How to Love" is very mature. I love challenging myself with making a bridge and having a song modulate, which is what we did at the end of "How to Love."

I think I'll be growing more and more through every project.

 

SH: Do you have a favorite project from your discography?

LZ: High Highs to Low Lows will always be my favorite because it reminds me of the hunger that I have. Every artist's first album is usually the most emotional and sincere. But because I'm independent again, I'm going back into that mindset.

My New Year's resolution is to just be even more sincere in my music and my social media. To be real, and get to the core of who I am. I feel like I did that in my first album, but so much happened with the pandemic. I'm coming back to myself as a person and as an artist.

(Photo credit: Danica Robinson)

 

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SH: What are your goals and aspirations for the future? Are there any specific milestones or achievements that you're working towards right now?

LZ: Yeah, so I touched upon that in the previous question. I'm working on a French project that I've been wanting to make for a long time. My goal is to tap into France and French territories because I have such a strong fanbase there. I want to make music in French for them, for myself and for my family. I'm also working on new music and want to tap into my R&B side.

I would love to write with other female artists. I really would love to write with Chlöe. She's so innovative in a lot of her songs, and I think that would be so fun. I also love Jhené Aiko, Kehlani and so many other incredible artists. Collaborating with someone I connect to or relate to is really exciting. I collaborated a lot this year, which I had never done before. It was a part of letting go and realizing I have an amazing community of artists around me who want to make music together.

 

SH: That's something that we're all looking forward to! Is there anything else you would like to add or highlight about this new era or your journey as a musician that we haven't touched on?

LZ: Stay tuned because I'm not going to take as many breaks. I'm really excited to be putting out music and doing what I want. We'll see where next year takes me. I feel free and excited.

I don't have another tour planned. I might have some shows overseas happening next year and maybe some festivals. Nothing I can announce yet! I want to make as much music as I can this winter. I love the winter in New York. I thrive in winter, baby.

 

SH: Oh, really? I love going into hibernation mode.

LZ: Yeah, hibernating is amazing! I can hibernate in my house and have a producer come over, and we can make music at my house. I'm trying to do that and just hang out with my cat and watch TV. That's my world.

 

Curious about our other favorite stars? Read HERE to learn more about Sydney Rose and the coming-of-age-story behind her debut album, One Sided.