5 Q&A With LoLo Keys
Photo Credit: William John
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your "Not Worth It" and the story it tells?
It came up pretty organically. I was going through a difficult time with my day job - I work as an occupational therapist in the healthcare sector - and there were many tough situations going on with my patients. For obvious reasons I cannot disclose further, but the weight really began to build and I was taking this home with me. Those I love the most definitely took notice and I knew I needed to make some shifts in my routine and set boundaries - that's a lot about what the song is lyrically. The instrumentation came about differently - started off with a lick in the Wurlitzer I am lucky to use in our studio space Tin Can Alley. I added some drum ideas and piano.. then my bandmates added the magic! Ally Jedrzejek added ideas to backing vocals, William John added slide guitar and some lead guitar parts, and Gabriel Bruno laid down a beautiful bass line. It just came together really well. Finally, I added a horn arrangement for trumpet and tenor sax which felt like the perfect final touch. Shout out to James Martin and Mathieu LeBlonde for coming in to help with the horns!
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for this song?
Yeah - a breakthrough was when Ally sent back her backing vocals ideas through our Google Drive, it really took the song to the next level. A challenge was my best friend Alastair was set to play the trumpet part but he unfortunately had a bad accident (he is doing much better now!) which forced a change in recording the horns. Got it done though and thank you Mathieu for stepping in.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Not Worth It?"
A couple come to mind.. just being in this studio and sitting with Will at the mixer when the bed tracks were done. Just remember feeling incredibly thankful to have these guys with me helping on this project. Couldn't do it without them. Another moment was when our horn players came in and they wanted me to stay out and conduct them. Brought me back to my days in high school in jazz band. Was awesome!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
To be honest this is a bit of a complicated answer. I started off in jazz studies at Capilano University but made some changes in my studies and instead switched to pursue a career in occupational therapy which I am now very involved with full-time. But the passion for creating music has never left me and so I am busy with music across multiple projects such as this one but also amazing groups like Four Good Emperors and Feelin' Whiskey. Hoping to keep making music and hopefully others out there will get to enjoy the crazy ideas going in my head!
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a musician, and how did you overcome them?
It's funny you ask. I was just talking about this with Will. I think it can be easy to compare yourself to everyone else and focus on your weaknesses and discount your strengths. The music world is actually very supportive and collaborative if you let yourself open up and be okay with who you are and the strengths you have as a musician. I think finding yourself with the right people who provide unconditional support along with some accountability, it can make all the difference. I am very thankful I have that group around me as I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for them. I took a long hiatus from making music and these guys helped encourage me to get back into it and I'm so glad they did.
