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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London based singer Eden Lole to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m Northampton born and bred and grew up with a wealth of influence from both my musician parents and grandparents. I always loved singing but classical piano was my first instrument, which soon turned into me singing and playing classic jazz standards.

I actually had aspirations for both competitive horse-riding and music, but it was only after I hurt my back that I cemented my sights firmly on the latter!

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I know everyone says this, but growing up it really was eclectic as my parents’ music taste couldn’t be more different! My dad loved AC/DC and my mum loved Kylie Minogue and Toploader haha! Then as I developed my own tastes I fell in love with classic Jazz and artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone but also modern artists like Amy and Alicia Keys.

Now as I’m older, I definitely am drawn to artists who also have an appreciation for old school Jazz, like Joy Crookes, Elli Ingram and Eloise. However I also take massive influence from Ady Suleimen, his story telling through his lyrics is incomparable, the way he phrases things rhythmically also blows my mind.

How would you describe your sound?
Gosh this is always really difficult, but I’d say, fun, sassy and playful with a hint of attitude! Definitely pop/soul with a bit of classic R&B in the mix.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My new single is called ‘Boys’ and was written about my frustrations when someone I was seeing couldn’t make up their mind. I was saying to them, if they weren’t ready to shout about me to the world, then I wasn’t going to turn down other people who wanted to get to know me!

What’s your local music scene like?
I live in North East London, so there’s SO much new upcoming, exciting artists wherever you go. There’s always a gig or jam night to go to every night you don’t even have to look for it. In particular, there’s a jam night on each month called MckNasty’s Fireball sessions in South London where all the best session musicians and singers go to. It’s such a high energy night where everyone is there to connect through this one mutual thing, incredible music, and it’s amazing.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
The next 12 months I’m releasing a few singles followed my debut EP. There’s also a bunch of gigs in the pipework I’m really excited for.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Ooo, it would have to be Ady Suleimen, for the same reasons I mentioned before!

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Omg! Once I was playing a show for Sofar Sounds in London, and for those who haven’t heard of Sofar they’re intimate shows where audience participation and interacting with the audience is their selling point. Anyway, a guy in the audience (who was actually on a first date with a young woman), basically slut shamed me for being in a friends with benefits situation (hun it’s 2021, we don’t slut shame women anymore). Anyway, I had to think fast on my feet and shut up him down on the spot with a banging come back, safe to say I don’t think his date was very impressed!!

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’ve been told I can be a bit intimidating before you meet me, so I’d want people to know I’m absolutely not scary AT all, couldn’t be more excitable and friendly with new people if I tried! So if they ever saw me in real life I’d want them to come say hi! haha.

You can find out more about Eden via Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter or YouTube.