Lala Lala: The Intimate Sound of Bedroom Pop and Indie Rock

Lala Lala is the musical project of Chicago-based songwriter and guitarist Lillie West. The artist crafts a distinct blend of introspective bedroom pop and raw indie rock, characterized by candid lyricism and dynamic guitar work.

Early career

Lillie West began the Lala Lala project after moving from London to Chicago, initially using it as a personal outlet for songwriting. Early DIY recordings captured a lo-fi aesthetic, leading to the self-released album Sleepyhead in 2016, which established her confessional style within the city's vibrant indie scene.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived with the 2018 album The Lamb, released on the respected indie label Hardly Art. This record marked a significant evolution in production and thematic depth, earning critical praise for its exploration of vulnerability, sobriety, and personal trauma against a backdrop of grunge-influenced rock and polished indie pop.

Key tracks

Water Over Sex - This early single showcases the project's foundational lo-fi charm and West's knack for melodic, guitar-driven songwriting.

Destroyer - A standout from The Lamb, this track builds from a quiet reflection into a cathartic, noisy climax, defining the album's emotional intensity.

When You Die - This song exemplifies the mature indie rock sound of the 2021 album I Want The Door To Open, incorporating more experimental textures and collaborative energy.

The artistic journey continued with the 2021 album I Want The Door To Open, which expanded the Lala Lala sound into more collaborative and sonically adventurous territory. This record featured contributions from musicians like Sen Morimoto and highlighted a shift towards themes of community and existential searching.

Lala Lala's music shares a DIY ethos and lyrical intimacy with fellow artists like Snail Mail, who also navigates indie rock with personal narrative. The project's grunge-tinged moments connect with the heavier sound of Bully. For fans of textured, thoughtful indie pop, the work of Mitski offers a similar emotional resonance.

The music of Lala Lala fits seamlessly into the playlists of independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that champion emerging songwriters.

Listeners can discover the evolving discography of Lala Lala through the radio stations featured on onairium.com.