- Words Ryan Cahill
Actress and musician Lola Kirke talks us through death and dreams in our latest Internet Crush feature.
You might recognise Lola Kirke from her performances in the hit flicks Gone Girl and Untogether, but believe it or not, she’s just as active behind a bass guitar as she is on a film set. In fact, she’s rapidly making a name for herself in the music biz, helped by her spellbinding album, Heart Head West, which she dropped last year to critical acclaim.
Born in London and moving to New York at the age of 5, she’s always been surrounded by creatively stimulated people; especially when it comes to music making. Her father served as a drummer for the bands Bad Company and Free, while her mother is a designer with her own boutique. As for her sisters, Domino is also a musician who has toured with Lily Allen and recorded an EP with Mark Ronson while Jemima is an actress famed for her roles in Girls and Maniac.
Next month (May 18th), she’s coming back to her birthplace for a headline performance at Omeara, where she’ll finally give her UK fans the chance to soak up Heart Head West in the flesh – and we’ll be ready and waiting for it. Make sure to pick up your tickets while you can.
"Lights On" by Lola Kirke
Do you remember your dreams? Tell us about a recent dream you’ve had…
Most of them are sad and stressful and really not that interesting! Thank god my waking life is nice!
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death?
Getting lost in the desert, stoned without water in July. Good times.
Tell us, what is your first memory of music?
The guitar solo of Led Zeppelin’s “Since I Been Loving You” woke me up from a nap in the back of my parents car when I was really young. I was like WHAT IS HAPPENING WHERE ARE THEY LETS FIND THEM!
What’s your star sign? (and are you a typical *whatever your sign is*?)
Ugh yes. I’m a Libra (with a Gemini rising and a Capricorn moon—you can thank living in the city of Los Angeles for that) and I’m told I devastatingly fit the bill.
When was the first time you had your heart broken? (who by? how did it feel? what did you do?)
The first time was on the playground in pre-school. We were both 3. He was Italian and his name was Alberto and he was my boyfriend and he had the gaul to make out with another girl right in front of me. Honestly I’m impressed by how advanced he was. But I saw it cried like he was the father of my children or something.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Jack Black. Or maybe Jon Bon Jovi.
Tell us one thing nobody / not many people know about you.
Honestly nothing comes to mind…
What would your biography be called?
“It Was Sad But At Least It Was Fun!”
What was the first song you ever wrote?
It was called “Crazy Like A Daisy.” I was 7 and I recorded it on to a Yak Bak.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be where your feet are.
"Monster" by Lola Kirke
What has been your biggest achievement?
Changing behaviours that don’t serve me.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
The Dude from the Big Lebowski. Persistence, magnet for weirdos, hair.
How was High School?
At the time it was fun but also horrific but in retrospect completely unmanageable.
Who is the most famous person in your DMs?
Debra Winger!
Describe your own personal idea of hell…
Having to pee but not being able to… IE, UTI or being perpetually hungover.
What’s a lie you’ve told and what was the fall out?
Too many but i try not to any more!
Which super power would you most like to have, and why?
Patience.
What is one album that totally changed your life?
Hejira by Joni Mitchell.
When was the last time you cried and why?
Friday. I accidentally found myself in a city that reminded me of someone I love who passed.
Where/what will you be doing at the end of the world?
Dying! I don’t want to brave an apocalypse! Heaven sounds way better!