Q&A: Lola Wild on “Jump the Gun,” Impulsivity, Nostalgia, and the Art of Letting Go
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANIELLE HOLIAN ☆
LOLA WILD DOESN’T JUST WRITE SONGS—she crafts cinematic soundscapes, rich with emotion, nostalgia, and an edge of impulsivity that makes her music feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. With her latest track, "Jump the Gun," she delves into the restless energy of instinctive actions, regret, and self-reflection, capturing the duality of impulse and introspection with striking honesty.
There’s a rawness in Wild’s storytelling that resonates like a late-night conversation with a close friend—one moment exhilarating, the next drenched in wistful contemplation. "Jump the Gun" embodies this push and pull, marrying heart-on-sleeve lyricism with a shimmering ‘80s-inspired soundscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern. It’s a sonic paradox—urgent yet dreamy, nostalgic yet forward-thinking, intimate yet grand.
Raised on a diet of Fleetwood Mac’s storytelling, Blondie’s punk-pop energy, and the atmospheric drama of Roy Orbison, Wild’s influences shine through in her work, not as mere echoes of the past but as foundational elements she weaves into her own unique tapestry. Her upcoming EP, Lost Signal, continues this exploration, embracing a sense of searching—whether for clarity, connection, or meaning amidst life’s static.
Wild's creative vision extends beyond music. Deeply inspired by film, literature, and fashion, she channels the suspenseful tension of Hitchcock, the dark romanticism of Oscar Wilde, and the surreal dreamscapes of David Lynch into her artistry. Even her love of vintage fashion informs her aesthetic, each element contributing to the distinct world she builds within her music.
Working on “Jump the Gun” alongside producer Jim Wallis, known for his work with Still Corners and Modern Nature, Wild found the perfect collaborator to bring her sonic vision to life. Recording at London’s legendary Strongroom Studios, a place brimming with musical history, added an extra layer of magic to the track. The result? A song that feels like a moment suspended in time—reckless yet reflective, wistful yet electrifying.
As Wild looks ahead to 2025, she’s gearing up for an exciting year filled with live performances, collaborations, and the long-awaited journey toward her debut album. If Lost Signal is a glimpse into her evolving artistry, then we’re in for an exhilarating ride.
In conversation with The Luna Collective, Lola Wild opens up about the inspiration behind "Jump the Gun," the making of her EP, and the creative forces that shape her world.
LUNA: “Jump the Gun” feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Can you share what inspired the song and the emotions you were channeling while writing it?
LOLA: It reflects that impulsive behavior in relationships, both with people and more often, with myself. Rushing into decisions without thinking things through, not being able to fully express how you feel. But I also wanted to capture that duality - that instinctive urge to act without thinking and the internal dialogue that follows, where you start reflecting, questioning, and trying to make sense of it all.
LUNA: Your lyrics explore themes of love, regret, and impulsivity. Do you find songwriting to be a cathartic process for you?
LOLA: Oh yeah, definitely. It's a classic cliche but writing songs is how I make sense of things when I’m unable to articulate how I’m feeling—a bit like having a little chat with myself but with a melody. Sometimes I don’t even realise how I feel about something until I’ve written it down or sung it out. Love, regret, all that messy stuff—it just sort of spills out, and before I know it, there’s a song. It’s not always deep and serious though; sometimes it’s just a way to let things go and have a bit of fun.
LUNA: The track carries a strong ‘80s influence while still feeling fresh and modern. What drew you to this particular sound, and how did you balance nostalgia with contemporary elements?
LOLA: I’ve always loved the energy of ‘80s music—the big hooks, the drama, the aesthetic, the way it just makes you feel something and almost imagine a vivid colour or shape. There’s a real magic in how those records were made, and I think that sound just naturally creeps into what I do. But at the same time, I never want it to feel like I’m just recreating something from the past. It’s more about taking that spirit and blending it with what feels right now, whether that’s through production, lyrics, or just the way we play it. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but mostly, I just go with what sounds good and feels right at the time
LUNA: You worked with Jim Wallis on this track, who’s known for his work with Still Corners and Modern Nature. What was the collaboration like, and how did he help shape the song’s atmosphere?
LOLA: Working with Jim was class—he’s got such a good ear for atmosphere and texture. I always turn up with these proper messy, all-over-the-place Logic files of these demos I had produced, half expecting him to be baffled by the chaos, but he seems to see the vision right away and is always up for the challenge, which makes the whole process feel really natural. He’s great at knowing when to strip things back and when to lean into the mood of a song, which meant we could find that perfect balance between space and intensity.
LUNA: Strongroom Studios has such a rich musical history. How did recording there influence the sound and feel of “Jump the Gun?”
LOLA: Recording at Strongroom was a proper treat. There’s just something about being in a place with that much history, you can’t help but soak up a bit of the energy. Its got this mad mix of creative chaos and warmth, which suited the track perfectly. Plus, knowing so many amazing records have been made there gives you a bit of a buzz.
LUNA: “Jump the Gun” gives us a glimpse of your forthcoming EP, ‘Lost Signal. What can listeners expect from the full project?
LOLA: Lost Signal is a bit of a mixed bag sonically, but still carries an underlying theme. It weaves a tapestry of different influences, from folk, to alternative indie and synth pop. Lyrically and aesthetically there is a real sense of searching throughout the whole EP, trying to find clarity in all the noise, whether that’s outside interference or just the chaos in your own head.
LUNA: Is there a particular story or concept tying the EP together?
LOLA: The title itself kind of sums it up—this feeling of isolation, of voices trying to reach each other but never quite connecting. It’s that melancholy of chasing something familiar, only to be met with static. Sonically, it’s got that nostalgic, cinematic feel, but each track has its own space, shifting between intimate moments and bigger, more atmospheric sounds.
LUNA: How does “Jump the Gun” fit within the overall narrative or sonic landscape of Lost Signal?
LOLA: “Jump the Gun” sits right at the heart of Lost Signal, both in sound and in what it’s about. The whole EP is tied to this idea of searching for clarity, whether that’s misunderstandings, regrets, or just that feeling of being slightly out of sync with everything around you. “Jump the Gun” taps into that impulsive side of it, acting before you’ve had time to think, then dealing with the fallout. It’s a bit restless, a bit dreamy, like reaching for something you’re not sure you can ever quite hold onto, which pretty much sums up the whole record.
LUNA: If you had to describe “Lost Signal” in three words, what would they be?
LOLA: Camp, cinematic and nostalgic.
LUNA: Your vocal delivery has drawn comparisons to legends like Roy Orbison and David Bowie. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
LOLA: Roy Orbison and Bowie are proper icons. As for my influences, there’s a real mix of classic and modern artists that have shaped what I do. I’ve listened to a lot of classic ‘50s and ‘60s artists like Connie Francis and The Beatles. Fleetwood Mac’s storytelling and that dreamy, atmospheric vibe has always stuck with me too. I’m also a big fan of PJ Harvey for her raw energy, and Blondie’s mix of punk and pop definitely inspired me. Nina Simone’s voice is just so powerful, and Billie Holiday has this beautiful, heartbreaking way of singing that really connects with me. It’s all these voices and styles mashed together really. Honestly, though, the list is forever changing and growing as time goes on!
LUNA: What do you hope listeners take away from “Jump the Gun?”
LOLA: I really hope “Jump the Gun” helps people feel like they’re not alone with the type of treacherous thoughts I tackle on a daily basis—the ones where you act impulsively, even when you know there might be consequences. It’s about those raw, messy moments we all have, and I think if listeners can hear it and go, "I’ve felt that too," then that’s a win. We're all just trying to make sense of our instincts, and sometimes it’s nice to know someone else gets it.
LUNA: Beyond music, are there any other art forms—film, fashion, or literature—that influence your aesthetic and storytelling?
LOLA: Oh, absolutely! I draw a lot of inspiration from all sorts of art beyond music. Alfred Hitchcock’s films have always stuck with me, once you look past the blatant misogyny of course—his knack for building suspense and creating an atmosphere is something otherworldly. There’s something about the dark, twisted side of his stories that I just love. Oscar Wilde’s writing is another big influence. Also David Lynch—his surreal, dreamlike worlds pull you in and make you think. He has this way of challenging what we think of as "normal," and I think that kind of boundary-pushing is something I try to channel in my work too. I’m also a big fashion historian too. I’ve been collecting and researching fashion from the 1920s to the 1980s since I left college—there’s something about that bold, rebellious spirit that happened in those 60 years that I love. Modern designers like Vivienne Westwood and Mugler definitely influence me too. Westwood’s punk aesthetic and how she challenges norms, while Mugler’s designs have this powerful, sculptural vibe that feels timeless to me.
LUNA: You’ve been honing your craft for years now—what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way?
LOLA: If I had to pick the biggest one, it’s probably that nothing ever goes to plan and that’s actually a good thing. You can’t force creativity, and if you try, you’ll end up with a lot of frustration. I’ve also learned to embrace the messy bits...those “Oops, didn’t see that coming” moments can sometimes turn into the best parts of a song or even your career. And if you make a mistake, just blame it on being “experimental” and move on.
LUNA: Looking forward, what are you most excited about for 2025?
LOLA: There’s a lot on the horizon I'm pretty stoked about. I’m hoping to get out there and play more live gigs, maybe even a little UK tour. I’m also looking forward to playing some festivals, which is always wholesome. Along with that, I’m keen to dive into more collaborations, work with other creatives, and see where that takes the sound. If I’m honest, what I’m most excited about is working towards my first album. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m ready to pour everything into it. So, yeah, it’s going to be a busy, exciting year!
