Get to know: Lola Flores

Lola began her journey as a DJ after her college years. As she delved into all aspects of nightlife, she discovered her "tribe" and sound. Growing up in a musically diverse household, she was exposed to various genres and styles from a young age. Her mother's obsession with Motown sparked her curiosity and passion for exploring different sounds.

This background made her realize the power of music to bring people together and create unforgettable moments. It also taught her the importance of understanding and connecting with people, something she considers fundamental in every set she plays, where she sees herself engaging in a dialogue with the audience, feeding off their energy.

Lola also spoke about how she creates and maintains a connection with her audience during her sets. She considers it essential to read the crowd's energy and choose tracks that resonate with them.

“Creating and maintaining a connection with my audience is so important to me! I start by reading the crowd and choosing tracks that resonate with the energy. I make eye contact, use hand gestures, and smile to engage with them. She shares.

The audience response is everything to her; it’s an instant feedback loop that makes her go all out on every presentation.

Seeing the crowd dancing, cheering, and enjoying themselves fuels my energy and creativity, making each set a unique experience”.

One of the most memorable moments for Lola occurred at a festival where the crowd's energy was initially low due to bad weather. She decided to switch things up by incorporating more energetic tracks and some classics.

“The shift in the crowd's energy was crazy; they started dancing and cheering despite the rain. This experience shows the importance of being flexible to the audience. Unfortunately, I do think some DJs at major events can get lost in their world and forget to consider the audience’s vibe. It's essential to remember that we're there to create an experience for them”.

As for her sound, Lola describes it as a blend of minimal, tech house, and classic house. She enjoys creating a journey that combines groovy basslines with funky percussions.

“For a track to make it into my sets, it must have a strong emotional impact and a groovy vibe that stands out. It should also have a good balance between rhythm and melody, keeping the energy flowing”.

Lola also shared some of the biggest challenges she has faced in the industry, such as standing out in a saturated market. To overcome these, she has focused on perseverance and staying true to her artistic vision.

“Networking and building genuine relationships within the industry have also been crucial. Another challenge is the constant evolution of technology and trends. Staying motivated and continuously learning new skills, whether it’s production techniques or live performance, helps me stay relevant and innovative”.

For Lola, motivation comes from her love of music and the joy of sharing it with others. She sets personal goals, seeks inspiration from various sources, and regularly attends other artists' sets.

Exploring new genres and traveling also provide her with fresh perspectives and ideas. For her, growth is about being open to change, embracing new technologies, and continually challenging herself to push boundaries.

“Artists I’m obsessed with outside of electronic music are Janet Jackson, Aaliyah & Diana Ross they have profoundly influenced my approach to music. Their ability to blend and create immersive, emotional experiences is something I also strive for in my sets. Additionally, mentors within the electronic scene, like Benny Rodrigues, Waff, Reelow, Sirus Hood & Manda Moor have been instrumental in my development. Their passion, professionalism, and dedication to their craft inspire so much to keep improving and evolving”.

When preparing a set, Lola follows a creative process that mixes research and intuition.

“I start by considering the venue, the type of event, and the audience. I curate a playlist of tracks that fit the overall vibe I want to create. During the set, I remain flexible in my energy level, reading the crowd’s energy and adjusting accordingly”.

A pivotal moment in her career was her first performance at the Tomorrowland Festival.

“It pushed me to even work harder to refine my DJ skills and think more creatively about my sets. This experience also opened doors to new collaborations and gigs, significantly shaping my journey as a DJ”.

Lola has several exciting projects in the pipeline. She is working on new original tracks and remixes, aiming to release an EP by the end of the year.

“I'm working on my production side with some new original tracks and remixes, aiming to release an EP by the end of the year. The future holds a lot of exciting opportunities, and I can’t wait to share them!”