At just 19 years old, Lola Kinsey is already making waves in the music world, blending the raw energy of classic rock with the modern edge of pop in the heart of Texas. Her hometown of Wylie is the kind of place you dream of leaving but never truly want to, and Lola’s journey into music has been shaped by both her personal experiences and her desire to carve out something bigger. Her debut album, Come of Age, is a raw and heartfelt exploration of heartbreak, the challenges of family life, and the bittersweet reality of growing up.

Breaking out with her debut single “Pack It Up” on December 7, 2024, Lola’s soulful, captivating voice and all-too-relatable songwriting is quickly capturing fans. The track, co-written with her mom, represents Lola’s desire to leave home and start fresh, something she felt deeply at 17. She brings to life the moments that every teenager has grappled with, sprinkled in with her own unique story. Lola’s musical world was shaped by her small-town environment, which often left her feeling the urge to escape and explore new horizons. Though she loves her hometown, she dreams of “packing it up” and heading to the city, where she can expand her experiences and find new inspiration. This tension between small-town roots and big-city dreams fuels much of the emotion in her music. “I love Wylie, but I dream of the day I’ll ‘Pack it Up,’’ she reflects. “I don’t want to look back on the me I could have been. I’m going to take that jump.”

Lola’s love for music started at a young age. She was the type of kid who would sing along to her favorite songs in the car or the shower, not thinking much about it beyond the simple joy of music. As she got older, she realized her connection to music went beyond a hobby — it was a calling. After trying her hand at softball, volleyball, dance, and acting in her early years, Lola finally found her true passion in high school when she joined choir and theatre. “It went from a hobby in the shower and car to something I started to dream about doing long-term,” she recalls. “Once I found my voice, I didn’t want to pursue anything else.”

Her influences are equally diverse, with a special connection to the legends of classic rock. Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, and Fleetwood Mac are all artists whose storytelling and emotional depth have inspired her songwriting style. “I hope to put together a story as beautiful as Stevie’s when she writes her songs,” Lola says. At the same time, Lola is determined to modernize these influences, fusing them with pop sensibilities to reach a new generation of listeners. “I want to bring back classic rock with a modern twist,” she explains, aiming to merge the timeless energy of rock with the accessibility of today’s pop sound.

This blending of old and new is reflected in Lola’s debut album, which explores themes of heartbreak, growing up, and the complexities of family and relationships. Songs like “Pack It Up,” “Hold It Against Me,” and “Your Parents Don’t Like Me” dive into the universal experience of trying to find one’s identity and place in the world, whether it is through relationships or personal decisions.

Writing has always been a part of Lola’s creative process, and she credits her songwriting as the heart of her music. “I’m way more of a songwriter than a musician,” she admits, noting that while she’s still learning to master the guitar, lyrics have always been her focus. She often writes lyrics first, recording ideas on voice notes or in journals, and then collaborates with her producers: Joe Phillips (known for his work on The Barney Show) and Mike Manning (Demi Lovato). Her dad — a drummer who once played in local bands and toured with Toby Keith — also contributes to her sound by providing drums on her tracks. This fusion of personal history and artistic development is central to Lola’s music and reflects the authenticity she strives for in every song.

After high school, Lola made the bold decision to pursue music full-time instead of following the more traditional path of college choir. Confident that music was the only path that mattered to her, Lola has already found success on her own terms. The release of “Pack It Up” was a significant milestone, and the support from her local community has been overwhelming. 

Lola crashed into the music scene as a selected official SXSW 2025 showcase artist. There’s a special joy in performing for people who may not have come specifically to see her, but find themselves drawn in by her music. “There’s nothing like playing on an open-air stage like McCall Plaza,” she says. “These aren’t people who bought a ticket to see you — they just happen to be there, and when they pull out their phones to record you, it’s the best feeling.”

Lola’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Raised by her supportive non-biological father — whom she’s called “Dad” since she was three — Lola faced a life-altering moment as a teenager when she met her biological father for the first time, along with her four biological siblings. Discovering a shared musical connection with some of her siblings brought moments of light to an otherwise complex and emotional chapter of her life. 

Beyond uncovering family challenges, she endured the aftermath of a traumatic chemical burn, which exposed her to online bullying. Lola has also lived with Tourette syndrome, though it’s become such a natural part of who she is that it’s easy to forget. Over the years, her symptoms have significantly calmed, and she now experiences only mild tics. However, her journey with Tourette’s was far more challenging during childhood, particularly as it coincided with ADHD and OCD. Remarkably, like many with Tourette syndrome, Lola doesn’t tick when she sings or performs — a discovery that turned music into her sanctuary. Now, as her symptoms have eased with time, her resilience and connection to music shine even brighter, allowing her to share her authentic self with audiences. Rather than allowing these experiences to define her, Lola has used them as fuel to become stronger. “Your biggest enemy is yourself, so don’t let yourself down,” she advises. “You are your motivation and you are your support.”

Looking ahead, Lola’s dreams are clear. She wants to reach those who understand struggle and heartbreak through her music, just as her influences have done for her. “I don’t care about hardcore fame,” Lola concludes. “I just care that I reach out to those who are going through the same things.” Her focus remains on the music, the message, and the connection she builds with her fans. For Lola Kinsey, this is just the beginning.