WHEN A SONG CAPTURES a familiar emotion, it makes the artist relatable to anyone who listens and connects people to the music. In the case of Lo$ol's "You Won't Hurt Me," the feeling of depression is a recognizable wraith and touched an intimate chord in my soul.
Written by Tamara Styer
Depression is something that has been with me since childhood, and it's like an invisible marker — when I meet a suffering soul, I immediately feel a kindred spirit. Music can be a conduit to connect souls in the same way. I immediately resonated with the lyrics of this song, and got lost in the elusive textured hook, layered with background vocals, synth strings and a rhythmic beat.
I listened to this song about ten times before moving on to other submissions. Something about it spoke to my soul, with painful lyrics and autotune done right. A synthesized vocal effect that many artists completely abuse, Lo$ol uses the effect with precise intent — something more in the vein of Bon Iver, but with a hip hop beat and R&B flair. There are moments when Lo$ol shows a real vulnerability in his vocals, then rips your heart out with the chorus through his deep and introspective lyrics painted over a smooth and dark hip hop backdrop.
"You Won't Hurt Me" drew me in with its unique undercurrent of sadness, but it still makes me want to move and sing. It's a song about being broken-hearted, but with the enduring reflection of picking up and moving forward. Read Deitra Magazine's exclusive interview with Lo$ol — an artist who looks at the world through the lens of an optimistic musical soul.
Lo$ol - Bronx, New York
Hip Hop, R&B
Song Submitted: “You Won’t Hurt Me”
ABOUT THE ARTIST: I go by the name Lo$oL (pronounced Lost Soul). I was born and raised in the Boogie Down Bronx. I've been creating music for over ten years. My music is versatile; I try my best to move into different genres of music. It's hard for me to create a song that sounded like the last (unless it's a remix of course). I submitted my music to Deitra Magazine to gain some more exposure and get the audience to know and love my music.
MUSICAL BACKGROUND: As a child I learned how to play congas and the African drums. I've been playing since I was five years old and I still perform to this day. I've performed at different venues throughout the country. There's a spiritual aspect of slapping some drum skins that can't be explained. It's a release from the troubles of the world and the joy I bring to the audience is what really makes it special.
Hip Hop, R&B
Song Submitted: “You Won’t Hurt Me”
ABOUT THE ARTIST: I go by the name Lo$oL (pronounced Lost Soul). I was born and raised in the Boogie Down Bronx. I've been creating music for over ten years. My music is versatile; I try my best to move into different genres of music. It's hard for me to create a song that sounded like the last (unless it's a remix of course). I submitted my music to Deitra Magazine to gain some more exposure and get the audience to know and love my music.
MUSICAL BACKGROUND: As a child I learned how to play congas and the African drums. I've been playing since I was five years old and I still perform to this day. I've performed at different venues throughout the country. There's a spiritual aspect of slapping some drum skins that can't be explained. It's a release from the troubles of the world and the joy I bring to the audience is what really makes it special.
It's a release from the troubles of the world...
ON INSPIRATION: Wow, there are so many inspirations. I'm inspired by my past. The situations, my love life and my family. I also try to stay relative to what's going on in the world. The direction this world is going gives me some fuel to my music as well. What I love about it is the process. From coming up with a concept, to writing the lyrics, then laying it down. I must say sometimes I surprise myself!
SIGNATURE SOUND: I believe my sound is different. I try to make my music as catchy as possible. When I first started recording music, a friend and I were a duet group. We called ourselves "Da Gentlemezz." (Thinking back on it, it was corny as hell!) We mainly rapped about the ladies but we had a lot fun doing it. [We did a] lot of love songs (too damn many, if you ask me), then we began to venture off and try a different approach. My friend and I ended up parting ways. I decided to go solo because I felt like it was time to work on my own sound. My friend wasn't too happy about it, but we're still cool to this day. He's heard some of my recent material. I try my best to incorporate old school hip hop with what we hear today. I think it adds some extra elements I can play with and keep the listener entertained. My inspiration came as I was a child. When I was a kid, my sister had given me one of my first cassette tapes. It was the Fugees album, The Score. Whenever I create a song I always revert back to listening to that album. My family also comes from a music background. My cousin is Special ED known for hit 90's hit, "I got it made." My nephew is working on his craft as well. He's actually pretty dope with the pen, too. So I want to be able to inspire him as well and have someone he can look up to musically.
My songs are about my past relationships, the death of my father when I was 12, growing up in the Bronx and club songs.
ON SONGWRITING: My songs are about a plethora of topics. I had taken a five year hiatus to start a family. I was married in 2013. My ex-wife didn't like the fact that I was out doing these shows late at night, female fans and just the whole experience of being an artist. So, I chose love instead. Stopped cold. Didn't write a lyric, didn't listen to beats, nothing for five years straight. After we had broken up, I went through a state of depression for months. Then, I decided to go to Karokee one night and my therapy was performing for the crowd. I did songs I've heard but never performed. For example, Bill Withers, Music Soulchild, Kem. Like, shower material! My songs are about my past relationships, the death of my father when I was 12, growing up in the Bronx and club songs. My favorite song is "You Won't Hurt Me." I released the song back in February or March of 2019. That song was a challenge because I've never done an actually R&B song. It was always rap and maybe some vocals in the hook. After I recorded the song, I had a couple of people listen before I released it and people were amazed. I really had to pat myself on the back for that one. The song is about the pain I went through, the depression and how I used that energy to get back to the music.
I usually get my inspiration from listening to certain artists. Other than that it usually comes from my past or how I'm feeling about a current situation. When I write, I'll listen to a beat first or I'll just write whatever comes to my head — a melody or something, and I go from there. I like to start with a hook at times, but I do have songs that I've written verses and did the hook after. If I have enough studio time, I try to create something on the fly. I like to write before I get in the studio and have it done to save time. I hate wasting time in the studio.
The song is about the pain I went through, the depression and how I used that energy to get back to the music.
FAVORITE MUSICAL ERA: The 2000s definitely! 50 Cent, Kanye West, G-Unit, Ludacris, Rick Ross, the whole southern takeover. I'll go back and listen to some old school rap for references. I do like the direction that music is going in now. More artists are dropping good music and I want to be the next artist to lead into a new Era.
ON RECORDING: The thing I love most about recording music would be the ability to create something new, something different. The new technology we use to create music makes everything a lot more seamless — which, in turn, cuts down the amount of time you spend in the studio. As I stated in one of the previous questions, I don't like to waste studio time. Time costs money. I always try to make the best out of each and every session.
I want to be the next artist to lead into a new Era.
ON FASHION: I tend to support independent brands. Of course it has to appeal to me look-wise, but I'd rather support someone who works tirelessly on their brand and give that person the exposure. I do look good in a suit though!
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy on two separate occasions. If you don't know what this is, it's paralysis of the facial muscles. I was still in my duet group at the time this occurred and I could barely get out words. One side of my face wouldn't allow me to enunciate properly. I stuck to a strict regimen of facial massages, workouts and I was put on a steroid to overcome this. I still tried to rap and did the best I could to remain consistent in my craft. If Kanye could do it with his jaw wired shut, anything is possible.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One of the exciting moments of my creative career was having the opportunity to submit one of my songs for the NBA 2K20 video game.
FUTURE HOPES + DREAMS: My hopes and dreams are to remain an independent artist and not be a one hit wonder. There are so many artists I want to collaborate with in the industry. I want to be in a class where I can sit with the greats to learn the music business. Besides being an entertainer, I would like to work on several business ventures and do more for my community. DM
All photos property of Lo$ol
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