LiL Lotus: For the Misfits
To be defined as a misfit traditionally, was to be defined as unusual. To be recognised and labelled by the rest of society as an outcast. It has been said that the misfit’s behaviour and general attitude towards life can make those around them uncomfortable. The label of a misfit, was not considered a compliment and those who often found themselves to fit into the category, more often than not, felt solitude in the world and their feelings.
In current times, where tolerability and acceptance towards those who think differently are more readily available, the word misfit has been reclaimed. It is a term which no longer attracts the vehement abhorrence it once did. And instead, while still used to identify those in society who act uniquely, it has instead created a collective.
A collective, who together have their own community in which many alternative people now use to describe how they feel about life. Musicians are the spine of this collective, unifying the misfit through their art form and in particular through the lyrics of their songs.
Choosing to communicate through harrowing lyrics, and the coverage of the hard, ugly truths that can feature in this world. The alternative music scene continues to grow and evolve exponentially, as it’s musicians zone in on previously grey areas of the human brain whilst experimenting more with their styles and genre bending abilities.
Texas born LIL LOTUS is one of these artists focusing on the ugly. The singer, whose debut album, ERRØR BØY, is due for release under Epitaph Records, spoke to Distorted Sound, to talk about his latest creation and how it was pioneered to resonate with the misfit.
Starting with his lyrics, the heavy and sometimes dark themes of his songs are littered with the battle-scars of his life. Covering his experience of toxic relationships to the remnants of his addictions, Lotus does not hold back. His unyielding passion for manifesting his experiences are evident through his song-writing. “For some of them, I didn’t write lyrics. I literally went into the booth and dropped what I felt. It helps that Feldman’s a genius, but I literally just spoke from the heart,” he explains. “I’m the biggest believer in being able to relate. If you relate to me, and my stories, that’s cool. We can live it together.”
Although he admits some of his writing is embellished, the dissonance displayed by the rawness of his words, mixed with the melodic ability of his voice is a stand-out and is very much on purpose. “Because some of the content is painful, you’d think the lyrics would be screamed. But I’m inspired by classic pop-punk bands such as RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS and ESCAPE THE FATE. They made me want to do music.”
LIL LOTUS‘ similarity to that of the earlier pop-punk era of the 2000s, not only draws in those who were considered the misfit of that time but draws in a newer crowd. The young generation of alternative’s who are in part responsible for the resurgence of pop-punk on a larger scale. The likes of YUNG BLUD and MACHINE GUN KELLY are also popular within this crowd, defining the new generation of misfit. This misfit is loud and proud, unifying though their ability to resonate with others who feel the same as them.
Lotus draws into this. “You need to celebrate the sad, learn to love yourself and not run away from the best and worst of yourself. The album does this, it shows life can be hard but that’s okay. Even though the lyrics cover the tough times, I’ve made them into a feel-good moment.”
Title song, Think of Me Tonight, is a good example of this. In the three minute piece, LIL LOTUS manages to pen a crushingly earnest song about a broken love. Heightened in a more conventional pop-punk sort of way, the imagery along with the overall sound of the piece is reminiscent of the likes of BLINK–182 and SUM 41. It’s overall sound features an acoustic guitar, the singer’s heavenly vocals and explosive drums, creating a catchy masterpiece that truly packs a punch.
It’s easy to see how the songs LIL LOTUS has created would appeal to the masses, drawing together both the younger and older generations of the alternative scene. Combining more traditional aspects with newer more electronic and emo-rap moments allow him to sound exciting and new. His audience is instead focused at those who relate and it is through artists like him, that the misfit will continue to evolve, demonstrating that it’s no longer a taboo to be labelled as such, but instead, kind of normal.
ERRØR BØY is out now via Epitaph Records.
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