Lozen tells a tale of coming and going, and the fire that comes with reuniting in her newest single, “Something Bout Chu” — available now! A harrowingly romantic combination of what feels like the Dirty Heads and Jessie Reyez.
A light-hearted track that draws from American reggae influences like Sublime with Rome and Slightly Stoopid, “Something Bout Chu” infuses smooth acoustic guitar riffs with a trancelike 4-piece drum kit. Lyrically, Lozen alludes to her infatuation for rap as she references groups like Wu-Tang Clan and Busta Rhymes, dropping palpable innuendos and allusions to mystic love.
“It was very surreal,” Lozen says of the writing process. “So fresh, but familiar at the same time. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I just knew, there was something about him. Something kept pulling us together, despite all odds.”
“Something Bout Chu” is both a diary entry and confession letter fueled by unapologetic self-worth and a passionate, long-distance romance. A tale of baddie meets goodie — lady in the streets but a freak in the sheets— and finding the courage to express yourself authentically. Throaty vocals are paired with slow arpeggio stripped-back acoustic triplets which break into reggae-infused rhythms without warning – an innuendo in and of itself. The pre-chorus builds up a climactic chorus which brings a light-hearted summertime vibe that screams freedom.
Lozen reflects on these stylistic choices, both musically and romantically, sharing: “I know what I want, where I want it, and how I like it.
“Also, I make my boundaries crystal clear: I’ll ‘never be your side chick,’” she continues. “Don’t let the four-letter words and rugged edge fool you though — my raw vulnerability shines through with true confessions — ‘four chords and truth, yeah I’m falling for you.’”
Most notably known for her rap projects, “Something Bout Chu” gave Lozen the opportunity to stray from her usual creative process, she reveals. “Before I even got down with rap, I’d write songs on my guitar. I went back to my roots with this one. In a sense, it was kind of like coming home.”
This approach to composing laid the groundwork, while teaming up with JUNO, SOCAN, ASCAP, and MUCH MUSIC Award-winning beatmaker DJ Kemo (Producer/Audio Engineer – Kardinal Offishall, Akon, Rascalz, Swollen Members, K-OS, SNOW, Pitbull, Fito Blanko) allowed her to bring her project to life. The duo has been hunkering down together at the Vanguards Music studio for months, enlisting the talent of prominent feature artists and session musicians to collaborate on a new forthcoming album; “Something Bout Chu” is the first taster made public.
Lozen (real name Meaghan Mullaly) is a singer-songwriter-bandleader who bends genre norms beyond classification, offering trippy R&B, jazz-infused ballads, golden-era style hip-hop, and dirty electronic bass. This seasoned impresario has many tricks up her sleeve, and it most definitely is worth sticking around to see what Aces are left to be played.
Name:
Lozen
Genre:
Hip Hop/Rap; R&B/Soul; Pop; Electronic are my staples. It just depends on my mood, the vibe and how I’m wanting to communicate. I consider myself to be genre-fluid.
Founded:
2010 under that name, but I’ve been writing songs since my teenage years
Latest Single:
“Something Bout Chu” is the first release off my new album. It’s produced by DJ Kemo (Rascalz/Vanguards Music). We’ve got a Drum and Bass remix in the works too for all my Junglists out there. Stripped back acoustic and live band versions to come. I want to express all my parts.
Latest Video:
“Body Gold” was produced by Alex Cruz. Frankie Warren choreographed over zoom because of restrictions at the time. Brother Jason is my dance partner and we’re decked in his hand-painted Sleepless Mindz apparel. Angie Nolan directed, Alivia Isabella Nadeau filmed, and I edited.
Favourite musician growing up:
Local movers and shakers. There was a rap crew in my hood called JPS that used to put on hip-hop shows. I grew up in Quebec and went to an English school, but the French ones would throw the best parties. I’d go to their dances with my girl gang and turn up.
Favourite musician now:
Jessie Reyez is a beast. I have so much respect for her as an artist and human. How open she is about her life. For reals, when I heard “Gatekeeper”, it sounded like my story. I was kind of kicking myself saying “why didn’t I have the courage to speak up about that fuckery?”
Guilty pleasure song:
No shame. “Good Riddance” – Green Day. I even used it as a backing track for a high school media project back in the day. It was a projector show with photo slides of my sister and her BF at the time (they’re married with kids now) at the park next to our house shot during Golden Hour.
Live show ritual:
Prayer. It’s not just a show thing, it’s who I am. I talk to spirit daily. I ask for guidance. I ask for clarity. I ask for confidence in my abilities. It’s more than asking though, it’s about recognizing. I acknowledge the messages I receive and say thank you. As blessed as I know I am, reminders still help.
Favourite local musician:
My brosef Emotionz is a gem. We go way back. I dig his music, his energy and his involvement in the community. He’s passionate about hip-hop culture and practices all the elements. I also admire his work, play and family balance. It’s beautiful.
EP or LP?
I’m game for either. I know we’re living in a singles era but listening to projects from front to back it’s a whole ‘nother experience. Snack-size EPs are easier for artists to create and for listeners to digest these days. There’s something magical about LPs for me though. It’s a journey where you can really dive deep.
Early bird or night owl?
Def a night owl. I get into a lot of metaphysical stuff when the sun goes down. I give myself permission more to step outside of music or biz and allow myself to get weird. My weekday alarm is set for 7 am, but I wake up slowly. I snooze for a couple of hours and marinate in dream time.
Road or studio?
Middle way. The road gives me inspiration; the studio is an outlet for me to channel that. I was a road warrior for most of my career. Go time all the time. Balance is so important. With the studio, I can prep my own meals, exercise, take nature walks, do spiritual practices and sleep in my bed.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Youtube | Spotify
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Rapid Fire Vancouver Qs
Favourite local restaurant:
Chickpea is the bomb. I’m vegan (aside from the oddly gifted chocolate psilo- mushroom or honey treat) and mostly GF. Food is love. I feel it when I eat here. What you put into your body temple has a ripple effect on everything. Kasum platter is my go-to. Shawarma is delish too.
Favourite street in your city:
Broadway is always rad. I love people-watching. Also, vintage shopping is my jam. Mintage Mall is the shiz. It’s kind of like treasure hunting. Sometimes you know what you’re looking for and other times you let it find you.
Favourite park in your city:
Ridgeview Park. It’s down the street from my crib in Fraser Heights. I connect with earth medicine there often. The birds, the animals, the insects, the trees…the symphony of sounds is truly spectacular. Nature in concert.
Favourite music venue in your city:
Guilt n Co. I’m all about intimacy. There’s something special that happens in that space. It allows for more vulnerability and artist/audience connection than a big stage concert. There’s something about it that blends comfort and community in an accessible way.
Favourite music store in your city:
Long & McQuade is my candy store. When I lived in Whistler and Squamish, I’d commute for hours to get a taste of that sweet nectar. Their staff is dope AF. I can just be me and they can just be them and the exchange we’ve shared has always been top shelf.
