Introducing: LOIS

With her latest single ‘MINE’ turning heads across BBC Introducing and debuting on Radio 1 Future Pop, Lois is fast becoming one of the most exciting voices in alt-pop. Hailed as “an absolute masterclass in modern pop music” by Christian Carlisle, the Morecambe-born, Leeds-based artist is stepping into a powerful new chapter — raw, self-assured, and totally on her own terms. As she reclaims her identity through soaring vocals, fearless lyrics, and genre-blurring production, Lois is not just making music — she’s making a statement. We caught up with her to talk rebirth, resilience, and the start of a brand new era.

‘MINE’ is described as the start of a new musical era for you. How does this phase differ from your previous work, and what inspired this shift?

MINE was the product of a lot of frustration within myself and the world around me. I was so fed up with being consumed by self-hatred and doubt. I was bored of it. I’d never been more lost and detached from life than I was when I wrote this song, but there was a weird sort of love that grew for this period of uncertainty. The chaos and excitement that seeps through the cracks of discomfort is something I became addicted to. I wanted my music to reflect these feelings and this period of change.

You mention the ‘7-year rule’ as a key theme in MINE. How did this concept shape the song’s message, and what does it mean to you personally?

The 7-year rule is the idea that the top layer of your skin completely regenerates after seven years. It brought me a lot of comfort when processing my experience of sexual trauma. The skin I have now has no longer been touched by that person. It feels really liberating to have a  physical, tangible detachment from my experience. It really inspired me to write this song and create something that sounded exactly how this process of letting go felt. 

Your music blends pop, soul, and alternative rock—how do you approach crafting a sound that feels both intimate and powerful?

This track was really inspired by the energy on stage from my live set. I know I’m biased but my band is really, really good and just takes my music to new levels. With MINE, I really wanted to reflect that energy on the production side. I was also listening to a lot of RAYE, Massive Attack, Little Simz and Self Esteem at the time. I’m super inspired by their huge arrangements and their ability to transport you to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury with a massive chorus. That’s what I wanted to do. I think regardless of how big the sound is, my lyrics will always be intimate because they’re brutally honest and personal.

Having performed at major festivals and supported artists like The Lottery Winners and SOFY, what’s been your most memorable live show experience so far?

I love being on stage, it’s my favourite thing in the world. I think the most memorable live show would be playing at Manchester Albert Hall supporting The Lottery Winners. It was the first time I’d ever been on a stage of that size, it just completely blew me away I was instantly hooked on that feeling and have been chasing it ever since. The sound of a crowd of 2000 people is just so magical, so special. I’m really grateful to the band for giving me the opportunity to play on that stage very early on in my career and it’s a show I’ll never forget. 

With MINE being the first single from your upcoming sophomore EP, can you give us a hint about what fans can expect from the full project?

It’s about accepting the past, embracing the present, and forming new beginnings. It’s my favourite thing I've ever made.