“I should teach you a line dance for this song, but 11 out of 12 cities get it wrong, so I won’t bore you,” quipped Lola Kirke as she stood on the dimly lit stage of Stereo, Glasgow.
It was a rainy Friday night, but inside, the atmosphere was anything but gloomy. From the moment she delivered this playful line, it was clear the audience was in for a night filled with humour, charm, and a touch of Southern sass.
Lola, a Nashville-based country singer with a flair for the melancholy tinged with absurdity, took to the stage in a silver dress adorned with tassels, topped off with a black hat—a nod to the classic country look with a modern twist. Her presence was magnetic, effortlessly drawing the crowd in as she launched into her set. But it wasn’t just her sartorial choices or charismatic stage presence that captivated the room; it was her voice—rich, sultry, and brimming with emotion—that truly stole the show.
Her performance was punctuated by moments of genuine connection with the audience, as she peppered her set with quirky anecdotes and playful banter. She joked about her transition into the country music scene, revealing with a grin that her last album is now the soundtrack to a Jazzercise workout on YouTube, and she even sells sports bras as merch. “You can burn 400 calories in 36 minutes!” she laughed, clearly enjoying the absurdity of it all.
Musically, Lola delivered a masterclass in modern country. Her band, featuring slide guitar, bass, drums, and a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, provided the perfect backdrop to her powerful vocals. Each song was a carefully crafted blend of traditional country influences and contemporary flair, with Lola’s voice effortlessly moving between soulful ballads and upbeat anthems.
Midway through the set, Lola performed “Thank God For Cigarettes”, an upbeat track that blends classic country tones with a modern twist. Released only a few months ago, the song explores the complexities of finding solace in small vices, yet its bright melody and lively rhythm turn what could be a melancholic theme into a lighthearted celebration of resilience. It’s a perfect example of Kirke’s knack for making introspective topics both relatable and refreshingly uplifting.
Debuting a new track, “Marlboro Lights and Madonna,” Lola introduced the song in her characteristic manner, confessing, “All my songs are about my mum and cigarettes, and this is another of them.” The track was an ode to the past, wrapped in the smoky tones that have become her signature. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, this new song will soon become a fan favourite.
As the evening progressed, Lola continued to charm the audience with her blend of wit and musical talent. When it came time for the encore, she ditched the usual routine. Instead of leaving the stage, she playfully instructed the crowd to close their eyes and pretend she was gone. “Now shout and sound sad,” she teased, before adding, “Imagine I’m away… now open your eyes… I’m back!” It was a clever, cheeky twist that had the audience laughing and cheering in delight.
For the encore itself, Lola treated the crowd to a surprising cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps.” Her rendition of the song was raw and heartfelt, with the chorus, “They don’t love you like I love you,” taking on a new depth in her hands. Lola’s ability to blend genres and make a song entirely her own—whether it’s a country ballad, a line dance-worthy stomp, or an indie rock anthem—was never more evident than in this moment.
She then closed the night on a high with the infectious and upbeat track “All My Exes Live in LA.” The song, a playful nod to classic country themes, boasts an irresistible chorus that instantly lodged itself in the minds of everyone present. This track perfectly showcases Lola’s knack for writing catchy, relatable tunes—it’s the ultimate gateway drug to her music. With a mix of sass and charm, Lola’s delivery of the song left the audience singing along, making it the perfect end to the evening.
By the time the final notes faded and the audience erupted into applause, it was clear that Lola Kirke had made a lasting impression on the crowd. Her blend of humour, heart, and undeniable talent made for an unforgettable evening, proving that she’s not just a rising star in the country music scene—she’s a true force to be reckoned with.
Photos: © 3rd Mile.