LOU LOU SAFRAN TALKS FEEL YOUR LOVE

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Have you felt the love releasing your own songs?

I have been in love with music ever since I can remember, and making my own became my lifeline during the pandemic. I really put all of myself into my songs, and putting them out into the world has been surprisingly nerve wracking. It is worth it, though, because the support and love I have received throughout the process is beyond anything I could have expected. Nothing makes me happier than sharing my music and I love seeing how people relate to the lyrics.

What made ‘My Own Yellow Brick Road’ the right first song for you to share?

‘My Own Yellow Brick Road’ is actually the first song I ever wrote, so I figured it also deserved the honorary spot of “first song released”, it is one of the more acoustic songs on the upcoming album since I recorded it when I was thirteen years old so it's sort of a "warm up" for the other songs.

You just followed it up with ‘Feel Your Love’ and all of the songs you are giving us now are leading us towards your upcoming debut album. How do these two songs hint at the bigger frame of the album?

That is such a difficult question! My album 'How To Hang Out With Friends Like Nothing’s Wrong' is a compilation of my favorite songs I wrote within the past four years, the album is a kind of documentation of what it was like growing up in the last half a decade, a time capsule, that is maturing along with me. The songs range from acoustic ballads, like 'My Own Yellow Brick Road', to full on rock band numbers.

What is it that you explore through songwriting?

Songwriting is my therapy, through it I unpack my feelings, both good and bad. I find that when I put my doubts and trepidations into songs, they instantly become more manageable, and easier to look at from another perspective. Also, I spend a lot of time traveling, so much so that I sometimes forget what country I’m waking up in. I love exploring and living in new places, but it can also leave you feeling disconnected and disoriented. My cure for those moments of loneliness is to turn to my music. It’s my home, whether I’m writing songs or listening to my favorite artists, like Royal Republic, who are an epic group of Swedes!

What is this new song about. What inspired you to write it?

'Feel Your Love' is about the type of unconditional love that sustains you, and makes you feel like you’re capable of anything. Whether it gives you new strength, or just helps you find something you already have within you, it shines a light in your darkest moment.

You first became known as an actress. Some would say making your screen debut in Nicholas Sparks’ 'The Choice' at nine years old, though at just four you’d already appeared in your mom’s music video for 'Big Wave'. Was that where it all really started for you, your love for both film and music?

First of all, this is the most delightfully unexpected question, and I seriously appreciate that. You really do your research! You’re totally right, that might be where it really all started. I always loved watching my mom and my uncle make music together. I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to watch someone make music and not fall in love with the process and it’s the same with film. Experiencing a chaotic music video shoot in the middle of the Mojave desert, with an epic crew and a good song gives you an adrenaline rush you can’t help but get addicted to. What makes this all even funnier, is that my first own music video just came out, for 'Feel Your Love’, and we shot it in the desert as well, probably just a few miles away from where we shot ‘Big Wave’.

What was it like shooting it?

It was honestly one of the most fun days I’ve ever had. We filmed it the day after my friend’s high school prom, so even though I was completely exhausted, once I got into the desert sun, I felt completely refueled and could not get enough of dancing and running amidst the rocks. I felt completely free. I think the California desert is genuinely magical, something in the blooming flowers, rocks and the hot air makes me feel like no other place can. This was the second video I filmed with my friend Chris Escobar behind the camera. And I can’t wait for you to see the next one.

Since you write all of your own songs could you ever approach songwriting the way you approach a role as an actress. Or does your writing have to come from personal experience?

I write a lot of my songs from a different perspective, or about someone who does not exist. So, while they are still personal, they might not be about the exact situation I find myself in. Also, I’m seventeen, so while I mostly sing about love, I hardly have loads of romantic experience (laughs). While I have played film characters that are distant from myself, I approach every part by making it my own in some way, so I can understand and create a most authentic inner life for each one.

On the acting side you most have recently stepped into the DC universe, one that right now is being reshaped in exciting ways. Having already worn two different pairs of shoes in the 'Shazam' films, would you ever "suit up" fully or what roles excites you?

I would kill to be involved in another DC project! To play a character with superhuman powers in a DC superproduction would be a dream. But I also love small independent projects, which focus on human connections and inner lives of its protagonists. I think that as long as a character is well developed it is compelling whether it comes to life in an intimate film or a big action movie.