Introducing Lola Simone

When I was a little girl my dad would take my sister and I to Blockbuster after school on Fridays to rent movies. It never failed I always rented the same video from the store. I always got Janet Jackson’s tape of music videos. In fact I rented it so much that the store manager one day just gave me the tape to have. On the weekends my sister and I could stay up as long as we wanted, I would wait til everyone was asleep and I would pop my Janet Jackson tape in the recorder and just watch her for hours. I can’t remember how old I was but I remember my cousin Stacy asking me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I said with confidence, I want to be Janet Jackson. She said oh so you want to be a singer, I said yes but I want to be Janet Jackson the singer (lol). For a while I really worked hard attempting to be Janet Jackson’s clone. I even won a Halloween costume contest dressed as her, but still I was just a look alike (lol). Somewhere between then and now I discovered the person I can be is Lola (lol). And as Lola I’m not that bad of a singer/ pop artist.

The journey of music has taken me through several directions of genres. I started out recording Neo Soul and then R&;B and now Pop. I never had an interest or a desire to sing gospel…no reason in particular it just wasn’t my thing( I can feel the Judges judge me as the anxiously start to type their self righteous opinions about my preference, lol). I only sang Neo Soul and R&;B because I thought that’s what black singers were suppose to sing. But I fell in love with music watching a pop artist, Janet Jackson. Singing pop music has been a comfortable and easy transition. I love singing Pop and selling sex (lol)…only through song, I’m a lady I’m not that easy…well maybe I am… give a glasses of wine and who knows what I’ll do (wink) ,lol (relax it’s a joke). Anyway developing into a Pop artist has been really great. I have been accepted by an audience that allows me to do what I love and not be judged. I’ve become more confident with myself as woman and as an artist. I’m really enjoying the change and with change come reinventions.

I have been known as Lola Natisa the Neo Soul and even the R&B artist. Now I’m a sexy pop artist and its time to spice my name a little. My first name Lola is taken from fiery grandmother Lola Simmons. My mom told me a long time ago she named me after my grandmother because my grandmother is confident, strong and a fighter. Now I have been through a lot, lord knows I have and I’d like to think I take after my granny in a lot of ways. So there for to pay homage to her I have change my stage name to Lola Simone. I’m using Simone because its sexier than Simmons (what do you think). With that being said I am going to be making changes to my face book, twitter and my other social media accounts. I prayed about my big move. I really want to move to the big apple, but I asked God to let his will be done. Where ever I end up I want to have a core foundation already developed as an artist. I have a big show on the 24th of April so by then I should have my music, photos, website another things done.

In life I have found that I am going to be trying a variety of things before I find what works for me. I am going to go on a hundred dates or more(I'm hoping less) before I date the one guy I’ll marry. And I’m ok with that. My friend/ manager Alex told while getting ready for a show that one habit I have to break is settling. If it doesn’t work try something else, but don’t settle until it’s what you want. I’m changing my name and possibly changing where I live, if these things don’t work I’ll do change again. Life is too short to punish myself with less than the best or what’s best for me.
Til Next Time Simply Lola, or shall I say Simly Lola Simone 

To Move or Not To Move, That Is The Question

I have been in Atlanta now for a little over a year and one thing is for sure it is time to get the hell up out of my friends house and go. For those who don’t know but the reason I moved to Atlanta was because my friend asked if I could come down and help her get her life in order . She just had her second child and she didn’t have much family and wanted to know if I would help her for a few months. Well a few months has turned into a year and I have done all I can do, and its time I get my freedom back and focus on me. Now I don’t regret moving to Atlanta I just wished I would have moved under better circumstances. Lesson learned, when someone asked you for a favor think long, I mean very long about the sacrifices you’ll be making on their behalf. With that being said I will be moving out on March 31st, 2012 and I have no idea where I’m going, but at this point I don’t care if I am sleeping outside next to a homeless crack head who smells like week old trash… (oh please dear Jesus make a way for me to not have to sleep outside, amen). So here are my options, stay in Atlanta and pursue my dream, move to New York and start all over but pursue my dream, or move back home to Dallas and call it quits.

I want to stay in Atlanta because finally after all these years of labor and pain in pursuing my life long dream of becoming a fucking star it’s finally happening. I have a team of people that are passionate about helping me in making my vision a reality. Plus I finally have a band. I must say I’ve found my nitch with music here and slowly but surely I have a growing fan base. I’m really good at singing pop music and the gay men of Atlanta are loving me more than any straight man has ever loved me and heck I’ve shared coloring moment with them(lol). I feel like if I leave now when things a really starting to pick up I will have to start all over again no matter if I go home or to New York. I know I look young but I am a middle aged woman that needs some stability. The only thing about Atlanta is I’m not a Mega Star yet and I work a part job because I’ve been helping my friend get her life together and now I need a full time job or another part time job. Now one thing about me is that I will work til the bitter core, I will bust my butt on a job but I have yet to here back from any of the jobs I have applied for.

Then there is New York. I got an offer from a friend who works at brokerage firm to work as an administrative assistant. I’d have a place to stay and the hours on the job would give me the flexibility to audition and record and do all I need to do to pursue my entertainment career. Anyone who knows me knows how much I absolutely love the NYC. I use to say all the time that I would give anything to live in New York in a match box apartment living the good life and shopping at luxury stores I really can’t afford (lol). The pro in this situation is that I have a job that pays better than the job I have now, I would be close to my good friend Monica and we’d have a great time like the old times in ATL , and its New York!!! The cons are that the team I’m working with here in Atlanta is so awesome and my band is here. I don’t want to leave them we’ve come so far n these few months. … but it’s New York, my dream location, a place I have always wanted to live…decisions , decisions, decisions.

Finally Dallas, I love my home town. I miss my family and friends so much, and singing on Sunday with my mom is something I would give anything to do every Sunday. I miss my church family they are so faithful in just supporting everything I do, and my. My niece is my number one fan and she’s my Minnie me I feel like I’m missing her grow up. But the only thing is that I struggle so hard musically at home. It’s like the bands and producer , hell even some promoter just don’t want to give me a chance and that really frustrates me. I feel like I have to beg for a chance to prove my talent and that really sucks. But I love my family and friends so much I don’t really care about the nay sayers (lol).Plus I can always work for my favorite friend and boss Daylon. the pay is shitty but the perks are great(lol) So what do I do, I have no clue.

Some people look at me as this adventurous, free spirit who wont stop til I get to the top. And then there are others may look at me as an unstable woman who is wondering about the world believing in an unrealistic reality. As for me, I believe I’m just tryin to find my way. I know that at the end of the day I have to decide exactly what to do for myself but I’m so confused. Before I decide on anything I want to here from you my friend… tell me what do you think I should do. Should I stay in Atlanta, move to New York, or just go home.
Simply Lola

Church Shopping

I was talking to my grandmother a few weeks ago and she was telling me that she had been pray that the Lord would relieve her of using cus words. She said,she doesn't say a whole lot of cus words but she has noticed that she says shit, damn, and hell an awful lot and for the new year she don’t want say those words so much. Then she blamed my grandfather for leaving the television at night while they sleep say that those words are said on the t.v. and they get in her mind (lol). I attempted to control my laughter at our whole conversation as much as I could. So she wouldn’t think I was laughing at her I told her that I had been praying too, about knowing what God’s will is for my life. She was impressed and even proud of me. She asked me if I had been going to church? My response was when I’m off from work. Then she insisted that I find me a good church home so God could start speaking to me. I figure she might be right and so for the past few weeks I have been visiting church searching for a good fit for me.

The first church I attended was a church I use to go to in college Elizabeth. Back in college everyone went to this church because the pastor was single and very attractive. He’s no longer single and now everyone goes to there because New Birth (Eddie Longs church) is creepy…especially after they crowd him king. The choir was cool, the men pretty descent , and the sermon was ok. The pastor uses a whole lot of big words so I kinda felt like needed a dictionary to follow the sermon. It did however make sense why most of the congregation used Ipad and not the NIV bible…quicker search without getting lost (lol).

The next church I attend was St. Paul Episcopal Church. I volunteer once a week at a food pantry that is ran by St. Paul. Most of the volunteers are older retired women and after a few weeks of hanging out with them they invited me to join them for service. What I liked about the church service was that it was short, sweet and to the point. It’s a very traditional church so we did a whole lot of praying and sang a whole lot of hymns. I didn’t mind the hymns at first but then after about that third hymn they all started to sound the same. The choir was good but not what I was looking for. I need the church I go to ,to have a choir that’s loud and rockin…their choir was a little stiff for my taste. There were no cuties in the building just a lot of older men half sleep and politicians begging for votes (lol). They do however serve wine for the Lord Supper but they don’t serve enough of it for me to consider making it my church home.

The last church I visited was a church my hair stylist insisted I go to. He’s gay and his boy friend was leading his first and he wanted me to come and support. Shannon and his boyfriend are always supporting me when I have a show and so I figure it’s important that I return the favor and support him at church. Boulevard is the name of the church and its nondenominational and it’s also so very gay. I know… it was very shocking to me as well but who am I to judge. The men were very cute but clearly they were in no shape or form attracted to me. The choir was off the chain, I mean they were awesome. However I was very distracted by the battling of who could shout the longest and do the holy dance the best. The sermon was good but a little long and somewhat random. I’m glad I went as support for my hair stylist boyfriend but this clearly is not the church I can call home.

All the churches I attended so far have been great in one way or another I am still in search for a church to call home. I get home sick on Sundays because I miss my church back home so much. I find looking for a new church home is similar to looking for a man. You got out with a guy to see if you like him. He's cute but his breath is terrible, or he's not that cute but he's funny. Either way nither one of these guys are not what you're looking for and therefor it's on to the next. I know that there is no such thing as a perfect church just like there is no such thing as a perfect man. But I want to have an unexplainable connection and feel a level comfort with the church that I will call home, and feel the same way about the man I will marry.

To my friend who is shopping for something, you may not be able to describe it but you will know it when you see it or experience it. I encourage too keep looking and don’t give up hope. It may not be perfect it but it will be perfect for you.

Til Next Time
Simply Lola

Becoming A FUCKING STAR

I’ve been singing at this male gay club in Atlanta for a few months now and I must say it’s a lot of fun. It never fails right before I get up to sing my friend/ stylist Alex whispers in my ear “Lola you’re a fucking star. In some strange way after he says that to me I feel like I’m tapping into my Lady Gaga without being Lady Gaga (lol) I think it’s because gay men worship Lady Gaga and for about two hours every Tuesday they sing praises unto me (Lady Lola). With my hair all done up, my makeup looking flawless while wearing six inch heels walking on stage I absolutely feel like I’m becoming a F&%king Star (lol). It’s funny growing up I always thought Super Stars were these unattainable people on TV or listen to on the radio. Who would have thought a little girl from Dallas now all grown up singing popular dance tunes to a club filled with men with no desire to color with me would be a star on Tuesday nights at Blake’s(lol).

The definition of a super star varies based who you ask. Back in the day a super star had talent. They could either, sing, dance , act or do all three. Super Stars were athletes and great inventors but now a day’s not so much. All it takes is a simple fresh look and if you know the right people to sleep with, the right people you can get you a reality show and bam you’re a star. Talent no longer defines one as a star. In as much as reality women are hated they are f%^king stars and what makes them stars is confidence. Each and every woman that appears on these shows are so sure of themselves. They have convinced us that their stories are stories we need to hear and see once a week. Wither I like or not I have to respect their formula. Granted I am not interested in becoming a real house wife television star, or a basketball wife but more a super star singer married to wide receiver Calvin Johnson (which would make me a football wife, but that show no longer airs, so I’m safe, lol) I must take the attitude of confidence. Every time I stand up to sing no matter how large the crowd maybe I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am who the world is anxious to listen to. See I have to be as good as I know that I am because when I display the greatness of my gift, one can only desire to want to hear more of me. The same goes for me being a single woman. It’s important to walk with confidence and flash my sexy smile as friendly gesture of hello to a handsome fellow. I’ve learned confidence isn’t rude arrogance or the character of bitter resentment but it’s a character of being comfortable with who I am no matter who likes it.

To my friend, not everyone can act sing, dance, score touchdowns, o slam dunk a basketball. Not everyone on cure cancer or create a new way of living through technology but that doesn’t mean that they aren”t talented. We all have something we’re good at and we all have a passion for something. The key is not to underestimate yourself or what you’re good at… become a F&#king Star. You have one life live it with confidence and be great. Tap into the one and only you and just a Star!!!
Til Next Time
Simply Lola

Simply Lola/ God’s Will

When the New Year hits I always decide to make changes in my life and head in a new direction. I tell myself I am going put down the wine and stop casual coloring with meaningless men and just wait on the good Lord to send me my husband.Then Valentine's Day comes around, I get sad and find comfort in a cheap bottle of Wal Mart wine. Which lands me right into the arms of a perfect stranger, only to find myself fornicating (lol). I'm just kidding I'm a lady, I just sext (lol). Here lately i find that my great depression has gotten old and its time for a change. This year I have decided to pursue God's Will for my life. I know, shocking but true...see even Jesus loves a sinner (lol)

I brought in the New Year this year with one of my best friends Crystal and we kicked it hard. Thankfully I didn’t wake up with a hangover and managed to make it church on time ( don’t judge me, lol). I even got to sing with my mommy (that was my highlight). I spent most of my time at home playing Michael Jackson with my nephew while my sister worked on getting her school ready for its grand opening. I know!!! I can’t believe my little sister is opening up her very own school I am sooooo proud of her. When I look at her life I am just so amazed by how far she’s come. I feel like I wasn’t home long enough but even in my short visit I got to catch up with a few of my Dallas base friends and hang out a little with the Titan…oh relax we didn’t make out or color (lol). As good as I was looking I am totally sure the thought crossed his mind but Jesus is his homeboy now so it didn’t go down (lol). I have no comment about if coloring crossed my mind but I will say I kept my legs closed and my hands to myself (lol). I had so much fun in Dallas that I cried driving to the airport. On my flight back to Atlanta I did some reflecting on the time I spent with my friends and family. It seemed as though everyone was doing well and very happy doing the various things they are doing. I felt like everyone I got to see and hangout with had finally found peace and was in God’s will. I can’t help but to be happy and excited for my friends and family but I had me question if I’m in God’s Will and if I’m not what is God’s Will for me and how will I know if I am in his will.

When I hung out with the Titan he told me what was going on in his life and I did the same. He talked about how much he has been through this year and how all his trials and hard times have drawn him very close to God. It’s interesting how a rich man’s struggle is nothing like a broke man’s struggle…trust me I know cause I can relate to the broke mans struggle (lol) but I digress. He told me that he never thought he’d play professional football or even be as successful as he is within his career. Going from not even considering entering the draft to being drafted 7th round, becoming a backup for his position, to starting his position, and becoming a pro bowler several times is like a wow factor. At end of our talk he told me that in all he has accomplished the only thing he wants to be remembered for is being in God’s Will and of course a good father, friend and so forth. Listening to him speak with such passion and conviction really hit home for me. It was amazing to see the positive changes in his life. At the end of our conversation he asked me to write down five things that I wanted and release to God once I have them. Considering it was very awkward taking spiritual advise from the man I once loved and still do love I did just what he asked. It took me much longer to come up with five thing but I did and made my list. My list consisted of the following,
1. To be in God’s Will for my life
2. To be in god’s Will for my life
3. To be in God’s Will for my life
4. To Be In God’s Will for my life
5. To be with someone I really like (more like my husband) on valentine’s day (what, I’ve never had a valentine…the titan and I usually hated each other around that time,lol)

It’s so funny, last year my friend Crystal asked what if singing isn’t what I’m supposed to do with my life, my answer was I would totally die. I’m a singer. It’s what I do well and what I love to do. It doesn’t matter if I sing in front of 10 people or 10 million people I love to share my gift of song. But now I can honestly say that if that is not God’s will for me then I’m okay with that. I also want to be married to Calvin Johnson (the way he catches a ball for a touchdown pass is so sexy to me, lol.) but if that isn’t God’s will for me then I will learn to live without mega-tron. I can honestly say to you today that I’m really not sure what God’s will if for my life but I don’t regret the sacrifices I’ve made in pursuit of my passion. Therefore if I will give up all that I’ve invested and worked hard for to be in God’s Will, whatever that may be. Until I know just what his will is for me I will continue to sing and gig with my band in Atlanta, perform at the male gay bar and keep hope alive about marring Mega- Tron (lol)

To my friend who is just as lost as I am regarding their purpose for life, I encourage you to just surrender and let us both see what happens.

Til Next Time
Simply Lola

Do Dreams Come True

From reading the title of this blog I’m sure you're probably thinking that I am about to talk about following your passion and living your destiny. But I'm not (sorry) what I want to talk about is dreams that you have and wake up thinking OMG that was a crazy ass dream. Like the dream you have that all your teeth fall out of your mouth, and you wake up running to the bath to look in the mirror making sure they all still there. Or the one you have about falling and when you hit the ground you jump up out of your sleep. I want to talk dreams that make absolutely no sense in theory but yet that make sense in other ways.

I have been dreaming about this guy that I barely know. The only thing I know about him is that when I first met him I thought to myself he would totally make a great husband, but back then I was caught up loving the Titan that I didn't pursue him. The other thing is that this guy never really showed interest in me, like he's never been mean to me but he's never been really nice to me, like nice in the way of giving off signs that he likes me. Anyway, these dreams all started about a week ago after I went to this event with my friend Dana. I was really bored at this industry event that I just sat at the bar and watched ESPN. While I was watching the sports channel I had got this strong craving, like when you crave chocolate around that time of the month to see him. I don't know why but I really, really wanted to kiss him and touch him and just be with him. I hadn't been drinking so I just thought it was weird and didn't think anything of it until the next night when I started having dreams about him. I first dreamt that I was sleep in his arms and he was carrying me up some stairs. And then I dreamt that I was singing to a really big crowd and he was watching me in the audience. Then I dreamt we had a huge fight about me moving back to Dallas...now I remember that one because I was crying and I really wanted to move back but I couldn't at that time. Here's what’s crazy this guy doesn’t live in Dallas...well he does and he doesn't (I know, just go with me on this one)

I’ve gotten very obsessed about all these dreams I’m having and even with the burning desire that I got at the industry event. I keep going over every dream and every detail trying to figure if he's "the one" or am I just trippin. What’s worse is I think about him a lot, I mean a lot. It's like this fantasy of mine has taken on a life of its own (lol). Since I barely know him I don't have his number and we don't really hang in the same circles. I told my friend Karen about my mental love connection and of course she encouraged me tap into my inner CSI and find my dream lover. Without hesitation I did (lol). I found out that he's single, his birthday is the day after my dad's and that he doesn't have a facebook page, he has a fan page but not a personal page. I even found an email address for him ,but I haven't emailed him because I don't want to look like a stalker even though I kinda feel like one (lol). On top of that I'm not sure he actually likes me. Like I said before he's never really given me that vibe like he's feelin me. Plus I feel like I'm just way to anxious and if I met him today I'd probably jump his bones and give him my cookies before he could even say hello (lol), hey don't judge me (lol)... it's been a while since I've been touched in the best way (lol).

For the sake of my sanity I have decided to back off. I have to be honest I really, really want to see if these will come true. I'm not really sure how we would run into each other. I'm in Atlanta and he's in Baltimore when he's not in Dallas ( I mean when will I ever go to Balitmore, lol). Thank God I'm a starving artist because if I had some money I think I would fly where he's at and " purposely bump into him (lol). I'm pretty sure I am spending way to much time on this. But it would be so nice to finally be in a relationship with someone that wants me just as much as i want them. They say you can't miss what you've never had but I beg to differ. Each year I pray that this is the year that I can be with the love of my life. I know this may sound petty but I've never really had a valentine on Valentines Day, or roses delivered to me on my birthday. Since I'm about being this faith driven person now I have to believe that if my dream lover is the one that the stars will line up and we will be together living happily ever after(lol).

To my friend who is wondering if crazy dreams come true, I have to tell ya I don’t know (lol). In as much as we very anxious to see them manifest we to be patient and just chill out.

Til next Time
Simply Lola

Selling Sex

When the word SEX comes to mind many of us immediately relate it to Sin. It’s the forbidding act that commonly is used for exciting pleasure. Depending on who you talk to sex is the leading sin that will send you straight to hell on a scholarship (lol). My attitude is this, if we the fornicators are getting scholarships to hell make sure the over eaters in world should get their full ride too because gluttony is definitely on the sinful rise. Let's be honest if you aint coloring your eating cookies, cake, candy and any other bad comfort food to compensate for the lack of a freaky good time (lol). But who am I to say whose going where , I don’t have a heaven or a hell to but anyone in so I dare not judge. In my opinion I think of sex being more than just an sinful act. I think it’s a description of character. I mean think about it, when we find someone attractive we desire to get to know them emotionally and physically. Men (straight men at least) think vaginas are attractive and want to sleep with all the clean, fresh and tight ones. If the vagina happens to have a pretty face and a nice personality to go along with it well then that just means they want to color with that vagina on more than one occasion (lol). Regardless of how any of us want to look at it, we are all selling sex in one way or another. How we sell it is based one who we are and how package it. As a single woman on the market I realize that how I carry myself determines the type of men that take interest in me and the same goes for me as a singer.

In the world of music image is everything. If you don’t have an image, then you don’t have a fan base, if you don’t have a fan base well then please believe no one is buying your music. Since I’ve taken the route of singing pop music I’ve had to start really defining myself as a pop artist. I realize that there are plenty of talented cute girls in world that want to make it big, but the ones that make it are the ones that sell themselves in a unique way, which is why I have hooked up with the one and only Alex. Alex is an aggressive, confident gay black man who is all about making shit happen and he’s also my store manager. I asked him if he’d take me on as a client a few weeks ago and gave him some of my music to listen to before he made a commitment. I figured he be a good person to work with because gay people love pop music and well he’s really good at what he does. Samantha from “Sex and the City” said it best first the gays, then the girls (lol). Anyway, after he heard my music he was totally down with making me the next big thing on the music scene. He told me I was really talented and way too cute. But cute was the one thing that was holding me back. Apparently I can’t be cute I have to Hot, and not just hot but fucking HOT (which were his words) and the only way to be Fucking Hot was I have to sell sex.

When he first started talking about me selling sex I thought to myself, OMG!?!, what in world are my saved and sanctified parents going to think about me being the black Lady Gaga (lol). The more he talked the more I understood that I wouldn’t be the black Lady Gaga but he did have a vision for me. He told me I gotta walk it, talk it and look it. I couldn’t help myself I had to ask him, will all this sex stuff make me look like a prostitute. Of course he laughed and said absolutely not. Then he schooled me, he said sex is an attitude, it’s the way you carry yourself. He said in order to sell sex, I’ve got to be sexy. When I walk into a room my mire presence should command attention. My conversation should be so engaging that people are dying to hear what I have to say because they’re obsessed with my voice.

Considering that what I’ve been doing hasn’t worked I figure why not try something different, i.e. selling sex. I just want say that selling sex is no easy job. I am wearing 6 inch heels, long cat nails and extremely long hair. Now that everything is long and dramatic it is taking some getting use to. I hate texting on my phone because my nails get in the way, and wrapping my hair at night has become a chore like no other, but at the end of the day I really like the new sexy me (lol). The heels have really helped my posture if I do say so myself. Having to do this whole transformation I realized Alex was right. Sex isn’t just about the act but more about the attitude. To tell the truth I’ve always wanted to be a desirable woman with the attitude that I can have any man or thing I want. It feels good to be able express the sexier side of me through my music and performance and even in my daily life for that matter. I kinda feel like I am killing two birds with one stone. The more I develop as this sexy artist the more I will develop as a sexy lady, which will give me the ammunition I need to attract Calvin Johnson (lol).

As I stated before we are all selling sex in one form or another. There are those of us that sell it like we’re the Virgin Mary and then there are those of us that sell it like we’re Madonna. It doesn’t matter which way you sell it as long as you’re comfortable and confident.
Til Next Time
Simply Lola