A chat with Mey Lolas
‘Music is a feeling that makes me better’
The happiest girl in the world
Mey is a young singer with that unique fine soul sound in her voice and recently discovered by Poogie Bell. Mey is the leading vocalist on the CD Suga Top. Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, John Mayer, Karen Sheard and Candy Dulfer. Mey started at the age of six playing classical piano, then clarinet and saxophone followed by singing pop and jazz. For Mey music has always been part of her world. At this moment she is still a student at the National Music Academy.
Coincidence does not exist? Not according to Mey. ‘I had a brief conversation with Poogie Bell after his gig two years ago in Sofia (Bulgaria).’ Not long after that quick meeting, I received a note from Poogie Bell and that change a lot for me.’ Mey took the challenge and dare to make the big jump in experience while touring with the best. The new (multi) talent Mey has been making her wonderful debut on the album Suga Top.
New talented vocalist Mey Lolas with Poogie Bell Band
More than a dream
Talking about her first encounter with Poogie makes her heart beating faster of joy. By receiving the first message from Poogie, she couldn’t believe what she read. Mey did send her demos to Poogie. Meanwhile it was for her still something as, ‘Is this real’? But the moment when Poogie Bell came to Sofia for recording, it all became real for Mey.
‘Poogie was looking for a singer with an soulful voice and if you think that’s you, send me some demos. was the message I received. So I did. After couple of days he told me that he did like my voice and start sending me tracks. After that Poogie came in Sofia to record some tracks with me. When I saw him on the airport, then I just realized what is happening to me. Spending time with Poogie Bell in the studio was my first major experience. I started to realise that I’m working with one of the most impressive and talented drummers in the world. So I’m happy thatthis special man chose me for this project because there are so many talented singers all over the world. He chose me to help me with my career. What is very special is that he is helping with my feeling for music. Yes, I Guess I’m the luckiest girl in the world!
I feel that I became a better musician
Learning from the great is a experience you never forget. You are getting all kind of masterclasses from these experienced musicians.
‘It was and is a great experience. In Bulgaria we have a lot of great and talented musicians, but singing with Poogie Bell, Bobby Sparks, Patches Stewart and Tony Watson was an unbelievable experience for me. In the beginning I felt scared, because that was my first time also on tour with the band. After the first rehearsal I knew that I’m not alone. Poogie Bell is a person full with positive emotions and full with vibrations that never stops. Playing with these guys is a feeling that I can’t describe, but I’ll keep it in my heart and soul forever. The Poogie Bell Band is collaboration of talent, joy, passion and positive energy sharing the love for music. People with a good soul. One thing I can say, now I’m better musician than before because of them.’
My way of living?
Be positive! If you really believe in youself,if you believe in your dream, it would happend when you at least expect it. There is nothing impossible. Just be good person,help everybody,think positive and make the people happy even with a little smile on your face and listen to the music! That is the most popular language all over the world!
What is your favorite thing to do ?
Besides music, I love dancing, travelling and meeting new people. Perhaps I want to meet all the musicians and listen to their music… But music is such a big world that I would never be able to hear every song, every beat, every instrument.
Who inspires you the most for now?
The person who inspires me is my mom.I still can not believe how a woman can do everything. She tought me to be strong, to believe in myself, to be good with every person. To be positive to do something every day so the day is not wasted and. If Isay special person.. hmmm Herbie Hancock,Quincy Jones,Chaka Khan, Moody and Stevie Wonder. I chose these musicians because they are the first jazz and soul musicians I heard whenI was younger and they showed me the way..
What is music for you?
Music is everything that can reflects to your soul. Music for me is a feeling that makes me better. Like one french author said “..and music after all…”
Where do I go from here?
Where do I go…I dont know.. Music is leading me. I’m just walking on the way. The secret is to never stop walking.