After building a loyal following with her soul-baring ballads and powerhouse vocals, Filipina-American artist Jolene Lozano is stepping boldly into a new chapter with her commanding new single 'Emotional Damage'. A cathartic anthem wrapped in slick pop production, the track marks a tonal shift in spirit. Jolene is no longer singing from heartbreak, she’s singing through it, reclaiming her voice and reintroducing herself with fierce confidence.
Based between San Francisco and New York, Jolene has steadily carved out her own space in the indie soul-pop scene, amassing over 300,000 streams and earning a reputation for her vulnerable storytelling, genre-blending style, and captivating live shows. Now, she’s embracing her “JOJO era”, an unapologetic alter ego that champions anger, resilience, and self-worth, and 'Emotional Damage' is her rallying cry.
So we caught up with her to discuss her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano! My dad was a songwriter back in the Philippines, and every time he played, it sounded like a carnival in our living room. He used to write songs for me and my brother growing up, and I fell in love with how magical the piano felt. Like I mean you could create a whole world with just a few notes - that’s AMAZING!!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up singing in my church choir, but listened to truly everything - from Sara Bareilles, Leona Lewis, and early 2000s pop, to Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. I’ve always loved soulful voices and melodies that make you feel something. I do have a very vivid memory of my mom carrying me every evening when I was little and playing the Disney songs soundtrack though (Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, you know it)
What was the first album you remember owning?
I’m pretty sure it was Coldplay’s Rush of Blood to the Head!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Olivia Dean’s The Hardest Part. It’s so simple yet so emotional - every lyric feels intentional. It says so much with so few words, which I think is the hardest kind of writing to do.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It’s usually a mix. Sometimes I’ll start with a line or melody that randomly pops into my head and build from there. Heck- sometimes my friends drop some really good one-liners and I think - I have GOT to write that in a song. Other times, I’ll sit at the piano or look through some Splice samples that connect with me, and just free-write until something clicks. I try not to force it because the best songs come when I stop overthinking and just let it flow.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
RAYE, Olivia Dean and Teddy Swims. I love artists who can make you dance and cry in the same song.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
RAYE, Remi Wolf, or Olivia Dean! They’re all such fearless, authentic artists. Opening for any of them would be a dream and such a full-circle moment.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When someone tells me my song helped them through something – that it made them feel seen or less alone. Those moments remind me why I do this. I don’t just want to make songs, I want to build a community through my music and make people feel less alone in their struggles.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Social media, lol. It’s such a double-edged sword - like it’s amazing for connecting with people, but it can mess with your head. Like you’ll spend hours editing a video, and then it flops. Or you lose followers because something didn’t “perform.” I try not to take it personally, but as a creative person, it’s hard not to sometimes.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“You’ll always have doubt, but make the choice that feels true to you, not the one that feels safe. The only person you should compete with is the version of you that almost gave up.” I frequently go through existential crises - so my friends who have told me this have helped me keep going.
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Jolene Lozano's new single 'Emotional Damage' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.