London-based singer-songwriter Lottie Ingram returns with her fifth single ‘Pretty Enough’, a release that further cements her as one of the UK’s most promising young voices in indie pop. At just 14, Ingram is already crafting a sound rooted in honesty and self-reflection, writing her own music and lyrics with a maturity that belies her age.
Blending folk-leaning pop with stripped-back instrumentation, ‘Pretty Enough’ sees Lottie tackle the pressures of social media comparison and the quiet toll it can take on self-worth. Written at the piano and brought to life with acoustic and electric guitars, the track carries a warm, intimate feel, allowing her message to land with clarity and emotional weight.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about 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?
The first instrument I started playing was the flute and it was definitely how I fell in love with music more generally. However, after playing it for nearly ten years I would say we very much have a love-hate relationship and more recent instruments have taken over! I have just started playing the bass guitar which is the coolest instrument in the world and I absolutely love playing it. I also love the piano and acoustic guitar and use both to help my songwriting.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Well, apart from Let it Go, obviously, we listened to a lot of 90s pop in our house as that's my Dad's era (and a bit of a guilty pleasure!) so Busted, McFly etc. Also, I was (and still am) a massive Swiftie.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Probably One Direction's Four!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Inferior by Jessica Baio - the lyrics were actually part of the inspiration for Pretty Enough. I am super excited that Jessica is on tour in London in May and can't wait to see her!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really - writing songs is quite a natural process for me as the piano is where I go to relax at the end of the day and I like to just mess around, coming up with the melody first.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jessica Baio, Aine Dean, Aimee Carty, Taylor Swift - I love how clever their lyrics are and how they tell a story with each song.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Taylor Swift - her Eras tour was epic - I was lucky enough to go and it was incredible seeing how she brought such a huge crowd together. I think she's an amazing talent but also a really positive role model for a whole generation of girls.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love performing and I definitely get a huge rush singing and playing live! If someone tells me they've listened to a song I've written and enjoyed it or it's made them feel a certain way, that's a huge compliment and makes me very happy.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Getting a block when you're half way through a song. I tend to write songs pretty quickly and in one sitting (then tweak it) so whenever I get stuck half-way, it's very frustrating!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
You can't be everyone's cup of tea or you'd be a mug! Not everyone is going to love everything you do - and that's ok!
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Lottie Ingram's new single 'Pretty Enough' is out now. Check it out in the player below.