The Visionary talk

‘No religion, no wars’ and ‘Women in charge’. We spoke with Israeli indie-band Lola Marsh, which consists of singer Yael Shoshana Cohen - who bears a striking resemblance to Penelope Cruz – and guitarist Gil Landau.

There was a time when Gil and Yael were lovers, but now it’s the love for music and performing that is keeping them together. With their dreamy, nostalgic, cinematic indie pop, inspired by artists like Edith Piaf and Sufjan Stevens, they are slowly but steadily conquering the world; in 2017 their single You’re Mine landed in America’s top 3 ‘Most Viral Tracks’ on Spotify. Earlier this year Lola Marsh launched a brand-spanking new album and took it to Europe on a fully booked tour… until COVID19 hit and they were forced to return to Tel Aviv.

Weeks of quarantine followed, ‘It kind of felt like a vacation, but in a disturbing way’, Yael recalls. Apart from reading books, watching movies and learning French she felt a little unsettled: ‘You can’t help but wonder if the world will ever be the same again’. On the other hand, living in isolation opened the door for tranquility and reflection, which, she says, shines through in their new songs, because suddenly there was plenty of time for songwriting. Asked about what she misses most Yael is quick to respond: ‘PERFORMING! LIVE-MUSIC! GOD I MISS IT!! BRING IT BACK!!’. She misses the energy, the adrenaline and the connection with the audience. 

But change doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing: 'One could say this is the perfect moment to reflect and reset the parameters. Living in lockdown made me think about the way we treat the planet’, she says. ‘What if all the people in the world would become vegan? This world would be such a better place… And women in charge. Women for president!’. 

Sure thing, the dreamworld that Lola Marsh creates is a fine place. Their fans knew that already. We just have to be a little patient; the band will start touring again in 2021

Creative Direction: The Visionary Lab
Photography: Petrovsky & Ramone
Styling: Roel Schagen
All looks Chanel

To listen: www.lolamarsh.com