Photo Credit: Amber Paredes

The way people came up with emo music in the 2000s mirrors how those in Gen X felt about grunge. Young, confused, and often unhinged about the world around them – both genres felt like a warm, creative embrace of sound. A prime reason why so many from those various generations hold their teen angst soundtracks close to their hearts, even when they’re far from sophomore year. Which, speaking of – Lil Lotus is an artist who infuses those emo roots into what he does today, and on his sophomore release, ‘Nosebleeder,’ which drops on December 1st on Epitaph Records. We talked about that record, nights with emo, and more in this new back-and-forth exchange.

Kendra: You seemed to have experienced a lot of personal growth between now and ‘ERRØR BØY,’ and I think that in part comes with getting older but from an artistic standpoint, how do you think those couple of years of new maturity have helped you creatively when you listen back to your debut and compare it to 2023’s ‘Nosebleeder?’

Lil Lotus: We’re always growing, always learning but as far as it affects the music, I think I’m always pulling from every direction of experience and imagination whether I realize it in the moment or not. I try not to think too hard about stuff when I make music and just have fun at that moment. The new stuff was a whole lot of fun to make and I feel like it’s the most “me” stuff I’ve made so far.

Kendra: The title track definitely struck a chord with me for more than a few reasons. I came of age with bands like The Used and Story of the Year, so anytime I hear music that takes me back to being that 16-year-old in an Invader Zim tee, I get a little emotional, but in a good way because those are cherished memories. I also related to the idea that this song was centered around the idea of being burnt out. This is, I think, such a universal feeling at the moment because it seems like we always have to be on, especially with social media and whatnot. Have you found since writing and recording this song, you’ve been able to relieve some of those external pressures and feel a little less drained? 

Lil Lotus: Yeah, for sure, the internet has definitely made people live more online (Instagram, Twitter, etc) than in the moment. My big thing is movies and nature with friends.

Kendra: You worked with a lot of great artists on the new album like Mod Sun and Luke Holland. Which, you’re no stranger to a collaboration and have done quite a bit in the past. What do you personally love about bringing in additional talent on a track?

Lil Lotus: Additional talent is always sick to see their version of that topic on the song. Everyone’s different so hearing those ideas of where the song would go with their voices is always fun cause then u end up with this whole new breath of life in the song. Also, shout out to everyone who added their spin on things on this album.

Kendra: I just mentioned The Used and Story of the Year, I also loved New Found Glory and Fall Out Boy, but you’ve noted that you’re representing a new generation of pop punk. As an elder emo, I do have to ask – what do you feel will be the new generation’s lasting impression on the genre as a whole when we look back on it in 10-20 years?

Lil Lotus: Hell yeah, back to what I was saying, we’re always learning and always growing. I feel like it’s just safe to say this is gonna be a time we look back on and say we were all trying everything. Throwing things in the mix purely out of nostalgia. Genres are dying and anything goes if it sounds good and not being afraid to try something hella left field is the right move.

Kendra: And with that, do you ever feel a level of pressure in pop punk given the plethora of Emo Nites and whatnot that are out that relish in the past instead of making way for the current artists? 

Lil Lotus: Naw I feel like that stuff keeps the heart of it alive. While they’re partying at those events, they’re also learning those songs and connecting with them even if they never did when they were younger which just makes my job easier. I grew up on all that so I’m already writing in that world and just adding more to the pot. Shout out Emo Nite.

Kendra: Time for a side note – with Thanksgiving just having passed by us, I’m asking everyone…what is one album you’re grateful for, an album that inspired you to do what you’re currently doing right now as an artist? 

Lil Lotus: That’s a hard one it’s an even tie between Saosin – “Translating The Name” and Escape The Fate – “Dying Is Your Latest Fashion” very fucking thankful, those both got me through growing up.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Nosebleeder’ out on December 1st and your tour wrapping up in November, what can fans expect as 2024 gets underway?

Lil Lotus: Oh man I’m getting right back to the grind (writing) and by the looks of it the new stuff is getting louder and heavier.