Final Fantasy: Lava La Rue is levelling up their lore
The West London artist on the game-changing plans behind their debut album, how they fell in love with Twilight’s emo vampire universe and why signing to Dirty Hit marks a new era.
WORDS BY ZOYA RAZA-SHEIKH HEADER DESIGN BY YOSEF PHELAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARYN CHONG STYLING BY AMY HOLDEN-BROWN MAKE UP BY MAYA MAN It’s a drizzly afternoon in Ladbroke Grove but that hasn’t stopped Lava La Rue – born Ava Laurel – from showing up in full stereo.
We’re taking shelter in the headquarters of their new indie label, Dirty Hit, as they lead me to a boxy room that almost doubles as a trophy cabinet of the label’s success stories, with framed magazine covers of acts like Rina Sawayama, beabadoobee, Pale Waves and Wolf Alice.
As the 25-year-old musician leans back in their chair, their relaxed style – a pin badge-adorned trapper hat and distressed faded brown jumper – notably clash against the sterile white room.
