A French DJ based in Paris, Lola Cerise was born into a family of creatives – her mother was a classical musician, and her uncle was a chief orchestra. She played the piano but confesses her rebellious side lead her to do her own thing, where during her teenage years, she became a regular at many illegal raves, discovering acid core, tribal, and tribe core genres.

After a few years of modeling, studying photography, and raving in Australia, Lola Cerise found her true calling, returned to Europe and has been riding the wave of success ever since that’s seen her performing in HOR Berlin to releasing on major labels.

With a massive LP out on Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE last week, we had to chat with the artist about all things ‘I Don’t Speak German,’ her career before becoming a DJ, her eclectic track names, and much more!

WWD: Thanks for talking to us Lola! Can you introduce us to your past? Where did you first play as a DJ and what made you want to be a DJ?

I’ve always been drawn to DJing, especially growing up surrounded by the culture of illegal raves. But I truly got started during COVID while I was living in Australia. My first set was at a “bush doof,” which is what Aussies call outdoor rave parties. From the moment I played, it was love at first sight — a total coup de foudre.

WWD: Cerise means ‘Cherry’ – is this your real name, if not, how did you come up with it?

Yes! It’s actually my real first name: Lola-Cerise. I spent ages trying to come up with a stage name before realizing that having such an unusual name was probably a sign, I should just own it.

WWD: You were a model in your teenage years with some big brands. How did the transition from modelling to DJing come about?

The transition wasn’t direct — but my experience in the modelling world definitely pushed me to escape and explore. I started traveling and discovering who I really was, and that eventually led me to music. Looking back, I think I always felt out of place because I was meant to create. But calling yourself an “artist” isn’t always easy — it’s not a real job in a lot of people’s eyes, and it takes courage to push past all the voices telling you not to.

WWD: How do you think your music has changed from your first release to your latest EP on ARTCORE?

It’s not necessarily a change in sound — it’s a change in story. My tracks are a direct reflection of what I’m going through at any given moment, so they’re always evolving. The EP just tells a different chapter of my life.

WWD: Some of the names of your tracks are so different, we love the creativity. How do you come up with the names? Do all of them have a story behind them?

It started as a private joke with friends when I first began producing. Now it’s become a ritual. I keep a running list on my phone with random things I hear at parties, old childhood jokes, funny memories — and when I finish a track, I just scroll through the list to see which one fits the vibe best.
Some titles are statements too. The name of the EP, ‘I Don’t Speak German,’ is one of them — since joining a German agency, I get so many messages in German… and I’m constantly having to explain that I don’t speak it at all!

WWD: Your sound on the release blends the psy-techno of ARTCORE and also some of the grittier techno of your other releases – was this a conscious choice to take it more psy-trance/techno?

Not at all! I didn’t create the tracks with ARTCORE in mind — some are three years old, some were made just before signing. I simply sent Indira my full catalogue and she picked her favorites.
What’s amazing is that she didn’t just pick the psytrance-influenced ones — she chose a mix of everything. Even ‘Is That What You Wanted Mummy,’ which is super dark and quite bold for a label release. I honestly never thought that track would see the light of day, and now it’s one of my favorites on the EP.

WWD:  Some massive shows for you ahead this year, with Hi Ibiza, Fabric London, RSO Berlin, Sea You Festival, and Teletech Festival. Do you have a hit list when it comes to 3 dream venues to play?

It’s really hard to narrow it down — honestly, some of the ones you’ve listed were already dreams come true. Becoming a resident at Gotec, for example, was a huge milestone for me.
But if I had to pick a dream list, I’d say: Awakenings, Tomorrowland, and Boiler Room. Definitely hoping to tick those off in the near future.

WWD: How do you relax and spend your spare time outside of music?

Mostly hanging out with friends or going to the gym. But truthfully, it’s hard for me to disconnect — it never really feels like I’m working. I often dig for tracks while I’m working out, and most of my friends work in the club scene too. So even when I’m not actively DJing, I’m still immersed in that world — and that’s exactly how I like it. My goal has always been to build a life that revolves completely around art.

WWD: What’s one track that came out in May you can’t get enough of?

It actually came out in March, but I’ve been obsessed ever since: Rikhter’s ‘Svet.’
It’s an absolute masterpiece — I highly recommend it!

WWD: Thanks for the recommendation and the chat 🙂 

The ‘I Don’t Speak German’ LP is available here