Born in Paris, Texas to a musical family, Lola Batiste whose aunt was a Baptist church pianist/singer with a fervent vocal style had an early influence on Lola's interpretation of a lyric.
Lola attended the Catholic church whose choir pianist had a more repressed style, began singing hymns in the church where she fused her aunt's fervent gospel singing influence with the subdued style of the Catholic church creating a unique mix of vocal style that leaned more toward a melancholy vibe.
She has worked with some of DFW's finest such as jazz vocalist Victor Cager and pianist/vocalist James Belk while honing her craft.
In 2017 Lola competed in the "Denise Lee Onstage So You Think You Can Cabaret" competition where she won 3rd place with her rendition of Billie Holiday's "Fine and Mellow".
In a musical collaboration with songwriter Nico Rizzuto of Cologne, Germany Lola provided the vocals for the creation of “Because You Know Me” a jazzy tune that had some airplay in Germany.
Lola has also had the honor of being a member of the prestigious Women's Chorus of Dallas where she sang first soprano under the artistic direction of Melinda Imthurn.
Along with two other actresses she portrayed Diana Ross with the Supremes in the Marsha Moses musical production of “From Dixie to Broadway” a musical documenting the history of African American music. “I have always admired Diana Ross and when I was cast to perform her songs I was so thrilled!”
In the stage play production of “ Reveal (a dream tale with music)” a stage play directed by the accomplished actor-director and writer Akin Babatunde a play that had its debut at the Kalita Humphrey Theater in Dallas, she portrayed one of three singing dolls that came to life.
“When performing a song I try to interpret the song in the way that I'm feeling it. I never try to be the image of the artist I adore, I extract from their performances things that enhance my own performance.”
“Sometimes when performing I can still feel my aunt's singing style and I can feel the music from the hymns I used to sing in the Catholic church and I really don't try to separate those vibes in my head, I just go with the flow, merge them together, and start to feel my own unique approach to a melody, that's the beauty of singing jazz."
DISCOGRAPHY
Body and Soul - Samba Version
Single Release: 2014
Available on iTunes
College Station, Texas 77840
600 Commerce St.
Forth Worth, Texas 76102
Plano, Texas