
Inge Lamboo by Guus Heemskerk
Inge Lamboo came up making mashups that actually meant something, Fleetwood Mac as a mood, not a gimmick. Now she’s got Pete Townshend playing guitar on her latest single ‘Call Out Your Name’ that’s aiming to prove she’s more than a clever arranger. Spoiler: she is.
Your music blends alt-pop with country flares, and now you’ve got Pete Townshend throwing down a solo. Townshend described his contribution as “throwing some mud at the wall—‘60s style.” When you first heard his take, did it feel like a perfect fit, or did it surprise you?
I still remember the moment I first heard the take. I was totally blown away in a good way. He already told me it wouldn’t be a typical shred solo, since we both felt it didn’t fit the track. I was so hyped when I heard that signature ‘yaggerdang’ hit on my track, and I’m very grateful it has Pete’s authentic style.
There’s something poetic about you pressing a 7” single into Pete Townshend’s hands at the Royal Albert Hall. How did that go?
We’d already video-called before, so I had a good feeling about it, but I didn’t expect it to be as awesome as this real-life meeting. Pete invited me to The Who’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Just before the show, I got to speak with him and hand over the 7″. He took his time, and it was super chill.
It couldn’t have been more perfect! He was really stoked to get the 7″, and it was amazing to realize we were finally meeting face-to-face after it all started on social media.
You gained traction with mashups including one that put Arctic Monkeys through a Fleetwood Mac filter. Do you think of genre as a loose framework to play with, or do you always have a sonic home base in mind?
I’m not really into thinking in boxes, and I like to push boundaries, especially with my own music. I love way too many styles—rock, blues, James Bond tracks, drum & bass… I feel blessed to have such a wide taste in music because there’s always something new to learn and discover. My interest in different styles comes partly from my parents’ house, where music was always playing, and also from the show Glee, which, just like me later on TikTok and Instagram, would put songs into different styles. One thing that’s always solid is the guitar. There’s always a stomping acoustic guitar in there. That’s Inge Lamboo.
You’ve built an audience that loves your reinterpretations as much as your originals. Do you see those two sides of your artistry feeding each other, or do you ever feel like you have to prove yourself as a songwriter?
I’m happy with the response I’m getting now, though I’d love it if even more people knew about my music. I’ve got a story and a live show with an amazing band that I want to share with the world, and step by step, I’m making sure it stands out. Working with Pete is one of the biggest steps I’ve taken so far, and for me, it’s a great moment to show that I’m more than just someone who makes mashups.
You’ve gotten praise from a range of established artists. Do you see any common threads in what they respond to in your music?
It’s really special and an honor to receive such compliments so early in my career from the people I look up to. I think what we have in common is that we all have something to say. I love artists who speak their mind and have such a distinctive style that you know exactly who they are in no time. With my story, looks, voice, and guitar playing I hope to head in that direction as well.
Your upcoming album is This Is How The Future Sounds. What’s your vision of that future – sonically and thematically?
The album is about growing up in your twenties and everything that comes with it, the goods and the bads. I also write a lot about chasing your dreams and not getting stuck in someone else’s way of thinking or opinions. I can’t stand it when people don’t do something because they’re afraid of what others think. Life’s way too short for that.
How the future sounds: go for your goals, give yourself time, surround yourself with good people, and be proud of every (small) step you take.
Where do you see your music evolving next? Are there new sounds you’re eager to explore, or other collaborations you’re dreaming of making a reality?
I’m not ready to say anything for sure yet because I like to keep it open, but the guitar-driven sound and indie vibes of Call Out Your Name are definitely something I want to explore more. I feel like I can really tell my story in those kinds of songs, almost like I should’ve lived in the ’50s. I’m also into modern styles like drum & bass, so yeah… one thing’s for sure: the next album will definitely have some surprises as well