LOLA Music Lounge: A Place for Penh’s Creative Souls
A musical gem catering to the capital’s artistic community has caught our attention at Cambodia Lifestyle recently! LOLA Music Lounge, co-founded by Matt Coles and his business partner, Max Pires, is a space where creativity takes center stage. It’s not just another bar—it’s a venue created by musicians, for musicians. So we asked Matt what the idea is behind the fun!
“Our dream was simple,” says Matt. “We wanted to create a place where passionate music lovers could come together, perform, and connect. Toul Tom Poung felt like the perfect spot for a venue that welcomes not just musicians, but anyone looking to express themselves.”
LOLA Music Lounge has been open since March of this year, and the energy has only grown. “We’ve been fortunate to gain the support of some incredible local musicians,” Matt shares. “From rap to rock, folk to jazz, we’ve hosted a range of performances that’s really reflective of the diversity in Cambodia’s music scene.” With a packed schedule of events and a growing audience, LOLA is a go-to for anyone seeking a break from the ordinary.
A Creative Hub in Phnom Penh
While LOLA is undeniably a music venue, it offers much more than just performances. “We’re nerds at heart,” laughs Matt. “As well as being music nerds, we’re into games like Dungeons & Dragons (thanks to our partner, Redcouch Gaming), Mario Kart competitions, music quizzes, and even game show nights.”
The lounge is a melting pot of interests, regularly hosting an Open Mic night for music, a separate one for poetry, and even screening classic films daily. “We love throwing a murder mystery party too,” Matt adds with a grin. “The only thing we don’t do is sport. There are plenty of other bars for that.”
This eclectic mix of activities is precisely what makes LOLA stand out. It’s a venue where people can come to be themselves, whether that’s through music, games, or poetry. “Finding your tribe is key,” Matt notes. “And at LOLA, we’ve been lucky to find ours. Our tribe loves to create music, perform stand-up, watch films, read books, and sometimes even ‘commit murder’—in the fictional sense, of course.”
LOLA Music Lounge is also making strides in creating a truly inclusive space. “We’ve been working hard to be a venue for both Khmer and non-Khmer musicians,” says Matt. “It’s taken time, but we’re thrilled to see more Khmer musicians reaching out to perform here.”
Inclusive Community
Beyond music, the lounge takes pride in being a welcoming, LGBT-friendly venue. “Our name is partly inspired by The Kinks’ famous song ‘Lola,’ one of the most popular songs about a trans person,” Matt shares. “We want everyone to feel at home here, no matter who they are.”
This sense of belonging is key to LOLA’s success. In a city as dynamic as Phnom Penh, finding a place where you truly fit in can be a challenge. But LOLA Music Lounge is determined to be that place, offering a space where creative expression is celebrated, no matter the medium.
Looking to the Future
With a steadily growing community and an array of exciting events, the future looks bright for LOLA Music Lounge. “Watching people pursue their passions has been the best part of being involved with LOLA,” Matt reflects. “Whether it’s someone performing for the first time, or a group of friends getting together for a game night, it’s incredibly rewarding to see people make their own fun.”
As LOLA Music Lounge continues to grow, one thing is certain: it will remain a vibrant hub for Phnom Penh’s creative souls. Whether you’re a musician, a poet, a gamer, or just someone looking for a fun, welcoming space, LOLA has something for you. And who knows? You might just find your tribe there.
Where can I find LOLA music in Phnom Penh?
LOLA Music Lounge
No. 43, Street 460
TTP, Phnom Penh
Cambodia
+855 885 622 483
lolamusiclounge.com
Opening Hours
Mon: 5-12am
Tue: 5-12am
Wed: 5-12am
Thur: 5-2am
Fri: 5-2am
Sat 5-2am
Sun 5-12am
 | Cambodia |
 | lolamusiclounge.com |
 | +855 885 622 483 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
