Lola Young Takes Legal Action Against ‘Messy’ Producer Over Songwriting Claim

Lola Young disputes ‘Messy’ producer’s songwriting credit claims, defending her creative integrity with a new legal battle.

A Rising Star Faces a Songwriting Dispute

If you’ve been following Lola Young’s meteoric rise from breakout sensation to a respected pop songwriter, you know she’s a force of authenticity and talent. But now, the singer is tangled in a surprising legal battle. She’s taken action against Carter Lang, the co-producer of her viral hit “Messy,” over his claims to songwriting credits on several of her songs.

Lola Young looking radiant in 2024 — photo by Ashley Osborn

The BBC reports that Lola Young, backed by Sony Music Publishing, has filed an intellectual property claim in London to challenge Lang’s assertion that he deserves credit on four of her tracks. Young’s camp vehemently denies these claims, emphasizing her integrity as an artist.

Who is Carter Lang – and Why Does This Matter?

For those unfamiliar, Carter Lang is no small name. He has an impressive production resume, working with heavyweights like SZA, Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Lil Nas X. His involvement in “Messy” helped catapult the track to the top of the UK Singles Chart earlier this year, marking a massive breakthrough for Lola.

But as often happens in the music world, the lines between production, songwriting, and creative input can blur — and that’s where disputes arise. Lola’s legal team expressed their disappointment but made it clear they wouldn’t let her reputation be tarnished by what they call “unfounded” claims.

“Carter’s claims are strongly refuted and we will not allow Lola’s reputation and integrity to be called into question – particularly so long after the sessions took place and agreements were put in place.”
— Lola Young’s legal representatives

They also clarified that Lola has always been transparent about her songwriting and acknowledges contributions when due. The disagreement has simmered for months, and this legal move seeks to finally set the record straight.

The ‘Messy’ Magic: Behind the Lyrics

Let’s rewind a bit to the song that changed everything for Lola Young. “Messy” has become one of 2025’s biggest anthems, resonating deeply with listeners for its raw emotional honesty. At the Ivor Novello Awards earlier this year, where Lola received the Rising Star Award, she opened up about the personal experiences that fueled the song.

“I just wrote it from a really personal place and it can sometimes be re-triggering hearing that song because it was so intense,” Lola shared. “I’m out of that place now, out of that difficult time in my life.”

The song’s appeal lies in its relatability. Many feel they’re not enough, or that they’ll never truly “win” in someone else’s eyes, and Lola captures that sentiment with heartfelt precision.

A Pause Amidst the Pressure

Just days before this legal case broke, Lola announced she would be stepping back from her commitments for the “foreseeable future.”

She collapsed during a set at All Things Go festival in New York City on September 27, which understandably sparked concern among fans and the music community. Following that incident, she canceled her planned UK tour this autumn — a hard but necessary decision for her wellbeing.

Lola Young live on stage — a moment before her collapse in New York

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote:

“I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future. Thank you all for the love and support. I’m so sorry to let anyone down who has bought a ticket to see me, it hurts me more than you know. Obviously, you will be entitled to a full refund.”

The message showed her deep connection to her fans and her desire to come back stronger after some much-needed time away.

Songwriting, Reputation, and the Future

Lola’s second album, I’m Only Fucking Myself, dropped last month and showcased her versatility far beyond the single “Messy.” Although the album received mixed reviews — one critic noting it felt “a little all over the place” — the consensus was that Lola is an artist with serious potential and exciting things ahead.

“One of the more interesting new names breaking out right now, Young proves that there’s far more to her repertoire than ‘Messy,’ and though it occasionally lacks focus as an album, it also tees up plenty of excitement for whatever’s next.”

The stakes are high in this legal dispute, as it concerns Lola’s songwriting credits — a core part of her artistic identity and future earnings.

Looking Ahead

This case also highlights a broader industry challenge: how to fairly credit contributors when making music in today’s complex creative landscape. For Lola Young, who’s built her burgeoning reputation on honest songwriting, protecting her creative rights feels deeply personal.

Despite the current hurdles, it’s clear Lola’s passion for music and storytelling remains unwavering. Fans everywhere hope she’ll come back renewed, ready to keep sharing those relatable stories that make her stand out.

FAQ

• What is the lawsuit about?
  Lola Young has filed a legal claim against Carter Lang, co-producer of “Messy,” disputing his claim to songwriting credits on four of her songs.
• Who is Carter Lang?
  Carter Lang is a well-known music producer who has worked with major artists like SZA, Post Malone, and Doja Cat.
• Has Lola addressed the lawsuit publicly?
  Lola and Carter Lang have not publicly commented on the specific details of the dispute.
• Why did Lola cancel her UK tour?
  She collapsed during a New York festival performance and decided to take a break for her health, leading to the cancellation of her upcoming tour.
• What is Lola’s recent album?
  Her second album is I’m Only Fucking Myself, released last month, showcasing her unique spins on pop music.

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