Interview: Lisa Rieffel
Discussing Her New Solo Project Fur Trapper + Killola Live
Prolific LA singer/songwriter and actress Lisa Rieffel is back with an exciting new solo project dubbed Fur Trapper.
If you dig 2000s indie rock, you’re probably a fan of Rieffel’s ferocious band Killola which re-emerged in recent years with the 2023 album Let’s Get Associated and a handful of live dates (including an upcoming show at the Roxy in LA on Mar. 27).
At the same time, she has released music with the eclectic, genre-hopping duo H. Kink including the 2019 album, Wish I Were Here, and the 2023 follow up, Karate, in addition to a few singles and the Men EP.
“Nuclear Bomb,” the first single from a forthcoming Fur Trapper EP, dives deeper into timeless retro pop territory.
“I was aiming for something ‘80s and synthy—stuff that feels like the music I grew up hearing on the radio as a little kid,” Rieffel told me for the interview below. “That sound’s just in my DNA at this point. I’ve always loved The Human League, Falco, Spandau Ballet…those big, catchy, slightly dramatic pop songs that still somehow feel cool.”
I caught up with Rieffel as she prepares for the Mar. 27 Killola show to discuss Fur Trapper, how “Nuclear Bomb” came together, and the story behind the project’s name.
Lisa Rieffel/Fur Trapper Interview
Congrats on the new single! What's the story behind "Nuclear Bomb"?
Lisa Rieffel: Thanks! ‘Nuclear Bomb’ is really just about toxic relationships—calling out the type of person who somehow has a talent for taking something good and blowing it up.
Can you tell me a little about how this track was recorded?
Lisa Rieffel: I write the songs on my own, then bring them to my longtime friend and fellow troublemaker Luke Tierney—we’d dig into the sounds, refine things, map it all out. Once it felt right, I’d hand it off to my old pal Linus of Hollywood for mixing and that final layer of sparkle.
"Nuclear Bomb" is the first single from a forthcoming solo EP. Why did you decide to use "Fur Trapper" instead of your own name?
Lisa Rieffel: A while back, my good friend Chelsea used to go by ‘fvrtrppr’ online—it was this cool little pseudonym she had, and I always loved it. After a couple years, she changed her handle or stopped using it, and I honestly just missed seeing it around. So this felt like a fun way to keep it alive and give it a little nod.
Another favorite from the EP is "Never Enough." I can imagine that one live. Any plans for Fur Trapper shows? Backing tracks or live band?
Lisa Rieffel: I’d definitely want to use a live band—would love that, actually. I’m in the process of putting it together now, just figuring out the right crew and vibe.
Speaking of shows, Killola is playing at the Roxy on Mar. 27. How does it feel to perform with Killola these days?
Lisa Rieffel: I always love it—those guys are like family. We’ve been a band for something like 22 years, so it’s deep. It feels amazing to still be playing together, and honestly, one of the best parts is seeing people at the shows who first found Killola as teens… now they’re all grown up, and it’s just wild and really special.
Will any Fur Trapper songs sneak into the Killola set?
Lisa Rieffel: Haha, probably not! Gonna keep the worlds separate…for now at least.
If I jumped in the tour van with Killola or Fur Trapper these days, what five songs would I be listening to on the stereo?
Lisa Rieffel: Ooo… if you jumped in the van right now, you’d probably hear:
Djo – “Chateau”
Dear Nora – “Second Guess”
ROAR - "Christmas Kids"
StEve Lacey - "Static"
Tyler, The Creator - "See You Again"
With this scenario, I bet the rest of Killola would probably have on their own air pods, haha. Sorry guys, BUT I GOT THE AUX ON THIS QUESTION, BITCHES.
