Lauren Lakis Discusses New Album, Inspirations and More
HELLO LAUREN! SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE! LET’S START, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
Hi! I’m originally from Baltimore, but have lived in Tokyo and Prague before coming to LA…I like delving into multiple mediums as an artist, but have been focusing more on music these past few years. I love to learn, explore, and tell stories about the human experience. Even though I make dark music, I’m a big dork in real life and love to laugh.
TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU STARTED MAKING MUSIC?
My earliest musical moments were in Catholic school – singing in choir and playing flute. I started taking guitar lessons when I was 14; we focused mostly on classical pieces and reading sheet music. I remember at the end of class, as a special treat, my instructor would teach me a contemporary song – I usually picked something like Korn and learned the magic of Drop D tuning haha.
WHO INSPIRES YOUR PLAYING STYLE? WHICH ARTISTS CAN WE REFER TO?
I’m mostly inspired by 90s rock especially Hole, Cat Power, NIN, Jawbreaker, Brian Jonestown Massacare…shoegazey influences include My Bloody Valentine, Tamaryn, Cocteau Twins…more doom/sludgey stuff like True Widow, Jesu, Have A Nice Life…and sexy down tempo stuff like HTRK, Eartheater.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE? HOW DO YOU START WRITING A MUSIC PIECE? HOW DO YOU BEGIN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
It usually always begins by selecting a tuning, strumming chords or making up chords, seeing what sounds are inspiring in the moment, and then allowing the vocal melody to come through. Sometimes the lyrics write themselves in the moment, but more often than not, I hear specific syllables and then write the words later.
LASTLY, WHAT ARE YOUR MUSIC GOALS FOR THIS YEAR, AND HOW ARE YOU WORKING TOWARD ACHIEVING THEM?
I just recorded a new album in Portland at Singing Sands Studio, so I’ll start thinking about that release…perhaps before the year is through I’ll start putting out some singles from it. I’m hoping for live shows to start again this year as well…but in the meantime I’m writing more of my own stuff as well as collaborating with friends.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
If this year has taught me anything, it’s to learn to love yourself without seeking external validation. Really spend some time with yourself, get to know your spirit, and celebrate it. Life is so short and things can change in an instant; live how you want.
LASTLY, WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU ONLINE?
I’m the only Lauren Lakis that exists, so a quick search of my name will tell you everything you’d ever want to know. As far as social media, I’m most active on Instagram @laurenlakis, and I try to answer all my DMs there.