Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring the rising pop star Lauren Day
Where are you from?
I was born in Wellington, New Zealand, I’ve been living in Sydney for 8 years and this is now my home but I’ll always have a strong connection to NZ.
When did you start making music?
I was around 14 years old when I started writing songs in my room. I don’t think they were very good but you have to start somewhere right! When I was 19 I started taking it more seriously. I was in a few cover bands and started writing more and it was when I moved to Sydney I started releasing music.
How do you describe your music?
It’s so hard to put music in a genre box these days and I struggle with selecting my genre every time I release new music. My music is Indie Pop, Dream Pop with Neo-Soul and some Alt R&B influences. I like to create dreamy, whimsical, nostalgic vibes to connect with the listener. I really want to help the listener feel what I’m feeling.
Favorite moment from your career?
Releasing this EP! At the end of 2019 I wanted to find myself as a singer/songwriter and the type of music I wanted to make that wasn’t influenced by others opinions and their sounds. I demoed maybe 8 or 9 songs and then took 4 of them to my favourite producers to make them what they are today. I’m so happy with how it’s come together and even the music videos really visually represent everything I had in my head when I listen to them. There is nothing quite like the feeling of creating something that really represents what you’re feeling and who you are. I suspect I have a new highlight coming soon with my first performance of this EP though. I’m so excited!
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
I have a few, Lana Del Rey has been a big inspiration ever since her Born to die album came out. Solange has been a big influence on me as well. I love how her music is not just about sound, it’s about visual representation as well. George Maple is also an artist I love for her visuals surrounding her music which is what I want to explore even more in my live performance in the future. I looked to a lot of older artists for inspiration as well such as Fleetwood Mac, Massive Attack, Sade. You will probably be able to hear some of these in my new music.
What is your producing software?
I have a MacBook Pro and I use Logic Pro X. I found it super easy to use after using Garage band when I was younger! During lock down I took an online course on the software which really helped! In my home studio I have a PreSonus interface, AKG P120 Condenser Mic, PreSonus Speakers, Keyboard, Electric and electric acoustic guitar. These are all perfect for songwriting!
What other things do you do besides making music?
I’m a Freelance Hairdresser and also a Fit Model (for those who don’t know what that is, I try the clothes on in pre-production with the Buyer/Designers to make sure they fit and look right). I also sell vintage furniture on instagram. I used to do modelling and a bit of acting but I focus just on my music now and the other jobs help pay the bills.
What is your favorite track of all time?
Of my music it’s On & On. I think it because it really represents a breakthrough in myself and my music. It was the first song I wrote on the EP and some bits of my original production were kept in it. I’m obsessed with the bass line in it. Matt Hurt did such a great job with the production!
My favourite from another artist is such a tough one as there are sooo many amazing songs! But I guess one that sticks out for me right now is ‘Give me one reason’ by Tracy Chapman, I first heard this when I was a little girl at my Aunt’s house so it is now a special memory as she passed away this year. For me great songs are something that spark special memories and feelings of when you heard them. It’s such a personal experience.
What is your best-producing / song writing tip?
Start simple with some chords and a beat then see where that takes you. I find I’ll start to get a vibe or a feeling then I go from there. The music you can always build around it so starting with a good vocal hook I find works best for me. I’ll usually just loop over the chords and just sing until I find something I like then build lyrics from there. I’m always writing lyrics down as I think of them as well so I have a library of ideas to use when writing. Draw inspiration from your own experiences, movies, other songs, friends and anywhere you can find it.
Why did you start recording music?
I’ve loved music since as long as I can remember. Writing my and recording just came as an extension of that. I honestly can’t remember what made me start, It’s just something I have always known I wanted to do. My Uncle used to play piano and drums by ear and he was amazing and that always inspired me. I’m definitely a strong right brainer, I love art and creating things so I guess it was inevitable.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to keep releasing more music and developing my sound and skills as a writer and producer. I still have a long way to go in terms of my music career so I’ll just keep climbing day by day. One goal is to do a tour and play a festival!
What advice can you give for the young music artists?
Follow your passion and give it all you have. Always go hard for your plan A and don’t settle for plan B. Something I always ask myself is will I regret this if I don’t do it. Also do your research there is so much information out there to help you with releasing music independently.
Please write a message to your fans.
Thank you so much for the support you have shown me, it honestly means the world to me!! I really hope this music connects with you the way it does with me. I promise to keep creating, and growing to bring you more music you can relate and vibe to! It brings a big smile to my face with every comment I receive so don’t be a stranger!
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