Do you have a story behind your artist name?
Not really! Lauren Ann is my real name. When I made my social media accounts I just stuck my name in and thought I’d change it to something cooler at a later stage but ‘Lauren Ann’ just kind of stuck I guess!
Tells us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
Well I was quite young when I started my musical journey so I’ve had time to grow as a person and as an artist. I’ve definitely become a little less naive than when I first started. Although creating music can be really rewarding, it comes with its own challenges. It can be a very tough job at times.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
I think my sound is very similar to any 90’s band. I take a lot of my influences from the 90’s, Pixies, No Doubt, Garbage, etc. But it’s got its own thing going on as well! I grew up around a lot of different genres so I don’t think my sound fits into a specific place.
What drew you to the genre /instruments you’re playing right now?
I grew up listening to classic rock bands and Madonna thanks to my parents, and I always found those artists fascinating. It wasn’t until I was like 14 that I found Nirvana and realised that I needed to pursue music myself. I taught myself to play guitar by watching a bunch of Kurt Cobain’s live performances. I just fell in love with music, something really clicked when I was 14/15 and I pushed myself to learn as many instruments as I could.
What inspires you to write music?
For me writing is how I release any sort of negative or frustrating emotions. That’s why a lot of my songs aren’t exactly the most positive. I always feel so much better after writing a song.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
This EP I’m currently working on is a big shift in my sound and image. I realised not so long ago that I was maybe being led down the wrong path in terms of my musical identity and so I wanted this EP to be raw and angry. Something that I felt was being hidden away and I think I achieved translating that frustration into sound.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
That it’s okay to be upset about things. I think growing up I was always a people pleaser and felt like I could never voice my opinions. I’d want my listeners to know that their voices are valid and should be heard.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favourite song right now?
My top three artists right now are Chappell Roan, Sir Chloe and I’m re-listening to a lot of Twenty One Pilots’ stuff right now. I used to be obsessed with them as a teenager! My favourite song right now is probably Starburster by Fontaines.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
I’m mostly on Instagram! my handle is laurenann_music
https://www.instagram.com/laurenann_music
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8GL4RiEPDbllUbjOVKNBcw
What’s next for you?
Apart from releasing the EP, I’ve got a lot of exciting gigs in the pipeline!
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Here’s my social media links!
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/laurenann_music
Spotify –
Bio:
Belfast based Lauren Ann is an alternative, indie artist whose music is packed full of garage rock exuberance and grunge dynamics, brought together with a dreamy pop edge. Having grown up listening to artists such as Nirvana, Pixies and The Cure, Lauren infuses her music with a 90’s tinge, delivering a refreshing yet nostalgic sound.
Her latest single “Bite” is the second track from her upcoming concept EP. Each song is inspired by one of the deadly sins, with her previous single “Need” symbolising greed and “Bite” focusing on wrath. The songwriter shares, “In a way I’ve created a character or alter ego who experiences all of the sins in some way. Some of the songs are also about the different types of people I have met in my own life. I feel like everyone has encountered negative feelings of greed, wrath, pride etc. at some point in their life.”
Sonically, “Bite” is influenced by the likes of Deftones, The Smashing Pumpkins and Hole. As she chants, “You’re addicted to the fear that you create, how could you love so much hate,” Lauren depicts the intense vengeance that comes with wrath. Her raw and powerful vocals are accompanied by clashing percussion, throbbing bassline and a gritty guitar, that further emphasise the destructiveness that is associated with this specific deadly sin.
Lauren Ann has already curated a string of notable support slots with artists such as Tom Grennan in Custom House Square, NewDad, Sprints and Twin Atlantic, as well as playing at festivals and showcasing events such as SXSW, Ireland Music Week, Output and Stendhal Festival. 2024 is set to be an explosive year for Lauren Ann, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
