In this interview spotlight, I chat with Lauren King about her latest music, adapting during a worldwide lockdown, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m from Smithfield, RI and I’d describe my style of music as Singer-Songwriter Blues.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
My writing turned to focus on the healing of myself and others. Whether it was taking lessons at a great music school growing up or traveling, I realized writing and singing was my way to communicate. I feel the most like myself. When I was about 16, I started playing gigs in Galilee, RI thanks to my guitar teacher, Jon Leteaurneau. He’d asked me to play during the break of one of his sets and the owner offered me a weekly spot. Since then I used performances as my job, and though I wasn’t sure if I would use music as my full time career, gigging was something I always looked forward to.
Just before Covid came into view, I was fortunate enough to meet Jay Capaldi, who offered me a job as a vocal instructor at Let’s Rock in Coventry. After discussing my own music and showing him the songs I’d written, we made a great team producing and promoting The Wolf is Back, my latest album. Over the course of that year, I was either writing, streaming performances, starting my business, or trying to find inspiration for writing in the woods.
When the world stopped turning, my response was to find new ways to reach out to people and let them know they are not alone. And now that the world is moving forward, it’s inspired me to still continue with that message in my writing. Thankfully, I’ve been able to see love move forward with being lead singer of the events band: Closing Time Boston, owned by Ryan Engerbretson. I’m very lucky to be with artists with so much experience and high standing in the music world, and genuinely kind artists and collaborators.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
The Wolf is Back is very special to me, as I consider it the first album I’ve produced and arranged with the help of Jay Capaldi. I had access to many musicians virtually and pieced together the work like a puzzle. I tend to give variety according to the song’s story, but there are roots of acoustic indie, country, and folk throughout. The writing of The Wolf is Back is inspired by a journey through the woods and within ourselves. In most cases, it’s necessary to grow. Writing the album was therapy to me as I hope it is to others.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
I’m going to be honest with you, I love to stay busy. Unprecedented times were just what I needed to continue forward in music and do things that I wouldn’t have the courage to do before. Covid forced me (and everyone), to finally sit still, and being forced to sit still was what made me commit my efforts towards making music and continuing to progress.
What was the last song you listened to?
Kick It To Me by Sammy Rae ! It’s a post work bop.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Listening to Vinyl is a real treat to me because I live in my car most times! Streaming platforms are great for exploring new things as a listener and what I usually am blasting.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Instagram: @laurenkingmusic
Email: laurenkingmusic@gmail.com
Website: laurenkingmusic.com
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Don’t forget to howl outside every now and then *fingerguns*
