Lauren Waller is an extraordinarily talented singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, CA. Fresh off two new releases, her latest being “Best Coast” which came out on June 1, 2020, we got the opportunity to catch up with her and learn more about her new music, her inspirations, and what she’s looking forward to in the future!
Who are your top three female inspirations in the music industry? Why? My number one inspiration is probably going to always be Sara Bareilles. I have said time after time that she is the woman who made me fall in love with music and understand that music can change and impact people’s hearts and souls. I have even gone as far as tattooing some of her lyrics on my body because that’s how much her music has inspired me and personally helped me. Her song “Gravity” is really the first song that ever made me feel something through music and saved my life. From falling in love with her music at age 12 to now, I’ve seen how her writing style has grown and how she uses her platform as more than just a brand for herself, but as a creative in musical theatre (Waitress had the first all female creative team on Broadway) and then her last album reflecting on the political climate in the U.S. I also have a deep respect for Halsey for her storytelling both in her music, but also in her performances. In my opinion, she has truly mastered intricate storytelling through her concept albums. In addition to being an inspiration musically, she is an inspiration to me as an activist, a public speaker, a feminist, an advocate for reproductive rights, and equal rights: working as a voice for the LGBTQ+ community and BIPOC people. A third inspiration, which should come to no surprise to anyone if they listen to my music, is Lorde. Since listening to Pure Heroine back in 2013, my writing has been directly impacted by her and you can hear that influence in my songs. I also have been inspired watching her grow as a performer, especially after seeing her live on her Melodrama tour (Melodrama may be one of my top 5 favorite albums). You recently released two singles, “Night Stalker” and “Best Coast,” which are you most excited to perform when venues open back up? I haven’t gotten the opportunity to perform either of these songs yet, but I really can’t wait to do “Best Coast” live. I don’t really have any “fun” music, I joke at all my shows that I only know how to write dark, sad songs. I think “Night Stalker” is going to be really cool and can be artsy when done live, but I’m just looking forward to having a little fun onstage with “Best Coast”. In your opinion, how has living in Los Angeles influenced your music? I grew up here. All my stories that I share in my songs are directly impacted by only knowing Los Angeles as home. In the case of “Night Stalker”, that was in part influenced by the serial killings in Los Angeles in the 1980s when we just started talking about them in the studio (something I obviously didn't live through, but my dad has a story where he was convinced he and his roommate were going to catch the Night Stalker). In “Best Coast”, the first verse was directly influenced by going to college in Malibu. I was out partying (and studying because I know my parents will read this) on PCH for four years seeing the most ridiculous things at these house parties. We make fun of party culture and “LA life” in “Best Coast” because we’ve seen it first hand! What is your favorite part of the songwriting process? Your least favorite? My favorite part is when I’m struck with an idea, start the song, and my brain starts moving really quickly and words just start spilling out on the page. My least favorite part? Finishing the song. Writer's block - everybody experiences it at one point or another. What helps you break out of a block? If I’m stuck I won’t look at the song for at least a week. I won’t think about it at all and I’ll move onto something completely new. I mentioned my favorite part of songwriting is starting at the beginning, so if I step back for a little bit, the song feels new again when I come back. What is the main message you want listeners to know about your latest release “Best Coast”? Loosen up and be willing to make fun of yourself! Which is something I needed to hear myself and be told multiple times in the studio while recording this song. What’s the best way for your fans to connect with you? Instagram! I have accounts across all the social media platforms, but I’m on Instagram the most. You can find me @lwallermusic. Also, you can connect with me and make me VERY happy by following me and saving my songs on Spotify! If you add them to a playlist, I will always try to follow that playlist so I can see how my fans see my music fitting in with their other favorite artists. CONNECT WITH LAUREN : Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Interviewed by Jenn O’Hagan From event coordination and marketing, to community management and performing, the PR Director of Cyber PR , Jenn has glanced behind-the-curtain in many areas of this industry. Well-versed in all things Cyber PR, Jenn works with artists to identify if they’re a perfect fit for our company and if so, which services will be the best match. Find out more about Jenn and Cyber PR here.
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