Lauren Lakis
Interview conducted on October 05, 2020
By Dan Locke
A new visual from shoegaze dream pop artist Lauren Lakis. Entitled “Fear of God” the song narrates the singers struggles with her religious upbringing, strict Catholic school rules and feeling abandoned by her father.
How did you discover music?
My introduction to music was through my parents; my mom was always playing The Cranberries, Boys II Men, Matthew Sweet, Natalie Merchant…and my dad was into Tool and Soundgarden mostly.
How did you start to write music?
I started playing guitar when I was 15 but didn’t start writing my own music until my 20s. I went through a painful breakup and my mother suffered a spinal cord injury within a couple of months of each other, and the floodgates were wide open for musical expression. I’m grateful for that painful time for redirecting my path toward writing music.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My guitar teacher gave me my first acoustic guitar when I was 15. It was a cheap little Yamaha. I still have it! It’s aged like fine wine…somehow only sounds better as the years go by.
How was it to grow up in Baltimore and play music locally there?
Growing up in Baltimore was rough and at times dangerous, but it gave me a strong work ethic and a drive to strive for more. It made me bold, courageous, and outspoken. I never played music there, I was already living in Los Angeles by the time I started playing music.
What makes a good songwriter?
The ability to be an open channel and allow room for creative spirit to flow through.
How was it to open up for Tracy Bonham?
I love Tracy, she is such a delightful human being. I opened two shows for her, the week that lockdowns started. It was surreal. Virus fears were ramping up and we had only diehard fans at those shows. Tracy is inspirational, kind, and very funny. I hope to share a bill with her again in the future.
Tell me about your newest LP “Daughter Language”?
It’s a collection of songs touching on a variety of topics related to the impact of childhood, family, unconscious belief systems, habitual patterns, and what it means to be a daughter. Unpacking the past and coming to terms with it, and not allowing it to dictate the future.
Why did you feel it was the right time to release the recording “Fear of God”?
It was intuitive. I knew I wanted to start with “We’ll Be Fine” as the first single because of the relevancy of the current times, and I wanted to release something a little heavier to follow up because most of the record is on the heavy side. “Fear of God” is a personal favorite so I went with it.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both have their place and time. Playing a vinyl record is like a ritual in itself, the mood has to be right. It takes time. You’re forced to slow down when you listen to a record. It’s an experience. Digital is best for being on the go, making playlists, jumping around tracks. It’s conducive to a faster pace.
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
“Social uprising” is a broad term so I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I will just say that I don’t support violence. It solves nothing.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I haven’t really ever quarantined because I was still working, but I had a lot more extra time without the ability to do social things. I mostly was writing music, getting more into film photography, reading, doing yoga, swimming in the ocean constantly, and generally going inward. I’ve been healing a lot of old wounds and learning about myself.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I’d like to become a mom in the next five years. And keep making music. And hopefully travel again.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Things are heated right now, but we have to remember that our similarities are greater than our differences. It’s okay to have different opinions from each other. It’s okay to ask questions. Think for yourself…and cultivate compassion as much as possible.
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