"For me, I'm gonna fight to make it to the top regardless of being a woman in this industry. I'll figure it out always and won't let anybody get in my way. 100%."
Women are killing it in the music industry, and song lovers couldn't be happier! In our column, #WomenCrushWednesday, each week, we'll feature an awesome lady whose tunes are blowing up our playlists and ask them about their musical journey.
This week we get real with Lauren Sanderson, a kick-ass woman who is putting her own spin on a cross-genre sound that blows our minds. From starting out as a motivational speaker to now infusing that wisdom into her music, she has come a long way from booking her own shows. As she prepares to hit the road, we find out about her beginnings and what she plans for the future given how much she has already accomplished.
How did you become interested in music?
I'll never forget one of the very first songs I ever heard was "If You're Not The One" by Daniel Bedingfield. Whenever my dad played me that song, I would always look out the window and pretend I was in a music video.
Your musical style combines alt-rock and R&B/hip-hop. Why do you enjoy mixing these different elements in your songs?
I like mixing genres in my music because I feel like for me, I have this fire in me where I am so passionate and "in-your-face," but I also have a very sensitive emotional part of me that I like to express in a more sing-y way. So, yeah, a little of both is a cool combination.
You've done DIY style tours, too, booking the gigs on your own. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience?
Yooo - booking my own tours as a fake manager was a big responsibility and a lot of work, but it totally made me the way I am today. I know what is capable of being done, budgets, response time, all that. I have a lot of entrepreneur in me, so I am all about the business side, too... I will say it's cool now, though, just being able to show up to venues and have my manager give me the whole run down. I know this is where I need to be, that way I'm able to focus on just the performance, the songs, and my supporters. That's it.
What has been your experience as a woman in the music industry?
For me, I'm gonna fight to make it to the top regardless of being a woman in this industry. I'll figure it out always and won't let anybody get in my way. 100%
You're working on getting ready to release your third EP. How has that process differed for you from your previous two projects?
This EP I'm about to release is honestly such an incredible body of work. This is my first project I've one where I was actually in the room for production instead of just finding beats online, and this was made at such an important time of my life. This is the project that will finally define "Lauren Sanderson"... which is, badass, in your face, let's fucking go-type shit.
I read you were a motivational speaker before being a signed artist. Have you had any shared ground in tackling the two very different roles?
It's cool because speaking showed me the more serious/motivational ways to inspire people, whereas doing music (FOR ME) has been much more expressive and creative. During my shows, I always do little speeches, though. It's just a part of who I am.
You're young but accomplished so much! Do you have any advice for other young women who may want to do the same thing as you have done with their careers?
To anyone out there with a dream, I would say just really focus on what YOU see for yourself. Know your vision. What colors describe you? What feelings describe you? What do you want people to take away from your art or your presence? How will people feel when they leave your energy? Act on those things, and don't sit still for too long. That's when doubt comes, and you can't afford to let fear get in your way.
What's coming up next for you?
Going on tour actually THIS MONTH 'till August, then my new project will be coming out. I'm so ready for my supporters to finally get to hear all this, man. It's been awhile and the world ain't ready. Let's get it.
Follow Lauren Sanderson on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Rachel A.G. Gilman is a writer, a former radio producer, and probably the girl wearing the Kinks shirt. She is the creator of The Rational Creature and suggests you check it out. Also visit her website for more.
Have an artist we should profile? Send a pitch email to Rachel.
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