Quick Hit Artist Interview: Lauren Rocket

Lauren Rocket at The Mint

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

When did you know you wanted to be a singer/musician? Since I could talk, I guess. I would lock myself in the bathroom and sing and hum for hours. Then I discovered the musical “Cats” and it was over. I was probably three. I would sit at the piano and play and sing every song, albeit without knowing what I was doing. Musical theater was my first love.

From the outside looking in, it looks like you’ve taken a very strategic approach to the launching of your new music. Can you share your approach? I am definitely being more strategic this time around, trying to navigate through the new world of music as well as make sure I love and adore every single song I release as well as resonate with it authentically. I want each song to be completely me, without any Outside influence. I don’t really care about following trends or being cool, I just wanna make stuff that I love. I’ve been in the music industry for over ten years now, experienced a lot of heartbreak and learned a lot about what I want to do and what I don’t want to do. My main objective with this project is to have fun, and experience joy again though writing songs and being creatively inspired. Without attachment, without ego and with complete abandonment of past fears. I am really happy with this project so far.

Of your songs, is there a backstory to one of them that you’d like to share? Sharks is probably my favorite of these recent singles, because I think the music and the lyrics fit the concept so perfectly. Being a girl in music...is well... interesting. Sadly my experience has felt like I’ve been working in a male dominated industry, and it’s pretty gross. I wanted to express that in this song, and honestly, I think things are changing: the world is waking up. Women rule and we shouldn’t be allowing anyone to dictate what we do or how we get where we are success wise. We as a species need to learn to always listen to our intuition. Intuition is real, authenticity is key and it’s the pathway to personal success. Follow it and you will be free!

Final unique piece of information: I’m half alien.

(Originally appeared on CaliforniaRocker.com.)

April Ends/May Begins: Local Music Blast - Part 1

For me, the Los Angeles music scene during the transition week between April and May was a real blast. This is part 1 of my adventures.

It started off on Saturday at The Smell. All three bands hit the jazz genre.

It's Butter started off the night. Their drummer couldn't make the night as he got injured while getting ready for the night. If I heard correctly, he tripped down the stairs of his home while taking out his drum kit. He had to go to the emergency room (from what I heard he's doing fine) so the band went on as a two piece. The two remaining members weren't sure how things would turn out, but I say their set turned out fine with some electric guitar driven jazz jams.

It's Butter

The Swells brought their 5 piece jazz sound to stage. Their sound had that cool jazz sound. And then there was the saxophone musician who added the style. Though their sound was on the cool side, they still got the crowd to form a mosh pit.

The Swells

Cotton Ships set was mosh pit jazz. This band has some solid vocals led by BreeAnn and Kenny. You can tell that BreeAnn has a charismatic quality. When not on vocals, she would float around the stage with a cool demeanor. And if that wasn't enough, early on into their set, she jumped into the crowd to make sure that a mosh pit formed during the set. I wonder how many times jazz musicians have started mosh pits?

Cotton Ships

Monday night was a night that I had circled on my calendar a long while back. After a long while away from the stage, Lauren Rocket returned. I've followed Lauren Rocket for years. I first came across her band Rocket. Rocket ended shortly thereafter, but I continued to follow her in The Child, which was a band with Holly Marilyn. There was also the short lived project Lavinia Slaughter. Then there was radio silence for a number of years until finally there was announcements that new music was on the way. Her return brought sophisticated dance tunes to The Mint's stage. Backing her in this new endeavor was Shayne Eastin. Another musician that I followed for years when she played in a band called Spider Problem.

Interesting note: it's probably been 5+ years since the last time I was at The Mint.

Lauren Rocket