Check out our interview with talented recording artist Lauren Carter.
Lauren new single ‘Chase the High’ (which releases at the end of this month) gets into the addiction of ‘Tinder’ dating culture always looking for better on the next swipe and the ephemeral style of dating that comes from it that ultimately is more isolating than it is connecting. Lauren started the initial song writing and brought in Longtime Ludacris collaborator, Josh ‘Igloo’ Monroy of Studio 1 Zero to produce it and lyricist Debra Gussin to finalize the lyrics.
In 2017, Lauren released her debut EP, ‘American Dream.’ The title track was co-written and produced by Andrew Williams, multi-platinum producer known for his work with T-Bone Burnette and Jessica Simpson. The song “Rule Breaker” was also written and produced Josh Monroy.
Follow Lauren at @laurenelizabethcarter
Hi Lauren, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m a singer based on Los Angeles with a background in modeling and acting, as well.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, analytical, romantic.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My parents, my college voice teacher Carmen Mehta, and my boyfriend, Frank because he’s a great partner and knows me like no one else.
How did you get started in the business?
Before I graduated from Northwestern University, where I studied music and theatre, I went out to some professional auditions and was scouted by Ford Models and booked my first commercial job. From there, I just kept going to auditions and working on my own music recording and writing on the side.
Did you go to music school?
Yes. I did my Bachelors and Masters in Vocal Performance, and to get into those programs I had to train privately for years before that – and now I teach when I’m not performing, so you could say a big part of my life is music school!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Layered, female, hypnotic
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
So many people have influenced me! As for other musicians – I am inspired by Lana del Rey, Banks, Phantogram, and artists from the 60s like Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot all the sexy, dreamy French singers.
Do you ever get nervous?
I totally get nervous – but it’s a lot easier for me now than when I was younger. I think practice and perspective help with nerves.
What is your next goal as a musician?
I’d love to do the video for this single next! I also have a few more songs I want to finish in the studio and put out.
Now tell us about your single “Chase the High?”
The topic is based on my experience on the dating apps – ha – specifically in LA which a lot of people can commiserate with / relate to! It’s about longing, isolation, frustration – and addictive swiping and instant gratification. The song was written from the beat up – it has a drive to it – super sexy but frustrated!
Do you have a tour coming up or where we can see you performing?
I’ll post all tour dates on my website as soon as I get them.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
La Vie en Rose.
Name one your strengths?
Being an analytical person who thinks things through, and is willing to change my mind when I need to.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to pursue my passions and have people in my life who truly believe in me and appreciate me and vice versa.
Any loves other than music?
I love fashion, art, design, cooking, travel, good writing, and cats!
How’s a typical day in your life?
A typical day might be working out in the morning after my coffee, making a house call for a client maybe from a record label (I coach voice on the side) or seeing someone at Music Nation, a studio in LA where I teach, going to rehearsal with my pianist or my band, working on my marketing online, and having dinner at the end of the day with my boyfriend.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My ideal Sunday is waking up with no alarm – so no earlier than 9 or 10, fitting in a workout, and maybe brunch or shopping with my boyfriend or friends. Doing something to get out and enjoy LA. End the night with a clean house and some errands fit in so I’m ready for the week, and watch a movie or catch up on an HBO show I’m into.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love eating a healthy diet. I’m really into making a big pot of lentil soup or white bean soup at least once a week, and it makes a healthy addition to our diet that serves as a few meals. I also really love seafood and sushi.
And your favorite cheat food?
Definitely wine and cheese 🙂
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Brigitte Bardot. I will never not love the big hair and the super big winged eyeliner, the pouty lips, and the timeless French girl chic.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Double booking – like meeting me for a drink and saying you have a ‘business dinner’ and only have an hour. This happened at least once, and it was a huge turn off. And no, I don’t believe for a second the next meeting was a ‘business dinner.’ Give me a break. 😉
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Beethoven. I always felt super connected to his music. If it could be one person – probably him.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Married, with one child, with a cute little house somewhere in LA, and still making a living making music and teaching music. I’d love to be touring bigger venues and booking more gigs – so that’s what I’m working on making happen. Perhaps with a lingerie line or some side business – something in fashion on the side, that I create from the ground up. I’ve always had ideas for a fashion line.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is a mix of Brigitte Bardot French girl 1960s chic, mixed with Kate Moss 1990s YSL rocker vibe, mixed with a good dose of Old Hollywood vixen. That would be the best way to describe my style.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s a double edged sword! But for me personally – I hardly pay attention to it and use it to share my art, so in that sense – it’s an amazing tool that did not exist when I was growing up. It can build a brand. It can get your message and your art out there. I think there is a ton of BS out there on social media, and a lot of it is toxic or cheesy, but….there are designers, musicians, and others I discovered this way and I know I’ve been able to reach a much larger audience. It is a good way to create and share music, photography, fashion – so I do appreciate it.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: laurenelizabethcarter
Website: www.laurencarteronline.com
Twitter: hilaurencarter
Photo Credit: Mario Barero
