1.     Hello Lauren, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?

I grew up in a musical household and have always loved writing songs. Before I was born, my Dad was a touring musician and missionary in South America. My love for music definitely comes from him, but I didn’t decide to focus on music as a career until I moved to NYC.  When I was in college, I had a lot of trouble trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I think I actually switched majors five or six times! I ended up graduating with a degree in English Literature because I absolutely love writing. When I moved to NYC, I met my fiancé Forrest, and about a year into dating I played a few of my songs for him. He was like “What?!? You’ve been hiding that from me this whole time?” After that he really encouraged me to pursue music and I started playing around The City. Once I started doing that, everything sort of seemed to click into place and make sense to me. I’m so grateful because, without him, I don’t know that I ever would have gone down this road that led me to performing country music. 

2.     What was the first country concert you ever attended?

I think the first country concert I ever attended was Lee Brice. He is such an incredibly talented musician, and he makes it look so easy up there! Watching him was like watching an old friend play a few tunes around a campfire. You know what I mean? Warms the soul! 

            3.        Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new single “Home Is Where You Are”?

            I’d love to! The melody hit me first, and I subsequently tried out a few           different lyric options. My last EP, “Here To Stay” is full of sad, sentimental,       and introspective songs, and I really wanted this next project to be the total             opposite of that. I wanted to produce something that would be fun,    upbeat, and bright. It took me a couple of tries lyrically, but with some help       from Forrest we finally landed on something fun and meaningful.

4.     Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2020?

            Yes! I am currently working on my debut album Constellations. I’m excited   to finalize the track list and the artists I will be working with. For the release   we are planning an accompanying tour, so I’m especially looking forward to hitting the road toward the end of the year and playing in cities like Nashville and Austin. 

5.     How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?

Hmm… I’d say my music has a “dreamy vintage western vibe.”

6.     What was your favorite part about recording your first music video?

My favorite part about recording my first music video was getting to work with all of my very talented friends! NYC has such a great artist community and everyone is so willing and able to help each other with artistic projects. The network here is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and we all support each other’s goals and aspirations.

7.     What are a few of your favorite venues or events to play at?

My favorite venue I’ve ever played at was The Triad Theatre located in New York’s Upper West Side. It is such a beautiful space and has hosted so many great musical legends. I was on-stage one night after Lenny Kravitz! My favorite music to listen to is generally from the 60s and 70s, so when I found out Air Supply had played there, I was freaking out!

8.     What is one of your favorite quotes?

            I’m a huge fan of literature from the Beat Generation, so my favorite quote is from Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road”, written in 1957. I even have part of it tattooed on me! “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who    are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the      same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders   across the stars.”

9.     Is there anything else you would like to share?

I was set to perform and debut “Home Is Where You Are” at the New Jersey Folk Festival in April, but the festival has been cancelled due to safety concerns amid the Coronavirus Outbreak. To stay up to date on a new time and location for the live debut of “Home Is Where You Are” you can join my email list at www.laurenjaimesmusic.com or follow @laurenjaimesmusic on Instagram. Stay safe lovies!