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Lauren Sanderson is a twenty-two-year-old, self-made, DIY artist from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lauren recently just dropped her EP “DONT PANIC!” with her hit single “The Only One.” She has a hip-hop and rap vibe that she has utilized with a fresh style and flow!GroundSounds recently caught up with Lauren for an exclusive interview, check it out below.
Growing up who were some of your earlier musical influences?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of country music like faith hill, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, etc and also a lot of hip hop/rap. When I got into middle school and high school, I became quite literally obsessed with hip hop and rap which is when I started writing music on “type beats” from youtube.
Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. What was childhood like for you?
I was always an extremely goofy out-there kid. I always stood out, and ever since I was 5 months old my dad told me I would be a star someday. The best part of my childhood was that my parents really let me express myself to no end. I owe them absolutely everything for giving me confidence in the kid that I was instead of trying to make me different. They embraced my loud laugh, my tomboy clothes, and they were there to love me through it. I carry all of that with me every day as I now navigate LA. They’re pretty amazing for that.>
Was it hard for you to break out being from Indiana or was the music scene there pretty loyal and true?
Hahaha – When I was making music in Indiana, I wasn’t really promoting it like most local bands would. I didn’t play at the local venues or anything, I just uploaded it to the internet and it was kind of carried throughout the United States by word of mouth and other people posting about it. At first, I think the kids in my hometown were just supporting me for really trying to do something big with myself. Then when I went back and did a hometown show for the first time, it was sold out and I was amazed by it! I’m excited for the day I can play the biggest arena in Indiana.
You started out as a motivational speaker on Youtube. What was doing that like for you?I started making motivational videos in high school just for the hell of it. When they really started inspiring people, and kids started messaging me how much the videos helped them, I was like “wow this is could be a real thing.” That’s kind of what started my journey into entertainment when I realized people just wanted to know they weren’t alone. Those videos were simply to remind people exactly that.
What made you transition from being a motivational speaker to pursue music?
Hahaha – When I was making music in Indiana, I wasn’t really promoting it like most local bands would. I didn’t play at the local venues or anything, I just uploaded it to the internet and it was kind of carried throughout the United States by word of mouth and other people posting about it. At first, I think the kids in my hometown were just supporting me for really trying to do something big with myself. Then when I went back and did a hometown show for the first time, it was sold out and I was amazed by it! I’m excited for the day I can play the biggest arena in Indiana.
You recently just completed an 18 city tour that sold out each show! What was the tour like for you seeing all your fans, supporters, also everyone singing along to your songs?
I started making motivational videos in high school just for the hell of it. When they really started inspiring people, and kids started messaging me how much the videos helped them, I was like “wow this is could be a real thing.” That’s kind of what started my journey into entertainment, when I realized people just wanted to know they weren’t alone. Those videos were simply to remind people exactly that.
You also used to be a Ted Talk speaker while in high school. Do you feel like your motivational side has played in role in your musical style?
Honestly speaking was boring to me. I wanted to be louder, more expressive, and tell more of the real story instead of the “I’m in a school so I can’t cuss or talk about dating girls version.” I looked up beats on youtube, started turning my speeches into songs, and boom there it was.
What was the inspiration for your new EP. coming out “DONT PANIC!”Moving to Los Angeles, signing with a major label and wanting to be bigger but not wanting to sacrifice who I am to get there. All of the things that happen when you’re 22 chasing your dreams and the world around you is like “DONT PANIC!” The meaning is kind of sarcastic and ironic. Sometimes we are in the most confused, lost, insecure moments of our lives and all our heads tell us is “Don’t freak out!” So this is dedicated to that feeling and what I created when I stopped panicking.
What are the future plans for you?
After this EP comes out, I am going to be writing a book, starting a thrift shop, going on tour again in the fall and then again in the spring. 2019 will hopefully be debut album year and just world takeover really.
Besides making music what are some other hobbies you enjoy doing?
I like skating, fashion, driving around aimlessly listening to music way too loud, getting drunk with my friends and doing random shit. You know, typical 20’s things.
