How did you first get started in music, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter?
Music has always been an integral part of my life, at times, more so than others, and I found myself always coming back to it. I’ve always had the goal to make a career out of doing what I love and that for me is music and the arts. At first it was scary, especially putting my lyrics, my inner-most thoughts, out there for the world. Then I realised that human-condition is so universal and the whole purpose of music is to share in these experiences; to realise you’re not going through it alone.
Collaborating with Melbourne DJ JPA has been a key part of your career. How did that partnership come about, and how has it influenced your musical style?
JPA reached out to me after he heard one of the covers I posted online and really liked the sound of my voice. He wanted me to feature on one of his upcoming tracks. A snowball of opportunities followed and I’m still just riding that wave. I don’t plan to get off anytime soon!
You’ve already had significant chart success with tracks like “Beautiful Liar” and “Hold Me.” What do you consider your biggest achievement in music so far?
One of them would’ve had to be when DJ Hernan Cattaneo played our song “Hold Me” at his set at Sunset Mendoza in Argentina. Watching thousands of people dance to the lyrics I wrote and sung was incredible. I also really loved shooting the film clip for my new song “Relapse”. I worked with an amazing film director (Freddy McHenry) and was able to combine my two loves- singing and acting to create something that feels unique to me (search “Lauren Tatyana-Relapse” on YouTube to watch).
Your music blends R&B, Soul, and Jazz. How did you develop your unique sound, and what influences helped shape your artistry?
I come from a choir background, have always loved R&B and am inspired by many different genres which all inform my music. My biggest influences are Jorja Smith, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill. I’m regularly told that my voice doesn’t match my body which I love and am happy to be unpredictable. In a world where it’s encouraged to fit in, music allows me to just be.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your latest single, “Relapse”? What message or story were you aiming to convey through this track?
Relapse is a super fun song for me and I loved writing it. At it’s core, it’s about knowing you shouldn’t do something but wanting to anyway, which only makes it more appealing. This is a daily struggle for me haha.
The music video for “Relapse” promises to enhance the song’s narrative. How involved were you in the creative direction of the video, and what can fans expect from it?
I was very involved! We didn’t have a huge budget or creative team, so a lot of those decisions were up to me. It scared me at first but forced me to trust myself and my ideas. I worked with an amazing videographer and director- Freddy McHenry, who supported my vision and helped deliver the narrative in a way that captivated the audience. The video is colourful and lively, with throws to a 70s inspired wardrobe and backdrop at the beautiful Ovollo Hotel in South Yarra.
Looking ahead, what are your main goals for your career? Are there any specific milestones or collaborations you’re aiming to achieve?
I’d love to do an international tour of all my own music. A collaboration with someone like Jorja Smith would also be amazing…or feature on Rihanna’s next album 😉
2024 is shaping up to be a big year for you, with a series of new releases planned. Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from your upcoming music?
I’ve already started working on some awesome collaborations with international artists and currently play a lot of live music. I want to keep doing this but on a much larger scale. The last 12 months has been a lot about experimenting with my music, trialling different styles and genres and finding what resonates with me. The next few releases will hopefully tie this all together and produce a sound that that portrays the essence of Lauren Tatyana.
How has performing live in Melbourne’s prestigious venues influenced your growth as an artist, and do you have any upcoming shows or tours planned?
Performing so regularly has allowed me to trial my music with an audience and see what works and what doesn’t. It’s easy to get caught up in your own world when you’re creating something in a studio but performing live reminds me why I’m doing it. I have many upcoming shows! Best way is to go my website at www.laurentatyana.com for the full list.
As someone whose music has caught the attention of renowned DJs like Hernán Cattáneo, how do you balance creating music for both live performances and studio releases?
It’s busy! My weekends and evenings are usually filled with performances and then weekdays I’m often in the studio or rehearsing. The best part is when the two worlds combine and I get to hear what I’ve created in the studio performed live with a band. I’m so privileged to work with some amazing musicians who I trust to add their own flourishes and creative spin to the music so it’s fresh and has a different sound each time. And it makes it exciting for me!