Lauren Carter- Dreampop/Electropop Singer/ Operatic soprano/
Voice coach
Interview conducted on May 18, 2021
By Dan Locke
Lauren Carter
Interview conducted on May 18, 2021
By Dan Locke
Lauren Carter is an independent recording artist, based in LA. Her latest track, ‘Chase the High,’ features a departure from her past romantic style, with a more beat-driven focus. The song is about living in isolation behind our screens, swiping on dating apps, posting for likes on Instagram, and the frustration and loneliness that ensues, with a hint at themes of escape by numbing oneself with substances. ‘Chase the High’ was nominated for best lyrics at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
You are independent What is your upbringing?
I’m from the Midwest and grew up in a typical family home but I was encouraged more exceptionally to pursue my talents and went on to Northwestern University, where I studied music and theatre. I majored in vocal performance.
How did you discover music?
My Mom would drive us when we were young to all her errands and to all our extracurricular classes. She played a lot of classical music in the car, and I’m sure I absorbed it – I went on to study opera. My parents also played a lot of music at home, introducing us to all kinds of things. I loved musical theatre and orchestral music as a kid, and later I of course got into things like boy bands and Madonna. By the time I was in high school I had a big Beatles phase, and then grunge happened and I was obsessed with Nirvana, and female artists like Tori Amos and Bjork. I lived through the 90s and it was influential on my aesthetic, and the rebellious/independent spirit of music and self-expression.
How did you start to write music?
I became very interested in writing my own music while I was doing my undergraduate degree at Northwestern. We had to study so much music theory to such a deep level – I realized I loved truly delving into how music worked, and that training still informs my songwriting today. I was also an actress, and going to castings and being told one day you shouldn’t have makeup on, and the next day a photographer wondering why you don’t have more makeup on – I started to long to create something that was my own idea, and that no one had to greenlight or hire me for – I could just create it, and the result would be there – and people could love it or hate it, but at least it would be there. With whatever makeup, whatever vocal tone, whatever I wanted to say and represent – became really appealing. I recorded my first EP with original songs in 2006.
You have a 3-octave range. How did you learn to sing?
I started singing in school and in local theatre productions and started private lessons at age 9. I was getting lead roles and standing out for my voice, so my parents got me training, and from there I stuck with it!
You have a Master’s Degree in Opera. How has it helped you with your music?
The conservatory-style drilling in ear training and music theory I had to do as an undergrad really helped me become a songwriter and a more solid performer. And of course, dedicating five years of education to honing my vocal craft and having juries and presentations and getting evaluated – it all helps you become the best you can be. I of course use a different vocal tone when I sing my own music. But I also tend to use a fair amount of head voice in most that I do, and that partly comes from opera training! I love my music degrees and really loved doing them and all the people I met at the time. It was a privilege.
Describe your music.
My songs are mainly autobiographical. Occasionally I write a more third-person perspective, but usually, it’s a diary of my life. Sometimes I go back to the archives and make a song about something that’s long over and done for me, but you are always singing about the past breakups anyway so no difference, really. It’s about sharing my experience as a woman, mainly. I also write a lot about LA specifically, because relationships and culture here are specific and very influential on anyone who lives here (for better or worse – ha.) I experiment with the genre a little bit. I do some things more acoustic and some more beat/synth-driven. I have a lot of new songs that kind of variety in style waiting to come out soon.
What was your first performance like?
My first performance of my own songs was really encouraging. I sang a song, that ironically, I didn’t put out but I sing it in my live shows. It’s called ”Love is What You Want’ and someone kept raving to me about what a great song it was and how it’s just – never not true. Which, yeah – that’s the thing about that statement! I took it from Tracey Emin – her exhibit in London. So, I didn’t coin the phrase, but I loved it so much and there’s a song I do in my shows. I also had a lot of compliments on my voice. So overall – really positive. It is nerve-wracking to do your own songs, though.
How long have you been playing the ukulele?
A few years, but I still don’t know many songs. It comes out for one song in my shows so far!
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yes, I belong to BMI.
What makes a good songwriter?
Knowledge of the craft, cleverness, good instincts and a good ear. Writing a really great song is a little holy grail that I am obsessed with and I really admire people who nail it.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Strategy of Tragedy – yes, it was on my first EP. It’s no longer available anywhere – haha.
What is the process of writing your music?
I use the piano mainly and improvise. I have notebooks full of lyrics and I use a rhyming app sometimes. I co-write a lot, too. I love to collaborate, but I like to get some ideas together before I am ready to co-write and develop the concept.
How was it to be nominated for best lyrics from Hollywood Music in Media Award?
I submitted it to the organization, and we were nominated.
How was it to work with Oscar-winning director Robert Altman?
That was one of the highlights of my career. It was really amazing! He was a genius. Going to rehearsal every day felt like a huge gift. He loved actors so much – loved working with them, loved the process, loved ensembles. It was also really inspiring and gratifying because he loved my work. He made my part larger and larger in the show, and raved to me about it, and gave me a shout-out in his NPR interview. It was definitely one of the most amazing artistic experiences of my life so far. I was also performing with people like Kenneth Branaugh in the front row, and had reviews that mentioned me in the Wall Street Journal. It was all very exciting.
Tell me about Chase the High?
It was written about my life about a year or two before the pandemic when I was single. I was on dating apps. I was wanting connection and to settle down (I always want that, I’m a relationship person) and I was swiping on apps, trying to meet someone. It was really frustrating. I was also having other experiences like numbing myself because I was bored and lonely. Drinking a lot, etc. I’m in a relationship now, but it can be really frustrating and isolating. I see other friends of mine and they roll with it and don’t get too depressed by it. I am dramatic, and to me it was hell!
How long before the official video for Chase the High comes out?
I was in pre-production when the pandemic hit. I don’t have a date yet, to be honest. It was put on hold.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Everything they say about the pay is true, unfortunately. I like that so much is at our fingertips but it has a ton of drawbacks. I should offer CDs and vinyl so people can support me that way. Every artist should.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
Do you mean the sharp sign? I don’t know – never occurred to me. 🙂
Digital vs. vinyl?
I love vinyl, but at the same time, I embrace the digital world. Love having playlists and the immediacy and the way people can so easily share and recommend tracks. We need both.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
‘A Horse With No Name,’ by America – that vinyl was at an airbnb in Joshua Tree, and when you pressed play it was the first song that played. I just went on a road trip with my boyfriend, last week to Yosemite, and I was in Joshua Tree with him the year before. We were like – damn, that’s such a good song! Neil Young’s vocal tone, and the percussion – the whole vibe. It’s now a song that is instant nostalgia and also makes me feel like I’m on a road trip – which is a specific American feeling in a way – the open road here. (Plus, it’s something a lot of us have been doing more during the pandemic.) And makes me think about getting away with my boyfriend. Songs can really invoke a lot of feelings and memories, right? As Fran Lebowitz says, music is ‘like a drug, that doesn’t kill you.”
You also do modeling. How is it to combine your modeling with your music?
Easily. It’s so fun to do the artwork, and pick wardrobe and makeup for shows, and to work on the whole visual side of it.
Are people surprised to learn that you had something to do with a Volkswagen commercial and the voice of Skittles?
Those were both totally separate commercial gigs, and most people don’t know. The Volkswagen spot licensed one of my compositions without my voice, just the instrumental. Skittles I dubbed an actress’ voice to use the right dialogue for the British audience because the flavors had different names. 🙂
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I don’t believe it will affect that much long term, but it’s definitely one of the many great reasons to get vaccinated. In LA this summer the Hollywood Bowl, for instance, is allowing a non-distanced section for people who have proof of vaccination. It will all be coming back.
During the lockdown, you decided to do some opera singing with your neighbor, who leaves a few doors away from you. How did your neighbors enjoy the show?
Most loved it! (A few did not – ha.) We were able to do a lot so far with that act, and are booking dates for the summer as we speak. It was a pleasure to start singing with Angela. The act is called The LA Opera Babes.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I was cautious and didn’t break the rules, and that’s what helped, I’m sure. We sanitized all our groceries and everything which may or may not have been necessary, but better safe than sorry. I did go to restaurants outdoors with a small bubble of friends I knew had no symptoms a few times, when they were open for business. But I did that sparingly. I exercised on my own – walking the hills of my neighborhood, and we got an exercise bike and I got a Peloton membership. All those things helped a lot.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I cooked a lot during the pandemic. That’s always been a hobby, but it became more of a necessity. Since things really opened up again, I am not cooking much right now because I was a bit burnt out in the end.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I think that’s lame. I didn’t know that. I did one Facebook livestream with the opera act. But for the musicians, probably, ticketed streaming platforms are more helpful to them to get paid what they deserve for their performances, so – in that sense, maybe it’s good. I work with one classical livestream platform – Group muse – that is really great for classical musicians.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Releasing tracks online, releasing videos, selling merch online, using Instagram. Instagram is my favorite social media platform. I use it above all else, because I like the visual content, I have the most fans there, and it is the most user friendly in my opinion.
Is pay-to-play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I would not pay to play for a small local show – that seems useless to me, but it is definitely a thing to pay to open on tour and to pay for playlists. It is for sure a thing people do.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Ha. No thanks. I’m not personally very interested in that.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
I hope it will have helped and kept afloat a lot of venues. I’m sure it did help.
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artist? The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. RELIEF RESOURCES
Have you applied for it yet?
I have not. I will check it out. Thank you!
In the past, if a musician stops doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
I would get my real estate license, and I would teach music. I already do teach music. A lot of us do.
What is your happy place?
If I had to pick only one it would be on the beach or on a boat on the sea. I like to be in, on, or near the water!
A lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs? Another factor is mortality.
If it makes so much sense for all of those artists, yes potentially. Then again, it would be nice to have your estate have control over licensing even after you were gone. I am thinking about Lana del Rey. I wonder what she will do.
Spotify’s ‘Stream On’ event on Monday (February 22), the company confirmed that more than 60,000 new tracks are now being ingested by its platform every single day. This means people are added new tracks uploaded to its platform every 1.4 seconds.
The figure, announced by Spotify’s Co-Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich, means that across the course of this year, approximately 22 million tracks will be added to Spotify’s catalog. Spotify confirmed in November last year that its platform now played host to around 70 million tracks.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that, by the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.
But still back at the beginning of the year Spotify deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. What do you think what that could mean to independent artist?
I didn’t know this, either. That’s shocking. I don’t know what the reasoning, was behind deleting them. That’s, not good.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revthe ealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I have TikTok but have not used it much. I can see the value for musicians, dancers, personalities. I’m obviously not that compelled to use it as I have not been, but maybe I would in the future.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thanks so much for taking the time to have me here. Appreciate it!
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