Towards the end of 2012, British singer-songwriter, Lauren Aquilina took a massive step in the right direction, which saw her debut EP, ‘Fools’ receive a massive response and achieve a chart position on iTunes.
Since then, between writing, gigging and releasing her single ‘Wanderlust’ in aid of Comic Relief, Lauren is continuing to grow and her career in music is looking more and more positive. Just yesterday, Lauren announced her first ever US headline show in New York.
I caught up with talented musical sensation to discuss her feelings towards it all.
I know you’ve been playing and writing music for a while now; but what initially got you interested in music? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do or did it just spring up on you?
I think my love of music has always been there. My neighbours gifted us an old out-of-tune piano when I was 8 and I begged my Mum to let me have lessons! I guess that was quite a pivotal moment.
Obviously you have a fast growing fan base now, essentially from different corners of the world; are there any places you’d love to play?
I’m very lucky as I’ve just confirmed a headline show in one of my dream cities – New York! I’d just like to play as many places as possible, and meet as many people as possible really. I love meeting people!
I know you’ve just supported Gabrielle Aplin on one of her tours, how was that for you? Are there any gigs you’ve done that particularly stand out for you?
It was great! I think Gabby and I crossover a bit in terms of fanbase so there were people at those shows singing back my lyrics and stuff which I didn’t expect at all! Playing London Scala on that tour was amazing as its the biggest show I’ve played, although my favourite gigs were my headline shows in February. Such an amazing feeling going from playing in pubs to 6 people (half of which being family members) to an audience of 250 people knowing all the words and being so lovely!
Have you done any collaborations with many people? Is there anyone in particular you’d love to write or record with in the future?
I collaborated with my friend Frank Hamilton on a song called ‘Flaws and Ceilings’ which ended up being chosen as iTunes free single of the week towards the end of last year – that was fun! I’ve also been co-writing with a few different people recently which has been really great. My dream collaboration would have to be Justin Vernon from Bon Iver – working with him would be incredible.
You released your debut EP ‘Fools’, at the end of last year, which got an absolutely massive response. Did you ever expect this kind of support?
Never! The fact that enough people bought that EP for it to chart (?!) still absolutely baffles me.
Which song on that EP would you say was your favourite to work on? Where do you get most of your inspiration for your lyrics?
‘Wonder’ was the most personal song on the EP, and we recorded it live in one take so the whole thing was very raw and natural which was lovely. My lyrical inspiration comes from all over the place; mostly personal experiences, but also books, magazines, TV, films, overheard conversations.. etc.
What advice would you give to people starting out in music? Are there any up and coming musicians that you’d like to give a mention to?
My advice would be to never say no to an opportunity (no matter how small!), and make use of the internet and social media, its such a great tool. I’ve been discovering a ton of great up and coming musicians recently, including people such as Ajimal and Sons and Lovers who I adore. I also have some great friends who are up and coming musicians – Orla Gartland and Frank Hamilton to name a few.
Finally, what can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2013? Any big plans at the moment?
I’m hoping to release another EP this year which is very exciting. Have to finish my A-Levels first though- Not so rock n roll!
You can keep up to date with Lauren by following her on Twitter & Facebook.