Review Fix chats with Lauryn Macfarlane who discusses her origin in music and new single, “Friendly.â€
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Lauryn Macfarlane: My dad enrolled me in music for young children when I was around 3 years old. I fell in love with piano but as the years went on, I was tired of having to learn classical songs and wanted to learn songs that I could sing along to. That wasn’t the type of teacher I had so I ended up quitting piano when I was 10. I started songwriting around age 13 but wanted something smaller than a piano to accompany myself with. So I picked up my dads guitar and taught myself how to play! Been playing ever since.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Macfarlane: It differs! Generally when I’m feeling inspired, I sit down with my guitar and just kind of mess around with that until I get a feel for a melody. Once I hear a melody in my head I grab my phone and make a voice note. On that voice note I like to free write…. basically just mumbling whatever words come to mind at the time. And then after I feel like I have got a basic structure for the tune, I go back in and try to make the words make sense….. If that makes sense ahaha.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Macfarlane: Lots of things! As an empath, Im feeling all of the time. Not only my emotions, but the intense emotions of others. I try to look for unique perspectives of everyday situations. Yes we all feel love and sorrow at some point, but trying to find a unique lens to observe those things is what really motivates me.
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
Macfarlane: To me, music is about community and togetherness. Our favourite songs are our favourite songs because we relate to the meaning and physically feel them. I have always been fascinated watching big artists sing a song about loneliness to an entire stadium of people, but then have the whole stadium scream back those lyrics at the artist because they know and have felt those same feelings of isolation. I love how much music can bring people together.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Macfarlane: That’s a hard one… I have struggled with trying to place myself into a specific genre because I really do feel I could fit into a few boxes. I would say I take the singer/songwriter country song structure, and then kind of flip it on its head adding elements of Indie, Pop and Rock with production to give the song a big sound.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Macfarlane: At this stage in my career, the majority of my shows are solo gigs. So if you are coming to catch a smaller show, it will most likely just be me, my guitar and my stories! I am looking forward to working with a full band on larger gigs when we are able to do so!
Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
Macfarlane: I wanted to have a song in my set that made me feel like a badass. Something that made me feel powerful. And to me, confidence is the most powerful tool. Friendly is a reminder that the quickest way to get what you want is just to be upfront and confident in yourself. One of the best pieces of advice I was given in college was “You don’t ask, you don’t get.†and once you realize the worst response you could get is a no, or a no reply…. Its really worth it to just try and give it a go.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2020?
Macfarlane: To grow my audience and secure some live (or virtual) shows for 2021!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Macfarlane: More music! I have a couple more recorded songs up my sleeve and then the long term goal is a full length album. Short term, I am just taking things day by day trying to navigate this crazy world. Reminding myself its okay to take a step back every now and then to check in. Its important to take time to reflect and process, so more writing can be done!
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