Exclusive Interview with 'LAURA LANG'

Laura Lang, a 17-year-old singer and songwriter, is largely a storyteller. She transforms her inner dialogue, misfortune, and interactions with others into profoundly personal music. Laura, who was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, began writing and singing songs at an early age. Laura’s motivation, both now and when she was younger, was her passion for music.
Black Sedan, the first single from Lang’s forthcoming album Bad Luck, is a stylistic departure from her earlier, more organic-sounding work. It features more forceful drum sounds and dissonant chords, evoking a sense of desperation. Lang’s Black Sedan, which was recorded in the spring of 2022 and produced by Colin Pastore and Jake Finch, expresses her dissatisfaction with herself and the way things turned out.
Calvin Lauber helped Laura record her debut EP, “All Downhill From There,” in 2021. Learning about musicians and their individual creative processes, listening to new music, and immersing herself in art all spark Laura Lang’s imagination. Lana Del Rey, Carseat Headrest, and Fiona Apple are contemporary musical influences.

Laura intends to complete her upcoming EP, Bad Luck, this summer and release it in the fall of 2022. The title track of her forthcoming EP is ‘Bad Luck’! It’s a fierce, depressing song about falling in and out of unhealthy relationships. She understands that she should not be in certain relationships for the right reasons, but she desires to be in relationships for the wrong ones. It is more of a fast-paced rock song with pointed lyrics that express the frustration and rage that comes with getting close to someone only to have everything fall apart and spiral out of control! Bad Luck and Black Sedan were both recorded at The Smoakstack in Nashville, Tennessee. Collin Pastore and Jake Finch produced. Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

LAURA LANG: I’m from Memphis and have always been obsessed with singing and music. The childhood dream of being a rockstar never really went away and i started making my own songs on piano when I was 11. I never stopped writing and singing, and it’s honestly my favorite thing to do and share with others.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

LAURA LANG: I learned guitar on my own when I was 15 and 16 years old after playing ukulele for years. I do have some formal vocal training, since I was a big choir kid growing up and had a few different vocal teachers.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘LAURA LANG’?

LAURA LANG: Growing up I listened to a lot of band that my parents introduced me to and top 40 pop radio. It wasn’t until middle school when I started writing my own songs, that I found artists that I resonated with and was inspired by. One of those artists is Lana Del Rey. I still listen to her regularly and still admire her artistry that I fell in love with when I was 13. I never considered using a stage name, so I’ve always listed my music under my real name, Laura Lang.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

LAURA LANG: The main thing people tend to resonate with while listening are my lyrics. I really appreciate that and it is what I aim for. I write all my lyrics in an attempt to sort out stuff in my own head, so when people can relate to that it’s a comforting thing. The two singles I’ve released off of my upcoming EP, are eclectic indie rock songs. I am really in love with this EP and the grungier vibes.

5. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
**LAURA LANG:**
My music is just a reflection of myself and what’s on my mind. I don’t necessarily infuse other beliefs in my music because I’ve never felt drawn to, but I think music is a beautiful way to express values.

6. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

LAURA LANG:

100%. My music is so therapeutic and putting it on streaming services is a small part of the value to me. Each song is personal and holds a specific moment in time for me.

7. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

LAURA LANG:

For me, I only write or play guitar when I actually have something of substance to write about or an urge to do it. It’s so easy to get burnt out, so I rarely force myself. When I get inspiration it’s usually just a random phrase or thought that I expand on when I pick up my guitar and start writing. The collaboration aspect comes in during the recording process, where I spend time with a studio engineer and flesh out the final product.

8. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

LAURA LANG:

The hardest thing in my life that I’ve endured has definitely been struggling with mental health from a young age. I feel like it’s made me grow up so fast and has been such an up and down cycle, but has offered me an outlet through art and music.

9. Creative work in a studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

LAURA LANG: They are two very different experiences, and teach two polar opposite side of what being a musician entails. Personally nothing beats studio time because it’s so fun and exciting to see my songs with full instrumentation and harmonies.

10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

LAURA LANG: I think everyone’s interpretation is valid and just as real as what it means to me. I think the way I write invites interpretation because the lyrics are emotion-based. Everyone can relate to each other because feelings are universal in a beautiful way.