When Chordblossom came into existence, it was always our aim to shine a spotlight on the artists and bands that make up the music scene in Northern Ireland. We’ve been doing it for over ten years now and one of our favourite methods is our Introducing feature.
Put the kettle on, curl up on your sofa and and join us for a quickfire Q&A with some of our favourite new musicians. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your new favourite artists.
This iteration of Introducing features the musical talents of Lauren Ann who just released their latest single ‘Adelaide’.
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
I wrote it over the summer with Conor Adams (All Tvvins) and Cormac Butler, both incredibly talented and lovely people! I guess we all just wanted to write a real feel-good song. I personally wanted to do something a bit different to what I was used to and that’s exactly what we did!
Adelaide is on the more indie-pop side of things genre wise but it’s probably one of my favourite songs I’ve worked on/written so it means a lot to me. It’s a lot more up-beat and I think I needed that to change things up and challenge myself a little!
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
I spent a lot of time in the studio over the summer, so I have a good bit written and recorded that just need tidied up and released! Right now, I’m focusing on my EP. Nothing is set in stone time wise, but I have one more song to release and then it’s out! which I’m super excited about!
Tell us about your song writing process.
Usually I get the tune of a song first. I’ll start with an idea for a chord progression or a bass line and then from there I add all the instrumentation around it! Lyrics and vocal melodies are the last thing I write, oddly enough!
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
My main influence is for sure Nirvana. I remember being around 13/14 and just thinking it was the best thing I had ever heard! my influences have definitely changed since I’ve gotten older. I’m 20 years old now but I still owe a lot to Nirvana, they completely shaped my taste in music.
Right now I’m really into Beabadoobee, Sir Chloe, Just Mustard and NewDad.
With the NI Music Prize round the corner, what’s been your favourite album and single released this year?
My favourite album has for sure been Just Mustards’ ‘Heart Under’ album, I just recently bought it on vinyl actually! I just love everything about it, they have such a unique sound that I really vibe with.
Favourite single would have to go to Cathal Francis for his track ‘young no more’. I think Cathal is so talented!! It’s so hard to find someone as genuine as he is and he’s a fantastic song-writer! This track is so soothing to listen to. I’ve had it on repeat for the past week!
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
Well I was considering going to university to study Law whenever I had left high school but I’ve always wanted to do something with psychology. I’ve always had an interest in it and I think mental health is really important. I love helping people too so I probably would’ve been a therapist.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one considering there’s so many amazing artists in NI! I think that Cherym are really cool. I’d love to write a song with them because I think we’d have similar influences and I’ve been streaming their track ‘She’s enough going on’ non-stop!
It is intensely difficult to be successful in the music industry. What does NI need to do to invest in/develop to boost your chances?
It is so difficult! And it can be so disheartening at times but I think that the NI music scene is such a supportive one and it’s such a safe space for artists because everyone is genuinely so lovely. I think that we should have more showcasing events like Ireland Music Week but have it based up north to really boost visibility for up-and-coming NI artists!
What does success look like for you?
It’s a bit cheesy but I suppose I’ve always based success off of my happiness. If something doesn’t make my happy then I’m not going to do it! Music has always been the one constant thing that brings me joy whether it’s listening to music, writing music or playing my guitar, I always find myself totally content.
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
Lots and lots of coffee probably. I hate to be one of those “don’t talk to me unless I’ve had my coffee” people, but I genuinely am one of them. I really don’t think I’d survive without it. I also really love dark chocolate. So coffee and dark chocolate!
Where and when can we next catch you live?
I’ve just played at Ireland Music Week in Dublin but I’ve got a few support slots coming up! I’ll be supporting The Royston Club this November in Belfast!
If you enjoyed this feature and fancy discovering some more new artists, we suggest you jump on over to our archive of Introducing pieces.
If you are a band or musician based in Northern Ireland interested in taking part in our Introducing feature, we recommend submitting new music to us via our Contact page and if we enjoy it, you’ll no doubt hear from us.
