Lauren Fincham is a featured musical artist for independent and Internet radio stations across the US and abroad, and has shared the stage with such diverse acts as Gamble Rogers, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sam Pacetti, John & Mary (formerly of 10,000 Maniacs), and John Mayer.
She has participated in various regional compilations, festivals, benefit concerts, studio sessions, and commercial spots; was the Jacksonville Super Bowl performer for Westwood One, a Folk Alliance OASIS featured artist in San Diego, a TEDx musical guest, and has performed in the North Florida Swamp Radio podcast house band since 2013.
After hearing her version of the 70’s hit, Ooh Child, off her latest release —One Red Wing, the songwriter Stan Vincent told her, “I truly enjoyed what I heard. Your rendition is clearly different and most unique from all the other covers of the song. The slide guitar compliments your voice so well.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Lauren about motivations, challenges, her music and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m a Southern writer. I’ve lived in Florida (Jacksonville and Tampa), and in Atlanta Georgia. Currently living in Jacksonville, but getting the itch to go.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I started out as an art major, but then switched to music, because I’ve always just wanted to be part of the sound. Kind of like being part of something larger than myself.
Also, song-writing as an art form (in any popular music format/style) gives artists quite a bit of room to say so much, and listeners are very open these days to all kinds of sounds. I stay motivated because it keeps me somewhat sane to have this vehicle of self-expression …and I guess, as a songwriter, I hope I have something to say that resonates with people.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
I think this new release is different because I was much more hands on in the production. Usually I defer to other people who I imagine to know what’s in my head (frightening), but this time I oversaw a lot of the details of mixing and even created the cover art. Also, I think I really got down to the essence of what I wanted to say this time. With other releases, I can hear my influences, but on One Red Wing, I think it really reflects my own personal distillation of the world. 🙂
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
I think the digital age makes it harder for artists to stand out if they’re not marketing or digitally savvy, because there’s so much product out in the world. That said, I think it’s helped me by giving easier access to distribution, licensing, airplay, and reviews.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
I’m in the process of overhauling all my social media pages and website, so my cdBaby page is the best way.
Anything else before we sign off?
Yes. Many thanks for giving me the time and space to be heard. It means a lot!!
