There aren’t too many 12 year old singer-songwriters around. When did you start writing music?
The first time I started writing music is probably around 3rd grade. But I’ve been making up tunes ever since I was really little. After I had gone to the circus with my family, every day I would sing this little tune, “Circus circus everywhere we go”. I have a video of it.
How old were you then?
Probably 4 or 5.
How many songs have you written?
I wrote two in a small journal and I’ve written a piano piece. Recently I have written ten. So thirteen.
How did you learn to write music?
I have been writing lyrics but I didn’t know how to write music until Angela Mack Reilly became my teacher.
What are some of the themes of some of your songs?
I like to write about things that people see through their point of view. But for some of my other songs, they are kind of random.
Have you ever performed one of them in front of a live audience?
I sang one of them in front of my entire student body. I have performed at the NSAA Showcase. And I’ve also performed songs in front of my choir class.
Do you have any plans to record?
Yes I do. I just know with who yet. I am working on practicing and improving my 10 songs right now. I am patching things up.
What are some of your other hobbies?
I enjoy arts and crafts and swimming.
What are some of the titles of your songs?
“It’ll Be OK”, “Sunshine and Rainbows”, “Where is My Angel”, “It’s a Fatherly Thing”, “Not Enough Answers”, “Phoenix”, “Taught Me How to Fly”, “Free Spirited Girl”.
What is your favorite song that you have written?
“It’ll Be OK”. I just love something about that song. It is about how when you get scared, like when you are a little kid, how your mom is always there. And she’ll hold you in her arms and tell you, “It’ll Be OK”.
What kind of music or artists do you listen to?
I enjoy Katy Perry. I think she is awesome. Angie Miller on American Idol. Nicki Manji and any other artist on the radio.
Do you have any idea what you would like to do with your life?
I would like to try to become a singer. But if that didn’t work I would want to become a doctor or a dolphin trainer. I love dolphins.
*press wanting to contact Lauren should email her longtime private music theory/songwriting instructor Angela Mack Reilly at angelam@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
*photo provided by Lauren’s family