After establishing herself with a wealth of warm and invigorating releases these last few years, LA-based artist Lauren Torres is back once again to deliver her woozy new single 'Mangos'.
Lifted from her highly-anticipated new album 'Trash', which is set to drop soon, 'Mangos' makes for a wonderfully rich and shimmering listen. With her smooth and soulful voice layered across a sweeping production from start to finish, she is continuing to cement herself as one of the more passionate names doing the rounds with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with has to have been the voice. I took guitar and piano lessons as a child, even prior to taking vocal lessons, but I never quite fell in love with the physical act of playing an instrument. When asked why I didn’t play an instrument, I used to jokingly attribute it to my “sausage” fingers and their inability to stretch far enough. Now, I firmly believe it’s because I never developed the passion for external instruments. For me, the voice is as difficult an instrument to master as any. It relies on our internal connection of mind, body, and breath; and if at any point, those three are not functioning concurrently, the potential damage, whether immediate or over time, can be irreversible. Learning the proper technique for producing sound involving the breath, which travels from a supported diaphragm through one’s vocal chords, and resonates in and out of the facial chambers, or “mask,” and eventually harnessing the ability to replicate that technique, feels somewhat like a superpower to me. The act of singing realigns me physiologically, almost akin to yoga, or a really good run, and is something that I continue to feel intrinsically empowered to do.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a child, I was introduced to many different genres of music. I remember my dad exposing me at an early age to iconic rock groups like Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, and Boston. My mom was and still is a big fan of adult alternative artists like Jewel, Sheryl Crow and Natalie Merchant. My first real taste of R&B came when I was in elementary school. I remember my brother-in-law playing Smokey Robinson's “Cruisin’” as well as tracks from The Fugees, and I remember instantly falling in love with this smoother, even more melodic sound than I had grown up with. Then, a few years later, I started really delving into iconic and modern day hip hop. Hip hop hit me like a freight train. I just remember thinking, “oh, so this is what all the fuss is about.” In my junior year of high school, I attended Berklee College of Music’s 5 Week Summer Program, and there, I purchased Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions,” which played on repeat all summer, and began listening to Jazz and Blues icons like Billie Holiday, BB King and Etta James. I have never been one to play favourites though, and I feel each genre has provided me with its own piece of musical inspiration.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I can’t remember which one I owned, and which one my brother owned, but I remember two albums - *NSYNC “No Strings Attached” and The Backstreet Boys “Black And Blue.” I’m not sure which one was technically mine, but our parents purchased one for me and one for my brother.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Anything written by Sza. I absolutely admire her candid vulnerability. Her ability to describe relatable circumstances in such a detailed and complex manner is something I can only hope to one day achieve.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I find relaxation and inspiration throughout my day with practices like yoga, positive affirmations, vegan cooking and recipe creation. I also really enjoy being out in nature, whether that be through camping, hiking, or just enjoying the fresh air, all of these habits help me return back to writing with more mental clarity and refreshed creative energy.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My musical taste has seemingly become more eclectic these days. Artists I have come across more recently include Tobe Nwigwe, Piff Marti, and Deante’ Hitchcock. Wizkid is up there as well as Sza and her latest project. I also do deep dives often into music from previous decades. Especially from the likes of The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Foundations and Fleetwood Mac.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Likely Beyoncé and/or Sza. They’re the dream.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
One of the most rewarding parts about being a musician is the ability to connect emotionally with individuals all over the world. Throughout my music making journey, I have received messages from listeners who have used my music to help them navigate a difficult time in their life. Viewers from my live streams have explained how they had already been listening to my music for some time, and that it’s “nice to put a face to the voice.” That I am able to create and distribute music from my home computer, and have it make an impact on someone in America, India, Australia, or Africa is truly miraculous, and an opportunity that independent musicians today have access to.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Often, my desire and internal pressure to continue setting new goals for myself prevents me from acknowledging daily accomplishments and the completion of long term goals. Reminding myself that each goal is not merely another item to be checked off my to-do list, but an achievement to be proud of, is necessary and something I am still working toward.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Now that the music is complete, the real work begins.”
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Lauren Torres' new single 'Mangos' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.