Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Evans.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been working professionally as a vocalist and songwriter since I could make noise. I wrote my first song in pre-school and recorded my first vocal before I was ten years old. My cousin and I would often create songs and dance routines to perform for family members on holidays. As I grew up, I began to sing in various Evangelical church spaces with my parents, who were both musical and in part-time ministry.
The first time I was paid for a recording was when I sang on a Christian House Music compilation called Nitro Praise 5. At the time, I was also singing demos for my dad and his songwriting partner. As they pitched their songs to labels and artists, people began inquiring about me. I was a little kid with a big voice.
When I was 14, I signed a production deal with Producers Buster & Shavoni. While under their care, I had the privilege to be a part of The Prince of Egypt soundtrack under the stage name Christian. It was surreal to be featured on the same project as some of my music and movie heroes.
Since then, I’ve nearly signed 2 Major record deals, performed live on tour and on thousands of recordings, arranged and contracted background vocals for everyone from Natasha Bedingfield and Jessie J to Teena Marie and Chaka Khan, from Barry Manilow and Andrae Crouch to Christina Aguilera and Roddy Rich. I’ve written for the likes of Jordin Sparks, Kelly Rowland & The Blackeyed Peas and International artists like Alexandra Burke, Mexico’s Camila & Armin VanBuuren. I’ve been nominated for 2 Emmys and a Latin Grammy and won an ASCAP Award. I feel so honored that I get to do music for a living! It’s allowed me to travel the world and work in multiple genres in several languages. I’ve been in the business for over 20 years and I still love music, great stories and good people. I’m surrounded by a rich community of brilliant artists, musicians, writers, producers and engineers. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
These days, in light of COVID-19, I’ve been working on a lot of music for tv and enjoying remote co-writing with artists like Goapele and JuJuBee. Also, hoping to release some of my own music sometime next year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey certainly has not been all daisies and sunshine. I’ve always had amazing opportunities and had the honor of working alongside the best in my field, but beyond my own internal struggles, I’ve often felt overlooked and disrespected. Between being offered consistently bad contracts, dishonest dealings, being underpaid and uncredited for my work, disregard for my time and effort invested to general misogyny and racist micro-aggressions, it’s been a ride! I love what I do and value honest collaboration, mutual respect, and fairness. Integrity is a big deal and there aren’t many people in this industry that are about that life. I’m grateful for music professionals who continue to make doing business in music pleasurable.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
My relationship with music is multifaceted. I’m a recording artist, a songwriter, I create vocal arrangements, I contract other vocalists for gigs, I vocal produce, coach songwriters and function as a creative consultant to artists, but I’m known best for singing and writing.
I’m very proud of all the work I’ve done over the years, but what’s given me the most joy is seeing the impact my music has had on others. The feedback I’ve received from songs I’ve written like “One Step At A Time” (Jordin Sparks), “Even Heaven Cries” (Monrose) and “Alone” (Armin VanBuuren ft Lauren Evans) is really what keeps me going. Knowing that something you’ve created and performed is touching someone’s life in a positive way is EVERYTHING!
I’m a heart person. I’m not about the hustle as much as I am about making music that makes people feel something. I live to touch hearts; not just with what I create, but in how I go about creating. When I’m in the studio or at a gig, I genuinely care about the people in the room. I want to see everybody doing well on a soul level and winning at the things that make them feel most alive!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m working with a dope female producer named KO^ on my own music for once. It’s probably the most raw and honest I’ve ever been so I’m both excited and terrified to finish it! Imposter syndrome is a real thing, but I’m working through it. Haha.
I just got married to an incredible man, who loves and champions me, so I’m excited for the life and family that we’re building.
I’m looking forward to being bi-coastal and creating more frequently with folks in Atlanta, Miami and Nashville since most of my career has been based in LA.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thereallevans
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialLaurenEvans
- Twitter: @thereallevans
Image Credit:
Main image: Logan James
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
