Reminiscent to the sounds of Lianne La Havas and Corrine Bailey Rae, Philly-native Lauren Scott is making a name for herself as a one-of-a-kind sultry vocalist and guitarist. Scott started her career like most young people, playing covers at local venues. Now, she’s digging deep and writing music for her upcoming E.P., Stuck In Time. Her hometown community has played an incredible role in her career, and Scott looks forward to giving back to the city through her social work. A lover of Philadelphia and soulful folk music, Lauren Scott thanks the city for being one of her biggest sources of inspiration.
Check out our Local Artist Spotlight featuring Lauren Scott with more on her passion for Philly, her music, and giving back to the community through her social work.
PPRG: You’re in the works with your debut EP, Stuck In Time. What’s that experience been like you?
LS: Right now I’m working on some new songs with my friend Lee Clarke, who is a brilliant producer. I’ve been able to create a space for myself where I can experiment with different sounds. We share similar tastes in music, and I really feel like we’re on the same wavelength. I’m super excited to share the final project early spring of this year.
PPRG: We can’t wait to hear it! What can we expect that’s different from the work you’ve put out in the past?
LS: I’ve started using a mic looper pedal in my live performances that allows me to loop my vocals to create layers of harmonies and simple beats I create. My process for creating a song usually starts with me making a beat then picking up my guitar to come up with a chord progression I like. Then, using my looper pedal, I’ll hum the melody I want the song to take and maybe a couple harmonies. I usually think of lyrics last, and I try not to over-complicate that part. Sometimes I like to revisit a new song the following day and look at it with a fresh perspective. The music I’m making now I feel channels my current musical interests like Moses Sumney, Solange, Kimbra, and Anderson Paak, whereas my older songs reflected my interest in folkier tunes.
PPRG: In the meantime, we know you’re no stranger to the spotlight, performing in venues including World Cafe Live and Musikfest. What is it like performing live?
LS: Performing live has been super important for me as I grow as an artist. It allows me to see how audiences react to my work, whether it be negative or positive, and try out new things. I used to only play covers of songs when I first started out because I wasn’t confident enough to play songs I had written. After trying a couple originals at The Fire in Northern Liberties and receiving a really positive response, I decided that moving forward I would primarily play originals and not rely so heavily on other people’s songs.
PPRG: That sounds so incredible interacting with an audience like that. Are there any Philly artists that have influenced you?
LS: Definitely! There are so many Philly area artists that I admire and inspire me every day like Lee Clarke, Kingsley Ibeneche, Vessna Scheff, Jasmine Cassell, Elissa Janelle Velveteen, Rachel Andie, George Engel Brooks, Brittany Ann, and Trap Rabbit.
PPRG: As a native to this city, how has the city’s culture shaped your approach to your music?
LS: Philly has such a warm and welcoming music scene. Everyone I’ve met has been so supportive and offers great advice. We all help each other out with finding shows or getting connected with producers or promoters. I have so much respect for musicians in Philly, and being apart of this little family has definitely inspired me to push myself as an artist and grow into a confident performer.
PPRG: We love Philly for those reasons, too! Aside from your music, you have a passion for helping disadvantaged families in your social work. Tell about some work that you do.
LS: Giving back through the the work that I do is so important. Sometimes it feels like the part that matters. I was lucky enough to perform at an event called Turn Up to Bail Out to raise money for the Philly Community Bail Fund, which helps post bail for those who cannot afford to pay. They shed light on the inequities of cash bail and the criminal justice system. I would love to be able to perform at more events like that in the future.
Follow Lauren Scott for upcoming music releases and performances on Facebook and Instagram.
