Lauren MC: 'I want my music to be an escape'
Ready to convert more listeners to her addictive pop melodies, 19-year-old Lauren McLoughlin (Lauren MC) has released a new single, ‘Alibi’, on Spotify.
A ballad with a catchy hook, it encompasses the people, emotions and place that have influenced Lauren, including her hometown, Mullingar.
It begins with soft piano and vocals and builds up to a crescendo before ending as it began with soft piano and vocals. The combination of relatable lyrics, captivating melodies and grand vocals make for easy listening for any music lover.
Lauren says music is in her blood. Her parents brought music into her life with their love of performing and gigging as part of various tribute bands throughout her childhood, and it was a young teenager that she got the bug for the musical lifestyle.
“I was always begging them ‘please let me do a gig with you’, and they always said ‘no, you’re too young’ – and then when I turned 14, they were like right, okay, you’ve annoyed me enough. I sang at that gig and played the piano and then I just fell in love with it,” said Lauren.
Attending St Finian’s College allowed for Lauren’s talent to blossom. “There is so much music in Finian’s – everyone loves music.”
Musical inspiration also came from growing up in Mullingar, from seeing people playing guitar and gigging in pubs to hearing about legends such as Joe Dolan, and listening to Niall Horan, motivated Lauren to pursue her passions.
“He’s [Niall Horan] a huge inspiration for me. Just the fact that he came from Mullingar and has done such big things is just such an inspiration. It makes it actually feel possible.”
Other influences include Gigi Perez, Gracie Abrams and maybe surprisingly Etta James. “I love jazz music. My musical inspiration would be Etta James and Raye, the likes of those kinds of jazzy musicians.”
Now studying music at Maynooth University, music has taken over Lauren’s life in the best way possible.
It was while attending college that this song was born. After a difficult day at university, Lauren took time to do something she loves to cheer herself up and process her emotions. Shutting herself in a music room on Maynooth campus, Lauren started writing, and seven hours later the song ‘Alibi’ was the result.
“I didn’t realise it was seven hours because I was a commuter at the time, so I had missed all the trains and everything.”
The song tackles the idea of getting into a rut with relationships and friendships and often how difficult it can be to stand up for yourself when dealing with those.
Lauren said: “I used to get walked all over a little bit, and I wouldn’t stand up for myself in that way. So, I think in life, to be your own Alibi and stand up for yourself, and even just take action on the things you want, is really important.”
Lauren says it can be “really difficult, even to start off with your personal confidence” in the music industry. Yet it is vital to not listen to negative opinions that aim to bring you down.
“If there is anyone who’s looking to do it, I’d say just take the first step because that’s the hardest. Try to put yourself out there.”
The sky’s the limit for Lauren, and she has high hopes for the future. Her goals are to make upbeat dance music with lyrics that anyone can relate to. Her biggest hope is to be able to help people through music. “My goal is ultimately for my music to be an escape for someone to go to.”
Listen to Lauren's song on Spotify.