Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lanzaretta.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your back story.
I am a singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist born and raised in Cleveland, OH. I was raised Christian and wrote my first worship song on a family piano in 7th grade and have been writing and singing ever since. I also play guitar.
My first soul pop album “Naked Soul” was released in 2014 which featured more poppy feel-good old-school music which got a good amount of recognition and allowed me to start doing big live shows with a full band. But after a while, I started to find myself longing for something deeper. To not just be an “entertainer”, but to connect more with my audience and create an intimate relationship with them. I wanted to write more where the words lyrically connected to my soul.
My second album, “Deliverance,” was more of a crying out to God. I came out of the closet later in life when I was 35, and ‘Deliverance,’ a soul/gospel album, was a healing journey for me. Within this album, I asked God why and really began to step into who I am as a person and what my purpose is in this world. Since then, I’ve gone through much learning and growing, and currently, I am writing my third studio album, “Soul Ties,” which will be a smokey soul record that explores my past and current relationships with women and the idea of going from strangers to lovers to strangers again, finding new love, and everything in between.
‘Soul Ties’ is the first album where I actually use “she or her” to refer to my significant other. So, it is a “coming out” album of sorts for me. My healing journey has brought me to a more authentic place where I can share who I really am and be as transparent as possible. I want to be able to help people who have gone through the pain and heartbreak I have experienced and have had to hide their true selves. I know there are many gay Christians out there, or just people in general, who struggle with this, and I hope my visibility can bring someone hope and healing.
My first single off the album “Do You Remember” will be released this spring, and the rest of the album sometime this year.
To keep up with my music and journey, please follow me on social media @lanzaretta
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I briefly stated in my last answer that it definitely has not been an easy road. Coming out when you’ve been raised in church, around nothing but Christians and an evangelical mindset, is scary, to say the least. Most people don’t understand and just write you off as being “outside of God’s will.” They don’t understand the pain and struggle that comes along with this. So, I’ve had to learn to accept that not everyone is going to accept me and like me, but as long as I do, and God does, I am doing all I can. I want to help others who struggle with this, and my message is simply, “You’re not alone.” Nothing is TOO BIG for God, and He knows our pain and heartbreak.
So, it’s just the struggle to be strong and keep carrying on, creating music—even though at times I couldn’t afford it, or I wasn’t sure if people would relate, or if I’d be judged for not doing “Christian music” – I just keep going, writing music that feels as authentic to me as possible and hoping that it can touch someone in their healing journey in life.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist; I play piano and guitar. I am known for the intimacy I create with my audience – I always try to give a word of encouragement as I don’t want people to just think they are at a show, but that I am a real person who cares about them. I believe this sets me apart from others – my goals with music revolve around how many people I can reach and touch…How many lives can I save, and how people can I uplift?
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe authenticity and transparency are most important to my success because I am finally opening up and being myself to people. The more real I am, the more I truly feel people draw nearer to me. Even on social media, I’m being more open about my private life, who I am, who I date, my relationship with God, and everything in between. I want people to come on this journey WITH ME, not just watch me. And I believe allowing people to see the real me will inspire them to be their most authentic selves. Really life is about inspiring others to create, to explore their essence, and to express themselves in the most transparent way possible.
Pricing:
- “Deliverance” Vinyl Record – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenlanzaretta.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lanzaretta
- Facebook: facebook.com/lauren.lanzaretta
- Twitter: twitter.com/lanzaretta
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenLanzaretta
- Other: laurenlanz.tumblr.com
Image Credits
Erik Drost
Brandon Utlak
Jacob Ciptak
Jenna Conforti
