Conversations with Lorena Mercedes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorena Mercedes.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Lorena Mercedes is a New York native actress, singer-songwriter, and multidisciplinary performer whose artistry is rooted in storytelling, emotional authenticity, and connection. With experience spanning film, television, comedy, voice acting, modeling, and live performance, Lorena brings a dynamic presence to her work both on camera and on stage.

Her acting experience began in short film and has expanded across television and digital productions, including work on Orange Is the New Black and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, along with lead roles in short-form and original comedy projects. Her background in improvisation, commercial voice acting, and public speaking has further strengthened her versatility, allowing her to move naturally between scripted performance, comedy, and character-driven work.

Beyond acting, Lorena is an independent recording artist and songwriter blending R&B, pop, and neo-soul influences. Having written songs and poetry from a young age, she has developed her music around honest storytelling, femininity, relationships, vulnerability, and self-expression. Her growing catalog includes releases such as “Pieces,” “Mixed Emotions,” and “9 to 5,” while she continues developing new music and expanding her identity as both a recording and performing artist.

Her musical career has also strengthened her abilities as an actress. Lorena has trained in songwriting, vocal performance, commercial voice acting, and advanced vocal technique, with ongoing private vocal coaching. Her performance training has taken her to the stage of New York City’s Beacon Theatre, while her experience as a recording artist has developed her vocal control, emotional interpretation, musicality, and ability to communicate a story through both voice and movement.

Drawing inspiration from the energy and diversity of her New York upbringing, Lorena approaches acting and music as extensions of the same passion: bringing stories to life. Whether embodying a character on screen, performing on stage, or translating personal experiences into song, she continues to build a career centered on authenticity, versatility, and meaningful connection with an audience.

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?
Personally, one of my biggest challenges has been self-doubt, fear, and the need for outside validation. The more I tried to run from those things, the more I seemed to run directly into them. I found myself going in circles. Searching for answers to problems that often existed nowhere but in my own mind. While holding onto past traumas as if they were gospel and allowing old experiences to dictate what I believed about myself in the present.

Because of that, when I faced opposition or rejection in the real world, I often internalized it as another jab, another person confirming the fears I already carried. Maybe they don’t believe in me. Maybe I’m not enough. And when you add your own negative self-talk to that, you can become your harshest critic before anyone else even gets the chance.

Eventually, I realized I had to stop searching outside of myself for the validation I was unwilling to give myself. I couldn’t keep handing other people the power to determine my worth, my talent, or whether I deserved to take up space. I’m still growing through that, but I’ve learned that believing in yourself isn’t about never experiencing doubt. It’s about refusing to let that doubt make your decisions for you.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actress, vocalist, and songwriter with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. As an artist, I’ve written primarily R&B and Pop, but I’ve never been a fan of putting myself in a box. That same openness carries into acting. I love stepping into different characters, exploring new perspectives, and adapting to whatever a role or creative opportunity asks of me.

Music has given me a strong foundation as a performer. I’ve recorded in some of NYC’s most prestigious studios, received vocal training from Max Lawrence, son of renowned vocal coach Don Lawrence, and had the opportunity to watch artists like Doja Cat and Lola Young rehearse and perform up close at the 2025 VMAs. I’m currently collaborating with a collective led by Mike Holland and Kato the Producer alongside eight other artists on an EP, while also learning more about engineering so I can bring my own musical ideas to life from start to finish.

Whether I’m writing a song or developing a character, storytelling is at the center of what I do. Growing up listening to artists like Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys and Eminem taught me how a great story can transport you into another world for a few minutes. That’s what I want my work to do. Whether you’re listening to me through your headphones or watching me on screen.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I had a great time in Atlanta! I was there in 2016 and a lot has changed. But the kindness of the community and great cuisine has remained the same. I was recently there for Kato’s Collective with the 8 other artists I mentioned. I’m a New Yorker, so what I have to say I liked the least is having to drive everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/LorenaMercedes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butyoucouldcallme.l
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6CtsEBJkXzEEhokevssB7r?si=YrFK7GoHR96PdBcsOvlX_w