Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren ‘Leaux’ Marcelle
Hi Lauren ‘Leaux’, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My passion for music began at an early age around 7. I’ve always been fascinated by the structure of sound; how it has the ability to move us physically, but also emotionally. I later expressed my emotional awareness through journaling, so naturally I began my musical journey through creative writing. What started out as short stories slowly shifted to deep, profound poetry and songwriting when I noticed that my style of journaling had a particular cadence and melodical flow. I soon realized this is my gift to share and I must strengthen it. I started writing my first book of lyrics at about 16 or 17. This later became my very first published book; The Butterfly’s Godspell. In college I’d frequently look for open mic opportunities while simultaneously recording my own music from my dorm. I remember driving 45 minutes out to Troy, AL to perform a couple of poems to a small crowd at a smoothie cafe. From then on, I kept looking consistently for those opportunities until more people wanted to hear what I had to say- or sing. I am currently at a point in my career where I am truly beginning to understand the importance of an artists’ artform not only locally, but globally as the essence to our lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve experienced a trade-off with such a heavy task of bearing vulnerability to an audience both live and digitally. As a vocal artist I’ve been subject to the naked eye and opinion of the viewer and consumer. Somewhere in between exists the force that desires proximity to my creativity. I understand that. There is something safe about the relationship between an artist and their consumer. The consumer can provide a sense of support to the work and myself as the artist can provide healing or enlightenment depending on how they interact with a performance or song. However, the dark side of this trade-off has been an immense amount of pressure to create something of value. We as artists never want our experiences to be in vain. I always look to honor my life experiences and ones of those before me through singing, songwriting, and poetry. That is where boundaries are important for me to maintain a healthy equilibrium. There is such a thin line between the emotions I choose to share through a project and where I am in my personal life. Mental, emotional, and spiritual recharge have proven to be a source of wellness and also inspiration for my next project. I am more than comfortable sharing that I’m on the lighter days of walking through grief since the passing of my Aunt Cynthia. May she rest in peace. For some time tapping into certain realms of my creativity would be difficult due to the weight of grief process.
I would also say that funding is scarce in general. I’ve been extremely blessed with grant opportunities, but without them there is another rather unsavory trade-off. Much work for little compensation. There are several organizations I’ve worked alongside that truly understand this area of concern and have made it a point to prioritize providing sufficient compensation for artistry. On the other hand, having to constantly educate those who don’t understand this concept can be quite frustrating. I would like to put focus on the simple fact that artists deserve pay regardless of the level of mastery they’ve reached. I believe it’s so important to pour back into the community who is at all times subject to that consumption.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am multidisciplinary artist. I am a singer-songwriter, poetess, author, creative director, owner of my publishing house (The Laurel Branch Publishing), musician, undercover rapper for the ones that know, and overall advocate for the arts. I specialize in experimental Neo-jazz that fuses poetry and lyricism to create experiences that allow the audience to interact with me as well their own deepest thoughts. For anyone who’s attended a set knows they won’t leave without introspection for the ride home. I know this because I am also one of those people. Together, we have addressed a plethora of themes such as heartbreak, grief, love, lust, and so many other transitional phases of life. I am proud because this is the very thing that has continued to heal me. To know that the impact is expanding brings me so much gratitude and honor for the art of storytelling and lyricism. It puts a smile on my face to know my place in such a timeless art form. I love using my voice to convey these messages. Most of all, I have fun and I truly have fallen in love with my craft. I know that my bravery to bear my truth on stage is what has continuously sets me apart, yet also creates space for me to elevate. Just know anytime you see the woman walking to the stage with her notebook, get ready.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My new book The Butterfly’s Godspell is available now. This collection of poetry explores the routes of healing through four themes: love, lust, loss, and death. The link to purchase my book on my Shopify can be found through my Link tree website, any of my social media platforms, or with a simple google search for ‘The Butterfly’s Godspell”. The best way to show support is to order my book and familiarize yourself with my poetry . The proceeds also further my musical endeavors.
Recently, I’ve been on the horizon of new sound in preparation for my debut EP “Music for Space Travel Vol. 1”. In the meantime, my music that’s released can be found on YouTube, Apple Music and other major streaming platforms by searching Leaux, I would ask any of the readers who get a copy of The Butterfly’s Godspell to flip to a random page and really build a relationship with that poem. Explore how that piece can illuminate any areas of your life. I am excited about the prospect of collaboration because there are so many talented artists that I would enjoy sharing creative space with. Let’s work!
Lastly, be on the look out for my upcoming live shows via my Instagram.
Pricing:
- The Butterfly’s Godspell -$30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/leauxofficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leauxofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeofleaux8770
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lauren-marcelle/love-me-more
- Other: https://0d47c7.myshopify.com/products/the-butterfly-s-godspell-paperback?fbclid=PAAaYN3axhU1R-azYCmyiNwT1yUT8l40XjAerSbWta3drvor3e6hS_JldnY0U
Image Credits
Tommy Hatcher
Leah Victoria Marcelle
Mickey Welsh – Montgomery Advertiser
Urban Art Fair
Kreative Block Studios
Skye Re Vera Photography
Miosi Publishing
Sophie Szpalski
