In advance of the release of her new album Woman In The Arena In May, UK singer/songwriter Lauren Ray is touring as support to former Ace/Squeeze/Mike and The Mechanics vocalist, Paul Carrick.  Hifi Pig caught with Lauren recently as she prepares to go out on the road.

Hi Lauren and a belated happy new year from Hifi Pig.  What does 2019 have in store for you? 

Hello and happy belated new year to you too! 2019 is going to be all about my second album coming out in May and promoting the singles from that. It’s also going to be a lot of touring.

Is this your first major tour? Anywhere you are particularly looking forward to visiting?  Anything you are looking forward to doing or seeing in your downtime?

No this isn’t my first major tour supporting a great artist – I’ve been lucky enough to support Rebecca Ferguson, Anastacia and Lucy Spraggan previously. I love touring because I get to see a lot of the country that I wouldn’t otherwise get to. In particular I love getting to travel around Scotland. I am a big fan of the landscape and the general appreciation for whisky! I am a whisky drinker myself. ..that’s probably what I’ll be doing in my downtown when I get there.

Ah, someone must have told you I’m Scottish, that’s the right answer! You are about to release your second album; when did you start writing songs?  Was there anyone in particular that inspired you be a songwriter?

I’ve been writing songs since I was young – probably a young teenager – it’s always just been something I’ve had the urge to do.

You’ve covered David Gray’s Babylon.  Is he a particular influence?  Why did you choose that particular song?

I love David Gray’s White Ladder album, my older sister introduced me to the album as she would play it a lot so it reminds me of being younger. I just love that song in particular and thought I would try and put my own spin on it. It’s had a great response which has been nice.

If you could record a “songbook” album by one songwriter, who would you choose and why?

Ray LaMontagne – I would love to cover a bunch of his songs for a songbook album.

Oh yeah, his Ouroboros album is fantastic, isn’t it?   But back to you; when you are writing a song what comes first, words or music?

90% of the time I write the lyrics first, or at least the verse and chorus ideas before I start playing around with melody and chords. That being said, when I’ve written songs with a writer/producer, everything comes together at once because we will be building the music as we write which can influence the lyrics.

Along with your solo releases you’ve worked on some dance-oriented material with Jason Ross.  Is that a different side of your personality and will we see it crossing over into your albums?

The two releases with Jason was a great side opportunity that allowed me to write and sing something totally out of my usual musical lane. I’ve not carried this across into my own releases though so you won’t hear any Trance in my own album. I really enjoyed working with Jason and Anjunabeats and wouldn’t say no to future side projects like this.

What’s the best piece or advice you’ve been given and who gave it to you?

“If you wake up in the morning, and you can’t think of anything but singing first, then you’re supposed to be a singer, girl.” – Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act II – LOVED this movie.

Ha ha, I watched that movie over Christmas – I remember that line.  What advice of your own would you pass on to an up and coming songwriter?

Create music that you love, work with people who make you better and when opportunities come knocking always get your own lawyer to read the contract.

So, who would you love to record a duet with?

Sooo many people!! Leon Bridges, Ryan Adams, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves…

If you could only take one album out on tour to listen to, what would it be?

The new Hozier album when it’s released so I can indulge in the new songs – I’m certain it’s going to be great if it’s as good as the Nina Cries Power track he recently released.

Can you tell us a joke?

Q: What’s the worst Christmas present ever?

A: A Bonnie Tyler sat nav. It keeps telling you to turn around, and every now and then it falls apart.

Thanks, Lauren and the very best of luck with the tour.  I’m looking forward to seeing you open for Paul Carrack.  Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. 

Lauren’s first album, We Will Need Courage is out now on Tamlan Records.  Check out the video for her latest track Be A Man

Catch Lauren on tour with Paul Carrack during February and March.

TOUR DATES

22 FEB 2019 EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE

23 FEB 2019 DUNFERMLINE, UNITED KINGDOM   ALHAMBRA THEATRE

24 FEB 2019 GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM ROYAL CONCERT HALL

01 MAR 2019 SOUTHEND, UNITED KINGDOM, CLIFFS PAVILION

02 MAR 2019 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM   LONDON PALLADIUM

03 MAR 2019 BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM, SYMPHONY HALL

08 MAR 2019 GUILDFORD, UNITED KINGDOM,  G LIVE

09 MAR 2019 AYLESBURY, UNITED KINGDOM, WATERSIDE THEATRE

10 MAR 2019 CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM, ST DAVID’S HALL

14 MAR 2019 SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM, CITY HALL

15 MAR 2019 LEICESTER, UNITED KINGDOM, DE MONTFORT HALL

16 MAR 2019 BRIGHTON, UNITED KINGDOM, BRIGHTON CENTRE

22 MAR 2019 MIDDLESBROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM, MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN HALL

23 MAR 2019 HARROGATE, UNITED KINGDOM, CONVENTION CENTRE

24 MAR, 2019 SALFORD, UNITED KINGDOM, THE LOWRY