A child of Baltimore, Lauren grew to embrace the fatalistic spirit of the city in her work and art. With stunningly raw, haunting tones, Lakis is “a breath of fresh air in the music industry, arriving with her own brand of ‘delightfully gut-churning shoegaze'” (Flaunt). Authentic and honest lyricism, paired with lush, darkly romantic vibes, her songs are “a refreshing change from today’s polite rock…” (Earmilk).
Following the release of her debut full-length Ferocious with Cavity Search Records (Elliott Smith, Helio Sequence) in 2018, Lakis delivered audiences her slowcore heavy, baritone-driven follow-up EP, Sad Girl Breakfast. Both records were produced by Billy Burke (REL, Luna Lovebad) with additional engineering by Grammy-winning mixer Chris Kasych (Adele, Deftones, Phantogram, HAIM). Both releases have gone on to garner radio airplay on 40+ stations nationwide, and placement on 65+ Spotify playlists. Lakis has also licensed tracks to Dating Pains and The Drunch.
Her latest LP, Daughter Language, was released in 2021 with Green Witch Recordings. It has received critical acclaim from Flaunt, Wonderland, Earmilk, Ladygunn, Buzzbands LA, Grimy Goods, Atwood, and more, with 1st Day Fresh naming it “a rock gem…the music is equally as powerful as the message with an electric magnetism rarely found in today’s overproduced records”. Daughter Language was recorded at Seahorse Sound with Billy Burke producing and Chris Kasych & Samur Khouja (Devendra Banhart, Deerhunter, Chastity Belt) mixing.
Lakis and her full band have toured the West Coast extensively, having shared bills with Ringo Deathstarr, Holy Wave, Sea Wolf, Peel Dream Magazine, and Drowse. The band sold out the Doug Fir Lounge with Coastlands and Pacific Latitudes, as well as The Catalyst Santa Cruz, supporting Flor & Winnetka Bowling League. Lauren also performed a pair of shows with Grammy-nominated rocker Tracy Bonham. Prior to the return of live music, she performed several live-streamed shows, partnering with Bands In Town, Jam in the Van, B Side TV, Rock to End Rape Culture, KXLU, ACLU, and JuJu Live.
The upcoming album “A Fiesta and a Hell” was recorded in Austin, TX with Carey McGraw producing (Wild Child, Josie Lockhart), Elliott Frazier mixing (Ringo Deathstarr, Blushing), and Christopher Colbert (Mazzy Star, Starflyer 59, Leon Bridges) mastering. Leading single “TAKE MY HAND” is about “forgetting what you thought you knew, letting go and bravely opening your mind to something radically different,” confides Lauren Lakis. “A Fiesta and a Hell” will be released Fall 2023 with Green Witch Recordings.
-Official bio
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