Diandra Interviews Lauryn MacFarlane: Growing Up In Song

Lauryn MacFarlane is the Lisa Simpson of country music: smart, nerdy, and all about the family that loved her as their “hippie child,” For Lauryn being loved, but also being different, made music feel like a bridge to how she connected herself with others. When “the world” loves you but doesn’t always understand you, music becomes your version of the world that does. Thus, inevitably you grow with each song, and, in our interview, Lauryn discusses what it means to grow up with music.

Diandra: What is one character, from a tv show, book, or film, that you most relate to or wish you did? Why?

Lauryn: This may sound silly, but after meditating on this question for a couple hours, the only character I could think of is Lisa Simpson (she laughs) I’ve been watching the Simpsons with my dad, since I was a baby, and I’ve always related to Lisa. The main reason is that she is the weird middle child who has pretty liberal beliefs compared to her family. My mother jokes that I’ve always been her weird, little hippie kid. Lisa is also the only member of the Simpsons family that is passionate about music!

Me: FANTASTIC CHOICE!

Diandra: Who is someone in your life, that taught you how to love and what did they teach you?

Lauryn: My dad’s parents are definitely what shaped my idea of love. They were a team that did so much together, but they also both had their own passion projects. My Grandma with her crafting and my Grandpa and his small engines. I was around them a lot growing up. Not once did I ever hear either of them raise their voice. They are the ones that taught me the importance of family. I miss them both dearly, but am so blessed to have had such positive role models in my life. They have definitely set the bar pretty high for my future partner (she laughs)
Lauryn Macfarlane – Friendly

Diandra: How would you define confidence versus how you would define self-doubt? What is one confidence you have versus one doubt?

Lauryn: I think confidence is going into something knowing that no matter the outcome, you are going in prepared and will perform to the best of your ability. I think self-doubt comes from comparing yourself to others; thinking that everyone else in the room is “More prepared” or “better at performing” is where self-doubt can crush your confidence. I have always been very confident in my performance because it’s something I can prepare myself for. But sometimes I struggle with self-doubt when I’m alone and writing in my room, overthinking that my lyrics may be “Too straightforward” or not abstract enough. As hard as it is, you need to trust your instincts and not compare your art to someone else’s. There is room for everyone and all types of songs in the music industry, and there isn’t one straight path to success.

Diandra: Believing “You don’t ask, you don’t get,” what are some things you have asked for that you have gotten and what did they teach you?

Lauryn: This saying has really helped me with my self confidence. In the past, I wouldn’t apply for things out of fear I wasn’t good enough or that I wouldn’t be picked. But once you understand the worst thing someone could say to you is “no” or they simply don’t respond, it really makes it easier to put yourself out there. Kind of like that saying “You can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket”. I’ve been able to work with some really amazing people because of this saying!
Nowhere Town – Lauryn Macfarlane

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music?

Lauryn: We had one of those old-school player pianos in our home growing up, my legs were too short to reach the pedals, but I have this very vivid fond memory of sitting on my Uncles’ lap on Christmas Eve while he played it. I put my little toes on his, pretending I was making the music. I always used to put on little shows on Christmas Eve for my family, and I think that is where I first fell in love with performing and having all eyes on me.

Diandra: In honor of Friendly, describe your ideal person or, at least, the qualities that would make you choose someone to be your friend?

Lauryn: When meeting new people, I get along best with someone who is honest, open minded, kind, passionate and funny! I tend to have a pretty dry/sarcastic sense of humor so I definitely gravitate to people on that wavelength!

Diandra: What has songwriting taught you about clarity and being clearer with others in life?

Lauryn: I don’t know if this is something that songwriting taught me necessarily… But I do think in the short time I have been in the music industry, something that is vital to the success of an artist is that they are authentic. If you are putting things out that are not genuine to you as a person, the audience will see right through it. I think this applies to all aspects of life. The clearer you are with people, the more likely you are to get what you’re after.
My Dear – Lauryn Macfarlane

Diandra: With songwriting being your therapy since childhood, what do you feel it has helped you heal?

Lauryn: Just like talking to a therapist… I think writing things out and thinking out your problems really puts things into prospective and allows you to see the bigger picture. Creating a song about something I have been through allows me to give that event a beginning, middle, and an end. Once I have given something an end, its easier for me to close that chapter on my life and move on the next thing.

Diandra: Why do you think sad songs are easier to write then happy ones? What makes you happy?

Lauryn: For me, sad songs are easier to write because generally I tend to dwell and overthink those things. I will focus more energy on mending and fixing those sad things in my life and in turn, spend more time working that out through my music. I also think there is something really powerful about taking the hardest things in my life, and turning them into something beautiful that others can relate to.

Diandra: What is the first song you ever wrote and what was it about?

Lauryn: The first song I ever wrote was when I was in grade 7, and I remember it being titled something along the lines of “I wish I was a bird.” The song was about wishing I could be like a bird, and fly away from all of my hormonal middle school problems. Hilarious to think about now, but proof that songwriting has truly always been a form of therapy for me!

Diandra: What is your favorite writing exercise? What does it help bring out in your?

Lauryn: One of my favourite writing exercises is free writing. The only rules are to fill three pages and not sensor yourself at all. Just let the pen keep writing any thought that comes to mind. I find once I get in the habit of doing that, its easier for me to find words to fill melodies. It also can feel intimidating to fill three pages at the beginning. But I am always surprised with myself by how much is going on in my brain!! This is also a great exercise for anyone interested in personal growth and reflection!

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