By Kaitlin Sinclair, Staff Writer
“Midwest Kids Can Make It Big” is Lauren Sanderson’s slogan and latest album. Born on Jan. 13, 1996 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sanderson is an emerging independent artist whose music has elements of pop, hip-hop, rap, rock and alternative.
In 2014, Sanderson began to make her presence known online by having her own YouTube channel and going on to give a TEDx talk titled “For God’s Sake, Just Love Them” discussing the challenges of youth coming out to their parents.
Sanderson quickly turned her motivation into music.
She posted song covers on her YouTube and SoundCloud accounts, leading to the release of her first EP, “Center of Expression” in 2016. Sanderson’s lyrics are authentic and she does not shy from singing about sensitive topics. Mental health, sexuality, self-worth and purpose are all subjects Sanderson discusses in her songs.
The following year came her second EP, “Spaces,” which was also an independent release. It reached number one on the iTunes R&B albums when it was first released.
Sanderson briefly signed with Epic Records, a major record label.
She released a third EP “DON’T PANIC!” that highlights the struggle of being in the spotlight and living in Los Angeles.
However, this only lasted about a year and she went back to being an independent artist. Having a major record label sign an artist can be a crucial part of publicizing their music.
Sanderson beat these odds and finds success on her own terms. She is not willing to change her music to please someone else.
Sanderson is an ally and member of the LGBTQ+ community. This is reflected in her music. In her song “17,” some lyrics are, “I been shot down, dragged around, looking high and low for my identity.”
Society tends to label people based on a certain aspect of who they are (i.e, gay, straight, bi.) Identity can be so much more than sexuality or gender. Identity is something people struggle with across their lifetime. Sanderson has been an advocate for the community ever since she started building her platform.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, her shows were a space where fans of all backgrounds could come together. Sanderson has yet to tour the Western New York area, only having shows in New York City and other states. Before COVID-19, there was a “Midwest Kids” tour planned. It has been subject to rescheduling due to the ongoing pandemic.
Sanderson’s latest release “Hi.” is a tearjerker. This song details the aftermath of breakup, even when one may still love the person. Some lyrics in the song are, “Would you tell me what it’s like? To be so gorgeous that every girl and guy who talks to you can’t remember how to breathe right.”
Even if a person seems to have it all together, people in reality all have their inner personal struggles. A relationship can be seemingly perfect and still not work.
Sanderson’s music is available on all streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify.
sinclak18@bonaventure.edu
