Q&A: Lauren Ruth Ward Dives into 'Self Electric'
IN THE PULSATING REALM WHERE MUSIC MEETS SOUL-SEARCHING introspection, Lauren Ruth Ward reigns supreme. With her latest EP, Self Electric, Ward ventures into uncharted sonic territories, weaving together a tapestry of electrifying melodies and poignant lyricism. Embracing themes of self-discovery, political dissent, and personal growth, Ward's music serves as a beacon of authenticity in an often tumultuous world.
With tracks like the anthemic "Self Love" and the soul-stirring "This Is What I Get," Ward invites listeners on a transformative journey through the corridors of her psyche. Each song is a testament to her fearless vulnerability, offering glimpses into the highs and lows of the human experience. As she navigates the complexities of love, resilience, and redemption, Ward's music resonates with a raw and unfiltered intensity.
Beyond the confines of conventional genres, Ward's music defies categorization, blending elements of rock, folk, and pop into a seamless sonic tapestry. Her distinctive voice, coupled with her thought-provoking lyrics, creates a sonic landscape that is as evocative as it is empowering. With "Self Electric," Ward not only showcases her musical prowess but also reaffirms her status as a fearless trailblazer in the realm of contemporary music. Join us as we delve deep into the soul-stirring world of Lauren Ruth Ward's latest musical offering.
LUNA: Congratulations on the upcoming release of your EP Self Electric! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the title and what listeners can expect from the new tracks?
LRW: Thank you! I'm really pleased with the roundedness of this EP. it's energetic, introspective, political, dancy.. like all bodys of my work, I pulled some tunes from 2020, 2022, that I've been waiting to release at the right time. The songs I'm writing now may come out in December, or December 2027.
Track 1. “Self Love: - I met another former cheerleader at a party (Evan, who is also in the music video) we put together a routine on the spot. then the song popped out of me at a session with David Davis when reflecting on an interaction.
Track 2. “Self Love” remix by COM3T - My first remix, Dani Thorne (COM3T) is so talented. I would do an entire techno album with her if I could!
track 3. “This Is What I get” - oof, this tune gets my fired up in the best way. its about anguish, self preservation, post denial shame.. all the tumultuous relationship food groups. I see ripping my heart out. this song was inspired by a feeling of entrapment.
Track 4. “Babysitter” - a very personal story about my relationship with organized religion. I debated releasing this one as I don't want what works for me to make others feel like their belief system is being dissed, but I can't control that so yeehaw! I stand by this song with my entire heart as a depiction of forcing that failed but pushed me towards what feels right for *me*. we all have that right. the head of my label, Nikke Slight, a wise, art loving, leader, highlighted this tune out of a batch, along with "Suburban Ego" (MINDSEYE EP). I am so so so lucky to have a team that supports my political / introspective voice just as much as my energetic glam rock voice.
Track 5. "Heaven Electric" - my dear friend Stephen Archer captured this music video perfectly. hate is so boring. when the world shows its one sidedness, I like to create happy places, like a heaven where all are celebrated for being their authentic selves. in this heaven, you are electrified with an abundance of joy that no external factors can take away from you.
LUNA: Self Electric features a club remix of your single "Self Love" by acclaimed L.A. producer/DJ COM3T, along with two brand new studio tracks and a live version of "Heaven Electric." What was the creative process like for putting together this EP, and how do these tracks fit into the overarching theme or narrative?
LRW: It actually has three new studio tracks! "this is what i get",
"Babysitter", and "Heaven Electric". "Heaven Electric" live version was a video shot in November at a hometown show in Baltimore. putting these tunes together slowly fell into place over time. there's death and rebirth in a lot of my art. It comes from the Phoenix Scorpio. reaching the ceilings of your freedom to realize you're in another jail cell again, and again. That repetition is what growing and maturity feel like to me. this EP tears down fear based heavens to and create new ones that celebrate anti-fear authenticity.
LUNA: You recently premiered a mini-documentary to promote "Self Love," which includes behind-the-scenes footage of your return to your hometown of Baltimore for a concert. What was it like revisiting your roots and how does your upbringing influence your music today?
LRW: I visit Baltimore often. I still have family friends and a community there. it always feels good coming home. Baltimore is beautiful. my upbringing influenced every part of me. I had a shitty childhood, I was forced to take care of myself for most of it. I know how to speak up, I guess that reflects in my music. I’d say the street smarts, organization skills, bootstraps mentality are wildly helpful when I'm managing my tours. I feel the direct connection from childhood to when i’m handling multiple high-stress tasks while on vocal rest and then having to go perform like it never happened. That is all thanks to my trauma haha.
LUNA: Your music often tackles emotions and political taboos with a blend of sarcasm and sincerity. How do you navigate these themes in your songwriting, and what message do you hope listeners take away from tracks like "MINDSEYE" and "Suburban Ego"?
LRW: I question what's on my mind, and you should too. we know absolutely nothing, it’s great, so freeing. regardless of the song, my wish would be for people to just feel something. choose "feeling" over all the numbing agents we're enticed with daily.
LUNA: You're about to embark on a concert tour of the UK and Europe in April. What are you most looking forward to about this tour, and can fans expect any surprises or special moments during your live performances?
LRW: I love my supporters, i’m looking forward to all the hugs. also my band, Lightfoot and Jess, will be the longest run together, I really excited to get to know them on a deeper level. they're both wildly talented and caring. my girlfriend Cher Russo is a creative director by career and also an amazing photographer, among other skills. she’s coming out to shoot for a bit. my pal Michelle shiers is coming out for the last two weeks to shoot - a plan we had for my 2020 EU UK tour, finally! I'm excited to get to see my label in London. i’m excited for it all! I love people and traveling and arting. surprises.. you bet!
LUNA: Self Electric comes at a time when the world is experiencing significant social and political shifts. How do you see your music contributing to the cultural conversation, and do you feel a sense of responsibility as an artist to address these topics?
LRW: I am very happy that therapy, self-healing, inner work etc. are being talked about and expressed through art. I read more self-healing / mind-expansion books than I listen to music. This has always been who I am. I don't think it is any artist's responsibility to address topics solely due to conversational trends, whether up lifting or not. however, nowadays we are not just artists answering the call to create from our inner light portals.. we are being watched by so many hearts and minds. i think every human with a social media account has a responsibility to think about if they're spreading healing or not.
LUNA: In addition to your music career, you've also been recognized for your distinctive style and fashion sense. How does your personal style intersect with your music, and do you see them as complementary forms of expression?
LRW: personal style is a mixture of sentimentality, loving the planet, and emotion - how I feel in the clothing and the energy the clothing gives to me. this criteria are the same on stage and off stage. I ask myself, how do I want to feel? and how am I feeling? My all of it is art. All of it is self expression.
LUNA: Looking ahead, what's next for Lauren Ruth Ward after the release of Self Electric and the upcoming tour?
LRW: I'm coming for Latin America. nothing is going to stop me :)
