After checking out her live performance of original song “Criminal Love” on VH1’s The Big Morning Buzz, I had to know more about Kailua, Hawaii native J.Lauryn. Since relocating from the island to Los Angeles working in 2007, J.Lauryn found her self writing for fellow recording artists Ziggy Marley, Ashanti, David Guetta, and K-Pop Superstar CL.
I had the opportunity to catch up the budding Pop star to talk about her latest EP ViBeS & HiGhS, Hawaiian music and culture, stoner music and more. Check out the full interview below!
In past interviews you talk about growing up in Hawaii. Traditionally the island isn’t know for pop or R&B music. Can you tell me about the music scene on the island?
“Actually, Hawaii is really big on R&B and Pop music. Yes, Hawaiian music and culture does take the stereotype for what you may expect to hear on radio, but I remember as a kid hearing everyone from Christina Aguilera to Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey to Boyz II Men, Gwen Stefani and even the Spice Girls spinning on the radio! My music is heavily influenced by Pop and R&B music because of growing up in the 90’s 2000’s era. Don’t get me wrong, I do love some classic Hawaiian music such as Keali’i Reichel and Three Plus, but I do feel like Hawaiians are very well connected to pop and R&B music. They know how to make catchy melodic and lyrical songs with emotion & soul and isn’t that categorized as pop R&B? Plus Hawaii has pumped out some of the biggest Pop Artists such as Bruno Mars & Nicole Scherzinger, and of course their newest breakout artist, cough cough, ME!”
What was the inspiration behind your latest EP ViBeS & HiGhS? Who did you work with producer, engineers, where was it recorded?
“Well, I had been working with the amazingly talented producer Jamil ‘DIGI’ Chammas who was my boyfriend at the time. We made some incredible music together including “Vibes & Highs”, “Criminal Love”, “Only Time Will Tell”, and my newest released single “Mind Traveler”. I feel like where I was at in my life in that chapter really brought out a strong creative side of me that I hadn’t felt before. Digi and I are still friends to this day, but we definitely portrayed our creative passions together through our music and I’m so very grateful for the experiences I felt while making our music. Music is emotion. It’s a story, a diary, it’s whoever you are or want to be. Vibes & Highs to me represents the growth of who I am as an artist and human. I believe in positive vibrations and keeping an uplifted mindset, thus the meaning of the Title, “ViBeS & HiGhS”. Energy and frequency are real so Vibes & Highs is more than just an expression, it’s a lifestyle. I recorded the EP in Los Angeles and also got the pleasure of working with some really cool producers from Melrose Sound Studio where Alex Mescudi, Dmadd, Stas, Tyler Accord, and JP all played a roll in producing/engineering the songs “Tropicana”, and “Get Away Wit It” off the EP.”
Without any featured collaborations on ViBeS & HiGhS you’ve made a huge splash. Was that a choice you deliberately made? Are you open to future collaborations?
“Thank you so much! I’ve collaborated with a bunch of artists, but I wanted my debut experience to fully be about who I am. I also write all of my own lyrics & melodies so when it comes to creating music, everything flows so naturally and quickly and I’m so thankful for my writing abilities. Being able to say what I want to say is so crucial for me. I will never release a song that doesn’t connect to me emotionally or spiritually. But if the vibe is right and it connects to people I am very open to creating and collaborating with anyway that comes my way.”
You often admit your love for some good bud here and there like other artists. However, some fans may begin to label you as “stoner music” or a stoner artist. Do you really think there is a such thing as “stoner music”? Would you mind being labeled a stoner artist?
“I love this question! I feel like this topic runs deep and in many directions depending on the artist and/or how the listener interprets the vibe of the artist/music. For me, YES I LOVE MARIJUANA. I love everything about the beautiful healing plant. I am also very educated on the plant and how positive it can be in many ways. Because of my passion for MaryJane, of course I write about it here and there because its who I am. Marijuana is apart of the Rastafari Religion because of the spiritual connection Marijuana brings when inhaled. I don’t get “high” to sit on a couch and eat a bunch of food like the typical stoner is portrayed. Although don’t get me wrong, I do love a good comfy couch and I do love food. Most importantly, I love the benefits because it helps bring out a different side of my creative mind. No I don’t need it to write or survive, but yes I do enjoy it for the many reasons it should be enjoyed. If someone is going to put me in the “Stoner Music” category, then YAY! Because there are SO many stoners and causal MJ smokers out there that understand the appreciation of the herb. Plus “Stoner Music” is defined in many ways such as Vibey, Chill, Fun, Relaxed, Dope, Swaggy, Cool, and if I’m related to anyone of those adjectives then I’m down! I don’t like to put myself in any box or category because music is music and as long the listerers enjoy what they hear, wether they support Marijuana or not, then I’m a happy camper.”
I’m sure you’ve been approached by labels since the release and following success of Vibes & Highs. Being an independent artist now, are you looking to sign with a major or are you confident in your choice to stay indie?
“If the right person and team with the right energy falls into place at the right time then yes I’d be willing to be under a higher platform. I believe in timing and I know what’s meant to be will be! Meanwhile, I’m still taking meetings and making music, while trusting each day as it comes. No pressure, No worries!”
What’s next for J.Lauryn?
“I will be releasing my next single/music video, “Music, Weed, & U”. Funny to announce that last question LOL. This is a slower super chill heartfelt song. Both the single and music video will be released Tuesday December 13th, 2016 which falls under a full moon.”
Stay connected with J.Lauryn on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on her official website www.vibesnhighs.com. Take a listen to J.Lauryn’s full project ViBeS & HiGhS and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
