We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Fuller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
My career has evolved into a rich tapestry of pursuits. I’m honored to serve as a mentor for the Trombone Shorty Foundation, nurturing the next generation of musicians. As an accompanist at Loyola, I have the privilege of supporting students in their musical journeys.
I’m also the founder of Leaux Fye Tribe, a creative collective that empowers musicians to tap into their raw, improvisational, and intentional potential. In addition, I collaborate with fellow artists to create sound packs for Splice, and produce and compose music for a variety of clients.
My passion for sound healing has led me to facilitate sound baths and create meditation and mantra music, fostering a deeper sense of connection and well-being within the collective.
These diverse ventures didn’t emerge overnight; they were the result of my willingness to take risks, honor my own needs, and step outside my comfort zone. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned the value of discernment, recognizing when to say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with my values or resonate with my spirit.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I began my piano journey at the age of 5, studying under the guidance of a classical Russian teacher. As I grew older, my passion for music led me to explore contemporary jazz with renowned professors from Berklee College of Music. This exposure ultimately earned me a full scholarship to attend Berklee, a dream come true. Throughout my life, I’ve been driven to master my craft, and I’m grateful for the unwavering support of my family, who have invested in my musical aspirations every step of the way.
As I transitioned into my professional career, I honed my skills through extensive gigging and performing with diverse artists during high school and college. These experiences instilled in me the fundamentals of professional musicianship. Post-graduation, I had the privilege of touring globally with major label artists, notably Betty Who and Fifth Harmony. These opportunities not only refined my musical abilities but also taught me invaluable skills in adaptability, teamwork, and performance. The fast-paced, ever-changing environment of touring allowed me to develop a flexible mindset and thrive under pressure. Following years of touring, I settled in New Orleans as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the music industry to a standstill.
As I settled into stillness, I took time for introspection, questioning whether my touring experiences had truly fulfilled me. Despite the beauty of those moments, I felt an unshakeable sense that I had neglected my own musical and creative identity. I yearned to craft my unique sonic footprint, producing and writing music that resonated with others. Becoming a mother during this period taught me the preciousness of time and the importance of pushing past fear and uncertainty.
From 2022 onward, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, channeling my creativity into writing, producing, and crafting my own music, as well as collaborating with others. My exploration of sound healing revealed the profound impact of frequencies and sound on our well-being – a truth I had intuitively understood throughout my life. This newfound passion ignited a desire to heal and uplift the collective, fostering a sense of community among listeners and creators alike.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a musician and creative is embodying the transformative power of art. I firmly believe that creativity is a birthright, and it takes courage to dedicate one’s life to this truth. This authentic energy not only inspires but also has the profound ability to awaken others to their own creative purpose. When I hear that my music or artistic journey has inspired others to create, I’m reminded of the profound impact that courage and self-expression can have on healing our world.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The most significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the crippling effects of self-criticism and complacency. Fear of failure and inadequacy once held me back from exploring new opportunities and growth. I was paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes, which prevented me from taking risks and asserting myself in leadership roles. I diminished my presence, suppressing my talents and intellect.
A pivotal moment changed my trajectory. Despite having a natural ear for music, I struggled with sight-reading as a child. As my professional career progressed, I avoided situations that required reading music, as it felt daunting. However, this avoidance limited my growth and confidence.
An opportunity to play for an opera rehearsal presented itself, and I was tasked with reading a full score in just a couple of weeks. My stomach dropped, and fear, shame, and self-doubt began to creep in. But then I heard my inner voice, urging me to tap into my inner child – the young girl who had once learned music slowly and patiently, hour by hour, bar by bar. I reminded myself that if I could do it then, I could do it now.
With renewed determination, I started practicing, slowly rebuilding my skills and confidence. The outcome was breathtaking – not only did I excel at the gig, but I also rediscovered a part of myself that had been dormant. From that moment on, I’ve faced my fears head-on, embracing imperfection, hard work, and resilience. I’ve grown more comfortable with uncertainty, knowing that it’s where growth and transformation occur.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamLaurenFuller @LeauxFyeTribe @fullereffect
Image Credits
Taja Janel
Mada Table