We recently connected with Lane Marie and have shared our conversation below.

Lane Marie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking risks is not one of my natural characteristics. My natural inclination is to choose the safe route with the least amount of detours. Of course I’ve chosen a passion in which risk is not only present, but is required. Since graduating college and realizing my love for recording and writing music, I’ve grown immensely in taking risks. Releasing my first EP, playing shows with original music and marketing myself on social media have all been uncomfortable challenges. The most recent risk was buying a house with my husband and renovating a closed-in garage into a home studio. Luckily, my husband is a risk taker and challenges me to pursue my passions without fear. I’m realizing that taking risks not only builds endurance and courage, but quiets the fears and what-ifs. No matter how the risk plays out, it’s a step closer to living without fear and jumping into life with freedom and wonder.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am an indie pop artist with a passion for songwriting and recording. Having parents as musicians, I found musical inspiration all around me. My mom was a classically trained pianist, and as a result I began taking piano lessons at the age of 8. By the time I was twelve, I expanded my training by taking vocal lessons. Growing up, I competed in singing competitions, classical festivals, as well as participating in show choirs and musical theatres. As I entered college, I studied music at the University of Georgia, where I ended up meeting my future husband, and producer, Luke O’Kelley.

I have traveled within the U.S., performing with bands and in front of crowds as large as 1,000+ people, but my true passions lie within songwriting. I find inspiration from artists like Brooke Fraser, but also resonate with Maggie Rogers and Madison Cunningham. For me, songwriting is therapy. It helps me put my emotions into words. I’m a big feeler and thrive in spreading an idea of hope that can reach people of all cultures, backgrounds, and musical interest. I believe two humans can be completely different and be touched by the same composition.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Oh I love this question!

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when my song(s) deeply resonates with someone. One of my songs in particular, Time, has resonated with quite a few people. The song is about grieving a loved one, while holding onto hope. I’ve had several people mention that the song put into words their deeply challenging emotions and feelings. The song was even played at a wedding in honor of a loved one who had passed. When I hear stories and feedback like that, it reminds me why I love songwriting and why it’s so important to share one’s craft with the world. Music is so much more fulfilling when it can be shared and not just be about personal gain. My end goal with music is to make a difference…to share human experiences both good and hard with a community of people.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists is such a hot topic right now. With streaming, artists are able to be discovered, but are unable to make a living in recorded music alone. Musicians must play live shows in order to make a living and even that is often not livable for those of us who are not mainstream. And while social media is a helpful platform to be discovered and connect, it doesn’t always lead to actual bills paid. So here’s a few ways to support musicians and artists so they can make music full-time and not settle for that 9-5 desk job to put food on the table: – SHARE their music with friends and community
– Go to their shows…bring your friends to shows
– Buy merch (this is one of the BEST ways for artists to make money since the venue doesn’t get a % of sales here)
– If they have a Patreon, become a patron!
– Help fund the recording of their music…this is a HUGE investment for artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: lanemarie.com
• Instagram: lane_marie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanemariemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXoKmZPj1_TUtm8sJwluVA

Image Credits
Cori Carter