Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laur’e Pen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Laur’e, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
When I was younger, I always used to say I just want to be normal. I just want to fit in. Yes, I enjoyed expressing myself creatively and sharing my talents but I never wanted to bear the burden of change. Having lived a bit more life, my sentiments have changed. I found it nearly impossible to just sit back and blend in. From the things I have personally experienced in my life, and watching others and their stories I recognize the lane and opportunity to thrive in my authenticity and truth. Everyone has a purpose, be it big or small. I will be known for having one of the largest multi media companies the world has yet to see. My purpose and legacy will be, to be the pied piper or as the young kids say an “influencer” of change within broken homes, dysfunctional families, and generational curses by means of story telling. I also wish to inspire others to share their stories creatively, and authentically. The idea is to teach women, and younger folks that it is okay to be themselves, giving a different view of what love is and is not, being true to yourself, and so many other things. It will all start with that record button, and my voice.
Laur’e, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Laur’e Pen. I am an independent singer, and songwriter. I have been singing internationally for over 10 years. My experience includes celebrity background singing for people like Patti Labelle, Josh Groban, and Neil Patrick Harris. I got into the industry as a teenager. I initially became interested in music by singing some of my favorite songs around the house growing up. I found that I was pretty good at it, and others seemed to enjoy it as well. From there, I gradually expanded my knowledge and interest shortly after graduating high school by singing more in a professional recording studio, and finding the best sound for my voice. Today, I offer performance services for various events including corporate, campaigns, weddings, ext. I also write jingles for local, and corporate companies as well. I am proud of the expansion of my artistry. Since beginning my singing career, with the support of my fiance, I have also developed and enhanced the visual aspect of my art by learning how to edit my own videos. I am now finishing my bachelors degree in digital storytelling to perfect my craft. I’d love for followers, and potential clients alike to know that I am developing my brand into a multi-media production company. This will include music, and visual effects to help aide in telling my story and overall development of my brand. These skills are also extended as a service to fellow creatives, and artists to help tell their stories.
I invite you to follow my music journey by subscribing to my site at www.laurepen.com.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The mission driving my creative journey today is sharing my story through my creative outlets. There have been many challenges I’ve had to overcome in my life personally. From substance abuse, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and even near death experiences. From these experiences I have gained a lot of knowledge on my my choices, the mistakes I’ve made along the way, and how I could have prevented some unfavorable outcomes. I am devoting the voice that God has given me to tell my story through song and visuals in hopes to reach young women in particular coming after me to make better choices.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn about the music industry is thinking it was all about the music or the art. Business ALWAYS comes first! I’d venture to say that’s with any entrepreneurial endeavor. With music, you can have the number one hit in the world, and not see the profit of your hard work because you didn’t know the business aspect of it. We’ve seen it happen in history countless times to some of our favorite artists, because they didn’t read the contracts, they didn’t know the back end and/or the occurrences behind the scenes that could and did severely effect them monetarily in the long run.
For me in particular, I’ve had several instances where I’ve encountered those that I thought were interested in my talent, but ended up being them trying to take advantage of a situation where they saw a naive person that didn’t know the business but had a look, and a voice. Thankfully, I had those around me that were more knowledgeable in those areas and cared about me enough to stop me from making mistakes like others owning my masters for long periods of time, taking large percentage of royalties, or shorting me on advancement money for a record deal. All in exchange for “fame”, radio spins, notoriety, and some pocket change. Yes all of these things have happened to me! I have turned down six figure deals, because the paperwork wasn’t right. These are things a lot of young creatives don’t look at because they are too busy chasing temporary highs like fame and possible fortune. I am looking for longevity, the Oprah effect, if you will. I would encourage young creatives to study the business aspect of whatever you are trying to pursue, shielding yourself from the snakes looking to take advantage of you as you rise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurepen.com
- Instagram: @Laurepen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066460614857
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-watson-897905158/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYcW65xYDY69uROdTTv4RWg
- Other: I encourage you to like, subscribe, and follow all of my social media handles to stay updated with my music content! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about myself, and journey.
Image Credits
Photocredit: Instagram @davistyr @elziecannon