Irish singer-songwriter Lauran Beth makes her 2020 debut with the release of her shimmering new single, 11 Years, out now via Beardfire Music.

Combining hook-laden melodies with feel-good guitar twangs and Lauran’s rich, impassioned vocal, 11 Years feels instantly refreshing. Reminiscent of the likes of KT Tunstall and Orla Gartland, Lauran fuses highly relatable lyrics with an infectious musicality in order to create a sound that is both vibrant and powerful. Talking about the single, Lauran elaborates, “11 Years is a song about climate change and society’s ignorance towards it. The song describes the selfish acts that humans have taken which has led to the climate emergency that we all face today.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Lauran about the music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

Well, I’ve grown up around different genres and styles my whole life. My parents adore all types of music, from rock, to 80s pop to ballads and classics. Although I love all types of music, I find it a lot easier to write lyrics and music in a pop setting, as I feel I can be very versatile in relation to the sounds I can create.

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

There was always music around me growing up, from singing at the top of my lungs in the car with my mam to watching my da play guitar. Watching my da play music and tell me all of his experiences playing made me love music more and want to try it out! I feel music is the way I share my deepest thoughts, feelings and opinions, so I find it liberating to share them with the public in that way.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

As a child, I was quite narrow minded when it would come to music, and I would only listen to a handful of bands. However, I feel as though I have broadened my horizons in terms of music the past 3-4 years. I love everything from rock to synth pop to musicals! It depends on what mood I’m in 😊

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

The main focus with ’11 Years’ was raising awareness about climate change, which is a topic I care deeply about. I wanted to explain how cruel society can be, and how essential it is that we turn things around before it is too late. I really wanted to be bold and express how I feel, as I love the honesty that music portrays.

What was the last song you listened to?

‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ from The Sound of Music, my favourite musical and movie of all time haha!

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Ooooh! I love vinyls and CDs, but I have to choose MP3s because they’re very accessible.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I personally prefer Spotify because it is extremely diverse and easy to use. The recommended songs that have appeared on my Spotify have always been super accurate. They know what they’re doing haha.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I feel like the biggest struggle is definitely growing a presence on social media. Everyone is so in love with all of these amazing artists that they just don’t think or don’t have the time to check someone new out! I have very little complaints though, I think we are in the best era for sharing music!

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

My Instagram is definitely my most accurate platform. I share my music, thoughts, funny things and everything in between! My username is ‘lauranbeth’. I also am active on YouTube, where I post covers and original songs (as well as the odd vlog here and there!). My name is ‘Lauran Beth’.

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thank you so much for having me, it’s been a lot of fun 😊