New York-based artist Lauren Minear shares her transformative new album, Boxing Day, featuring the fragile, urgent lead single, “Bruise.” Written in the aftermath of betrayal and self-reflection, the record traces a path through anger, shame, acceptance, and ultimately liberation. With raw confessional lyrics and immersive soundscapes that blend alternative, pop, rock, and folk, Boxing Day is Minear‘s most ambitious work to date.

Minear began writing the record in July 2023, after cutting ties with a creative agency she discovered had been stealing from her. “I always write my way through intense feelings,” she explains. “But I realized that the anger and shame I was experiencing went deeper than just this one conflict. These songs allowed me to confront patterns of repressed anger and codependency, and to liberate myself from them in the process.”

What can you share with readers about your new project?

Boxing Day is an alt folk/pop album about anger, codependency and liberation. I started writing it after learning that a creative agency I worked with was stealing money from me, but ultimately used the writing process to dig deeper into my relationship history to understand myself better. It was a painful and transformative project to make because it’s about conflict with people I love most in the world, but it made me stronger as a person and a parent. I’m incredibly proud of it.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

I had specific goals for this project. I wanted it to combine the vulnerable, confessional songwriting style of my first album, Invisible Woman, with the dynamic, cinematic production style of my second album, Chasing Daylight. I worked with Dan Weeks, who did production work on both of my previous projects, and I think we achieved both of those goals. My third goal was for the album to feel immersive to the listener. I spent an extended period of time working on the track list to make sure there are no skips, and then Scott Jacoby did a beautiful job creating elevated, organic mixes. 

What about this single makes you most proud?

I am most proud of how hard I worked on this album. When I started my artist project in 2022, I had a certain quality of product in mind that I felt like I was capable of creating, but I had to put in my proverbial 10,000 hours. This album is the culmination of that work. In some ways, it feels like my first album.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I think I answered this above!

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Making music is a calling. I am motivated to keep going because I know there would be something missing in my life if I didn’t. There is an Anais Nin quote that I reference in my song “Love Me Too” that describes my relationship to writing songs:

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I have a running list! Natalie Hemby, Justin Trantor, Imogen Heap, and Aaron Dessner

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

This is a long answer!

The last song I listened to is “Your Idol” from K-Pop Demon Hunters while driving my kids to school. They are obsessed, and I’m not complaining because the music is excellent.

I am an unconventional singer-songwriter-Swiftie, in that I only came to her discography in 2019, but I did a deep dive after listening to the Lover album and am committed. Her lyricism is consistently genius.

I love a lot of the main popstars these days – Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Dua Lipa. Also, Suki Waterhouse, Doechii, and Chappell Roan. Olivia Dean is great. I love Kenrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. 

Brandi Carlile’s By The Way, I Forgive You is an all-time favorite album. Maggie Rogers’ Surrender is one I go back to, and Madi Diaz’ History Of A Feeling is a frequent reference for my work. I also love Allison Russell and Hozier. 

My very first album purchase was Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette, and I grew up on classic Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton, and Brooks & Dunn. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a classic.

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Imagine Dragons. My youngest had an obsession with “Natural”, which led us on a family listening journey. I’m currently listening to  “Bad Liar” on repeat when I go for walks.

My metric for whether or not I love an album is typically – can I take this for a walk and lose myself in it? 

Incidentally, taking the songs for long walks is how I chose the track list for Boxing Day.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

You can find me on Instagram and Tiktok at @laurenminearmusic, or my website www.laurenminearmusic.com

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thanks for listening to the music! It means the world!