Research and Planning - Double Page Spread Interview

Double Page Spread – Lauren Entwistle

From Bastille to Imagine Dragons the genre of Indie includes a wide variety of popular artists, in which millions of people listen to everyday. However, there are not many acoustic Indie artists out there. Yes some may occasionally release acoustic covers of their own work, but that's a different story.

Lauren Entwistle, aged just 16, is an Indie new bee on the block based around the Manchester area, and unlike many current artists out there, Lauren is solemnly acoustic; “Just me and my guitar.” Her unique style has become very popular in the last few months, and Chocolate had the privilege of going to meet and interview Lauren before she played at a local gig.

As soon as we stepped behind the closed doors of the venue music came flooding to our ears, a soft melody from the gentle strumming of a guitar. Turning the corner we saw Lauren with her guitar, having a little pre show practice. After sound check, Lauren was happy to answer some of our questions as well as take a few pictures (on side). 

"That was the one hobby I became attached to and never gave up."

When did you first realise you wanted to take a career in music?                                                                

"Well, I guess I became inspired by music at a very young age. My dad would play Bonjovi CDs in the car, and my older brother could play guitar so I would always hear him through the walls of my bedroom. I was quite an adventurous child to be honest. I would be intrigued by a new hobby every other week or so. And one day I got so fed up of my brother playing I went in to his room to tell him to be quiet, but instead of telling him to knock it off I ended up joined him. That was the one hobby I became attached to and never gave up. Other things like school musicals and church inspired me to start singing. So i guess around the age of ten I realised that this is what I wanted to do with my life simply because it was so enjoyable. My family and friends were very supportive of my choice and still are today."

Have you always known you wanted a career in music or was it a bit unexpected?                                 

"I don't think it was that unexpected, like I said I grew up with a large influence of music around me because of my family. Apart from that, when I was eight I remember that I had a bit of an obsession over becoming a Police woman. I don’t know', I guess I just liked the idea of helping people. That's the only other thing other than music that I've been very passionate about."

How supportive are your friends and family?                                                                                                       

"Both my friends and family a very supportive of me and my career! I think they might have expected it from when I asked for my first guitar. My brother especially is very supportive. He always praises himself for playing his guitar loud enough for me to hear and later become inspired from it."

On the topic of instruments, what is your favourite instrument to play?                                                 

"My favourite instrument by fair is my guitar. I have two, one which I got for my ninth Birthday and this little beauty that I brought last year. I'm just really comfortable when I have one. I also quite like the ukulele, but I rarely perform with one of them."

"Florence and the Machine- She is basically the Queen!"

Who is your biggest musical inspiration of all times?                                                                               

"Oh blimey-" describes Lauren putting her head in her hands. "That's like asking me who my favourite family member is! Ok- I guess it would have to be Florence and the Machine. Florence’s work is simply incredible, both music and lyrics. She is basically the Queen!"

At the peak of your career who would you aspire to be as successful as?                                                

"Again I would probably have to say Florence and the Machine. In the last few years she has gained so much popularity, selling out tours everywhere. If I could even be half as successful and brilliant as her, I would be unbelievably happy."

 “I would actually love to do collaboration with The 1975."

What would be your dream collaboration and why?                                                                                         

“I would actually love to do collaboration with The 1975. Their music is great! I have the CD of their album in my Dads car, so whenever we're traveling to my next venue it's always on repeat. I think to a certain extent my music is quite similar to theirs, and our lyrics tend to share similar topics, so it would be interesting to see what would come from that."

What is your favourite song in charts right now?                                                                                            

"It's not so much in the charts anymore, but my favourite song at the moment is 'On top of the world' by Imagine Dragons. My music taste very much depends on my emotions and how I’m feeling about stuff that's happening in my life. I'm on top of the world is such a happy and lively song, and completely reflects my current mood. I'm just so thankful for everything, to people who enjoy and appreciate my music to all the opportunities I have been given."

Depending on how much of this fits in my lay out, I might include other questions and answers such as "What's the most memorable thing a fan has said or done for you?" and "Who is your biggest celebrity crush?"