“I love rock ’n’ roll, the passion and rebelliousness of it,” says Lauren. “But I want to be part of it in my own way—I want to take poetry and rock it out.”
Which is exactly what Lauren does—and then some—on Inconsequential Dream
How do you describe your music to people, Lauren?
I say it's rock poetry. Possibly the love child of Henry Rollins, King Missile and Ani Difranco. My friend and promoter David Tanner recently came up to me after a show with a huge smile on his face and called me an "emotional terrorist". I kinda like that too.
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
Ya know, I've been pretty consistent in this life. I started composing stories and poems before I could even write! I'd get struck with some kind of inspiration and beg my mother to write everything down for me. I think she still has some of those early works of genius.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
I love creating. I also love practicing Buddhism. (Ok, that's two things...) I think my Buddhist practice is what allows me to be fully creative in this world. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
Probably switching between my artist mind and my business mind.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an actress. I studied acting in school and worked in that field for a while. But, I started feeling really constrained by it. I felt like I always had to fit myself into someone else's mold. I had (and continue to have) a deep desire to create something that is an authentic expression of the truth who I am. It is my wish to free other people to access their own truth through my artistic expressions.
In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
My Buddhist practice has had a particularly profound effect on my development as an artist. I have the incredible fortune to be a part of a community that is constantly encouraging me to make my greatest dreams come true.
I have a great teacher, Daisaku Ikeda
Now that's encouraging! I love feeling that possibilities are limitless.
What other artists out there do you love?
I recently saw Sirsy
And of course, I love Gary Pickard. We write together, and we have really different perspectives. In my opinion, he is a musical genius. He teaches me to hear the world in ways I never did before.
What does your future hold?
Total world domination!
Honestly, I'd love to tour and perform my rock/poetry show all over the world. I think that the songs on Inconsequential Dream
August 27th 2010 6:00pm
acoustic set: Lauren O'Brien & Gary Pickard
Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia St, NYC
*** September 4th 2010 at 7:30pm ***
FULL BAND SHOW
@ Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery, NYC
acoustic set: Lauren O'Brien & Gary Pickard
Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia St, NYC
*** September 4th 2010 at 7:30pm ***
FULL BAND SHOW
@ Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery, NYC