bio

Lauren was born and raised in Yonkers, NY and made her musical debut at an early age as an actress/singer in various theatrical productions. In her teen years she began to create her own folk songs and played them publicly in cafes and theatres in NYC. During an ice cold Canadian winter, against the backdrop of studying Jazz music at College, Lauren, nestled in the cocoon of her room, began to feverishly create original songs, which formed the bedrock of her sound today. Her love of the visceral experience of NYC, the exploration/formation of one's identity, and keen observation of social dynamics emerged as her main themes.

Today, the Brooklyn-based artist has shared the stage with many incredible musicians at legendary venues. She's played The Knitting Factory, CBGB’s, Southpaw, Pianos (where she had a residency), The Canal Room (opening for Au Revoir Simone) and many other venues around the NY metro area. Lauren also recorded her full-length album, called “Game Face,” in 2007, which was produced by drummer and composer Geoff Mann (founder of The Eternal Buzz Brass Band and a contributor, both as a composer and drummer, to Antibalis Afrobeat Orchestra).

Lauren’s band consists of violinist extraordinaire, Margaret White (who toured with Cat Power & Sparklehorse), The multi-faceted Matt Moon on bass (who also plays the Tenor Sax in The Eternal Buzz Brass Band & Balthrop, Alabama) and the dynamic rhythms of Jared Schonig (who can be heard playing drums on Broadway’s Grease and as a fixture in the NYC Jazz and singer/songwriter scene).

As Beat music legend David Amram wrote, “Lauren Smith is an extremely gifted singer/songwriter who has a lot to say and at a young age already has the ability to say it through her effortless singing and fine original music.” “Her natural songwriting abilities are inspiring,” echoes Jonathan Kramm of Express Lane Magazine.

Next time you're in the NYC area, look Lauren up, gather your friends and come out and enjoy the music.