Lauren Nikohl is a genre-fluid singer, songwriter, and producer with a soulful, powerhouse voice, and she’s on a mission to raise the collective consciousness. Her primary genres include Indie Pop, Alternative Dance, Indie House, and Electronic. Born in Minnesota, this multi-talented artist is now based in Los Angeles. She is currently working towards her debut, self-produced album release, “Ascend”, that explores universal consciousness, spirituality, and self awareness with a unique blend of Indie Pop, Electronic/House, and Alternative Dance elements.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
My superpower would be to heal anyone from anything and fill them with love. My name could be Cosmic Love. 😉
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
She’s not on my bed, but I will probably never get rid of Mrs. Bun Bun, a stuffed bunny/puppet. She was my absolute favorite!
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
I haven’t been watching too much TV lately, but I loved the Dark Crystal series on Netflix! I grew up watching the original Dark Crystal film and always loved it.
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Umm dragons of course? C’mon!
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell her that she doesn’t need to compare herself to others. Each of our paths are unique and beautiful.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I like to be fluid with genre and create in the moment, but most of my material is Indie Pop, Electronic, Synth Pop, House, Alternative Dance, and Indietronica. Most my music is very uplifting or mind expanding. I want to empower people and help them see new perspectives.
What is your creative process like?
It really depends! Sometimes I start with a chord progression I like, sometimes I start with a poem I wrote, and other times I will get a “download from the universe” where I will hear music clairaudiently while I’m in a flow state. I most often start with a theme I want to write about or a melody idea.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
I would love to open for Rufus Du Sol, Jan Blomqvist, or Monolink!
Are you finding the isolation of the pandemic conducive to your writing or is it hindering the experiences you can write about?
During the lockdowns was when I started writing some of my best music honestly. I had so much time all to myself to really delve deeper into my craft and learn to produce my own stuff. For example, I wrote a song called “When The Fear Arrives” during this time because I was feeling all the collective fear, anxiety, stress, and sadness. I was also starting to do a lot more meditation during this time, which has been super conducive to my creation process as well. I find that when I’m present in the moment and feeling from my heart space is when I get the best inspirations to create, so I’m really grateful for the pandemic in a weird, silver-lining way, because it allowed me to slow down, re-prioritize my life, and make more room for creation.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?
I think the key is to be authentic. People can feel the frequency of authenticity. Know that the particular energy and vibe you can bring to the table is unique and sharing your art from a place of pure self expression will resonate with others.
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?
Don’t overthink it. Music is about feeling–expressing your heart and your soul.
www.instagram.com/LaurenNikohl
www.twitter.com/laurennikohl_