Lauren Minear returns with Boxing Day, her powerful third LP released on October 17th, marking a significant evolution in her artistry. Known for a voice that evokes the emotional depth of Natalie Merchant and Maggie Rogers and lyrics that cut straight to the heart like Joni Mitchell’s, Minear uses Boxing Day to explore themes of transformation, vulnerability, and resilience with raw honesty.
Building on the critical acclaim of her earlier works Invisible Woman and Chasing Daylight, this album deepens her gift for translating complex human experiences into evocative soundscapes. With every track, Minear invites listeners into a world where emotional truth and musical craftsmanship intertwine, creating a compelling journey of self-discovery and healing.
Boxing Day is not just an album—it’s a testament to Minear’s evolving voice and the fearless storytelling that continues to captivate a growing global audience.
What led you to become a music artist, and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make a hit?
Making music is a calling. I got to a point in my life where I realized I would regret it if I didn’t put songs out. There is endless uncertainty in life, and especially in parenting. I want to show my kids what it looks like to have courage and commitment to something when you don’t know what the outcome will be. My advice to other music artists is that, if it is your calling, the only thing harder than writing songs is not writing songs. The process is the goal.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
I am very committed to my daily writing practice. I think it’s important to remove judgment from the process. You have to write bad songs to get to the great ones, so I try to write songs to completion as frequently as possible. I also use Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way as a guide. Her “morning pages” help me sort through ideas to find the next best one.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I wouldn’t be making music right now without the internet. I started my artist project during COVID lockdown when I had a newborn baby and a toddler at home, and I made my first album remotely in quarantine. The internet has democratized the industry because more and different types of people (like me) are able to create and publish their work. It’s also made audiences directly accessible to artists through social media. On the flip side, the internet and streaming have made the economics of being a working musician more difficult, and of course, the threat of AI is looming. Something has to give.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
My favorite venues to play are storied rock clubs with great sound. I love The Bitter End in NYC and The Basement in Nashville. I’m currently booking my 2026 tour dates. Fans can sign up to track my tour on my website, www.laurenminearmusic.com.
What is next for you?
I’m writing my next project and hoping to tour this one as much as I can. My next show is on December 12th in Brooklyn!
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I sing my scales. I’m a mom, so I have to be efficient with my training!
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Rare steak frites with red wine.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
Z Nation. I love post-apocalyptic horror. It’s unexpected, I know.
As a child, were you ever afraid of a monster lurking beneath the bed or hiding within the closet?
I was afraid a shark would appear in the deep end of the pool if I closed my eyes underwater. Shockingly, I have anxiety as an adult.
What was the last costume you wore for a fancy dress event?
I met my husband when I was dressed as a black cat for Halloween, so now it’s tradition.