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Interview with
LAUREN MAYHEW
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INVIDA

(19th February 2021)

Interviewer – Vicky Hebbs

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LAUREN MAYHEW

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Has making music always been a part of your life? When did you know you wanted to release your own music?
Yes! I got signed to Epic Sony in a girl band when I was only 12 years old. We had 2 top 10 Billboard charted singles and opened up for Britney, NSYNC, and Destiny’s Child to name a few. I didn’t start writing my OWN music til I left the band though (around 17 or 18 years old). At that time I started licensing my own original works to film and TV. I used to get so many song placements on “The Hills,” “Keeping With The Kardashians,” “Simple Life,” etc! Haha More recently I also had songs on NBC’s “The Voice” and a commercial for Joico Haircare.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
Honestly, my sound has evolved over the years. I’ve always gravitated towards driving beats, with more moody and catchy vocals. But I think most people resonate because I’m a story teller. Most of my lyrics come from my own personal experiences or from close friends around me.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
So many! I love CatDealers, DMNDS, KVSH, Curbi, Black Caviar, Loud Luxury, and so many more. I like deep diving for songs and grooves that really move me… especially as a DJ. You’ll never get a top 40 set straight from the radio from me. You’ll get remixes, mashups, and diamonds in the rough that I’ve discovered from hours of searching.

Your new single “BOYS” comes out soon!

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Can you share the inspiration behind the single?
It was actually inspired by TIESTO’s song, “BOOM.” As a DJ, I loved how that song hit in the club, and I missed the live interaction during quarantine from a crowd, so I wanted to create something that would still inspire that mood and vibe, even from a quarantine-friendly house party.

The music video features reality TV stars and influencers, including Carla Radke from BRAVO’s reality show “Summer House”.

How did you decide on the concept for the music video?
I wanted the music video to be all inclusive. Straight, gay, athletic, nerdy – I wanted to show that hot “BOYS” come in every race and every background. Plus, I figure we could all use a party vibe to dance around to in our kitchen while cooking. Haha (Or at least I did!)

How did you come to work with the string of stars in your video?
I had met Carl Radke from “Summer House” at a Gary V event for influencers at ‘Made In New York Pizza’ shop in NYC. (For any of you who don’t know Gary V, just look him up. He’s like the ultimate connector and marketeer!) Carl and I just hit it off and connected on Instagram. We later became friends, and that’s when I asked him to be a part of the video.

What was it like to make the music video? Did you enjoy the process?
I loved making the music video! That’s not to say it was without it’s hiccups. I had a LOT of people involved from cast, crew, sponsors, etc. It was a ton to coordinate, but very rewarding.

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What else have you been working on or involved in recently?
I am the new series regular for Dreamworks show, “Trollstopia,” on Hulu! My character’s name is Val Thundershock and she is the queen of the rock and roll trolls. In addition, I just had another single come out called “Going Out” with C-Fast through 1st Strike music. It’s a very different vibe than “BOYS” though. It’s more of a disco-house / soul track.

What is next for you in 2021? Do you have any more new music you are working on at the moment?
I am always working on new music! Up next is a collab with SUBB (DJ duo from Brazil). @FeelTheSubb on IG.

Where do you see yourself in a years’ time?
Whew! I don’t even know where I’ll be living at this point! Haha Currently, I’m in Tampa, FL where I’m originally from. This pandemic has thrown everything for a loop. Prior to COVID, I had just gotten a residency in Vegas at Park MGM and had shot a guest star role for Netlix’s “The Politician” with Gwyneth Paltrow. Film and TV opportunities are slowly trickling back now, but I hope concerts and festivals will be back in full swing by then!

Do you have any long-term goals or aspirations you are working towards in your career?
I’d love to produce and star in a film where I also do the music for the soundtrack. I feel that in this day and age, being multi-dimensional is applauded. And I love being involved in a project to its’ final stages in as many ways as I can. It also wouldn’t suck to win a Grammy. ;)

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What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
Either performing at the Super Bowl or performing for Michael Jackson’s bday at the Orpheum theater in LA before he died. He gave me a standing ovation on “Access Hollywood!” So that was pretty epic! Although…. Steven Tyler did tell me, “I rocked,” after I performed at the Super Bowl pregame with Sting..… so it’s a toss up! Both memories give me chills to this day!

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Artist – Michael Jackson
Movie – Forest Gump
Place to visit – Tokyo
Venue to play – The Super Bowl! (Fingers crossed it happens again in my lifetime!)
Food –  Ramen
Drink – Nigroni
Person in History –  Marie Curie (I love science)
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Oh! Not sure, probably something to do with music :)

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Follow LAUREN MAYHEW
Facebook – Instagram – Twitter
YouTube – Spotify

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INVIDA

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Has making music always been a part of your life? When did you know you wanted to release your own music?
Absolutely! I’ve been fascinated by sound and music for as long as I can remember, first with piano and guitar when I was really young, and later on with production as I got older. I started making beats in my bedroom and it all evolved from there. Until a couple of years ago I was mostly focused on writing and producing for other artists, then I decided it was finally time to just go off on my own and do my own thing… so here we are!

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
My sound is dance-oriented pop music, and I always utilize a combination of both electronic and organic sounds. I listen to pretty much every genre of music imaginable and have travelled and lived in a bunch of places, so I think a lot of that diversity comes through in my music. People resonate with strong songwriting, so I always co-write my own songs, and I try to keep the strength of the melody front and center with everything I create.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
I was always a huge Swedish House Mafia fan from when I first got into Dance music, also definitely Galantis, KSHMR, Alok, Diplo. From the past and other genres – I grew up idolizing Dr.Dre’s productions and trying to re-create his beats, and playing drums along to Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Your new single “BOYS” comes out soon!

Can you share the inspiration behind the single?
Lauren and I sat down to create something that would really make people jump in the clubs. She had a really clear idea for what that might sound like and also for the concept of the topline, so I started some ideas for the track and then just dove in! 

The music video features reality TV stars and influencers, including Carla Radke from BRAVO’s reality show “Summer House”.

How did you decide on the concept for the music video?
I have to hand it to Lauren on this one, she really brought the music video to life and led the charge on this! Conceptually we really wanted to capture the feel of a really fun party, and NYC skyline vibes always help with that.

How did you come to work with the string of stars in your video?
Lauren has an incredible network of people and friends, so it was really all about the personal connections here.

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What was it like to make the music video? Did you enjoy the process?
Yeah we had a blast shooting this video, loved it!!

What else have you been working on or involved in recently?
Always working on tons of music, so I’m finishing up a number of INViDA releases as well as productions for other artists. I think the next thing coming out that I worked on is a song I co-wrote coming out on Smash Deep, in March.

What is next for you in 2021? Do you have any more new music you are working on at the moment?
I’m releasing a new INViDA record on Perfect Havoc in the spring which I’m pretty stoked about, and a couple of exciting collaborations in the works that I can’t wait to finish up!

Where do you see yourself in a years’ time?
Producing music from my brand new studio, and continuing to travel the world with my wife once it becomes possible again!

Do you have any long-term goals or aspirations you are working towards in your career?
Def a Grammy and Billboard Top 10.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
I had the chance to appear at the largest free open air festival in the world in Vienna, Austria, which was in front of about 20,000 People. I’ll never forget what a rush that was!

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Nine Inch Nails – The Fragile
Artist – U2
Movie – Forest Gump
Place to visit – Hawaii
Venue to play – Hopefully Madison Square Garden in the future!
Food –  Steak and Truffle Sauce
Drink – Mojito
Person in History – Martin Luther King
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) — I’d probably would have a friend of mine draw something custom!

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Follow INVIDA
Facebook – Instagram

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AMNPLIFY – DB