Lauren where are from where did you grow up?
I’m from Woodford, for people that don’t know where that is, it’s in Essex.
Growing up what music did you listen to, what was the family banging out?
My music taste has always been mental and I blame my fam for that. My Dad listens to all the oldies but goodies like Sinatra and Elvis, my Mum likes all the dance music from the 90’s like Livin Joy etc. I have 2 older brothers that are huge Rap fans, that’s probably why I’m so outspoken as a songwriter.
So did you take some inspiration and some elements of the old singers and adapt it to your style?
Nah not really, It’s hard to sing like someone else and if I’m honest I don’t do it well (laugh). I would say I am definitely influenced by the writing of the old singers but that’s where it ends.
So when did you decide you wanted to be a singer?
I started singing a few years ago as a hobby, I never thought that I would actually be heard by people and that people would actually like what I do but I enjoyed going to the studio and being creative.
When and why did you feel that Grime was the music you wanted to do?
It’s the music that I enjoy and had listened to for years, the more Grimey it was the more I liked it. I got to work with some of the best Grime producers from the start and that was a massive result for me.
How did you go about getting the best Grime beats around?
Working with Bless Beats at first was such a good look for me, doing tunes like Don’t Cry and PS really opened the doors for me to work with people like Scorcher, Swindle, Lewi White etc!
So the 'Blonde Grime' slogan, what is that about and how do you feel you fit in the Grime scene being a female in a male orientated genre?
Blonde Grime was meant as a piss take, I think I said it once on my MySpace and then it kind of stuck. At first I was never Lauren Mason I was that girl with bleached hair that sang on Grime, so that was the reason for naming my album Keepin It Blonde. I don’t know if I fit in or not (laugh), but what I do know is, we need more Grime singers!
How do you feel about other female Grime artists such as Ny, Shystie and Mz.Bratt?
I fully respect the other girls, they are all doing there thing.
The up north Bassline scene has been showing a lot of love to you with the Wittyboy remix of PS, how has that been for you?
That was mental for me, I had no idea that the PS remix was so popular in the Midlands. The Bassline scene is amazing and has a huge following and I’m grateful that I got the chance to be part of it. The ravers up there are heavy and to them it’s all about good vibes. Performing at the Bassline Ball in Birmingham was one of my favourite gigs of 08!
Your mixtape 'Keeping it blonde' was well received by fans and critics alike, how did that project go for you?
If I’m being honest the whole project was a massive challenge for me, an independent label picked it up in Jan 08 and wanted to put it out as an album. I am massively proud of the CD, but due to lack of promotion I feel like it let me down a bit. Nevertheless I have learnt a lot from the experience and it has made me a lot more determined!
Where do you see Grime going in 2009?
I’m not sure where it is heading but what I do know is Grime is no longer a genre that is under rated. People like Wiley, Chipmunk and Ironik are no longer Grime MC’s, they are household names. I’m sure that there will be more stars born in 09.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
This year I’m putting my work rate into 5th gear, my second album will be released and a few videos will hit the telly. Everything that I did wrong in 08 will be put right in 09, but actions speak louder than words, (laughs)...
'Keepin It Blonde' Out Now // www.myspace.com/laurenmason1
A version of this is featured in SUPERSUPER Magazine issue 15
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