Still only 22 years old, Lauran Hibberd from the Isle of Wight is making waves with such force and fun right now. The solo artist is putting out relatable and brutally honest songs, with lyrics that are resonating with so many people, she’s definitely a perfect artist for today’s time.
Lauran has been getting attention from BBC Radio 1 for sometime now and will be definitely climbing up festival bills ASAP, when it’s all possible again. It was a great pleasure being able to ask her some questions, varying from about herself and what’s behind her significant and interesting songwriting.
credit: Ami Ford (Instagram: amifordphoto)
What are your earliest memories of music and how much does that music still resonate with you now?
My earliest memory is probably going to Isle of Wight Festival, I used to go every year as it was on my doorstep and my mum took me from a young age. I remember being infatuated with the bands and the atmosphere, and I would listen to every act on the bill before the weekend. I think it made me want to be up on stage and pick up an instrument. So now, when I play the Big Top and Isle of Wight Festival it’s beyond surreal for me. A lot of heart is in that festival for me.
Your sound sounds influenced by a lot of late 90’s and early 00’s music, what bands or acts would you site from that era would have influenced you?
Definitely! I’m a huge Weezer and Green Day fan, as well as Smashing Pumpkins. These are constant references for me musically.
‘Hoochie’ has such a great fuzzy guitar, how did that song come about?
Thank you! My producer sent me the initial guitar riff, and I instantly spat out the first verse and we loved it. I then landed on the chorus and the rest fell together really naturally. I’ve been working with Boe Weaver for a long time so they know my sound, and It was just such a good fit. I traditionally don’t like writing with others, I’m a solo gal but they really get it – particularly instrumentally. The lyrics and vocal melodies are my strengths I’d say.
Your lyrics tell such bold, tongue in cheek stories. What made you put across a message in such a fun but truthful way in your songs?
Thanks! Bluntly that’s just sort of who I am. Personality wise, I have a dry and dark sense of humour and that seems to fall out in everything I do. I like to say it how it is.
‘Shark Week’ is a shift in tone in so many ways, how did it feel writing a song that was very different to most things you have written?
It’s funny because on paper that’s true, it’s a shift in tone but I started out as a folk artist so for me the other stuff, the slacker pop tunes are the shift in tone. I was nervous to see how people would react to Shark week, but people seemed to really get behind it. I think we all love a sad song, and it still carries so much humour in some ways. It’s one my favourite songs of mine for sure.
It’s great to see an artist sing so honestly but with a great blend of humour and fun. It must feel very rewarding playing live, seeing people resonate and really enjoy themselves to your music?
Definitely! It’s baffling for me to see how far it’s all come, I’ve played to no one and I’ve played to over 2000 people so it really is the most rewarding and humbling feeling. It’s also dead reassuring, because it means something is working haha!
‘Old Nudes’ is amazing! How did it feel writing a song based on what you say was a mistake in such a funny but empowering way?
Thank you! I love to dig my teeth into a taboo subject, and I like to flip situations on their head. I personally was quite proud of the way I managed to warp Old Nudes into celebrating a mistake and being body proud etc. I’m out here for the nude senders! My fan base is vast, but a lot of young girls find happiness in my songs so I think I like to bare that in mind and pass down things I’ve learned etc.
What are the plans next when things become safer again? Two singles out this year, could there be another EP or something more?
Another EP is definitely on the way this year, and as soon as we are allowed to gig there will be no slowing me down. I’ve written my debut album also so work will begin on that soon too eeeeeeek!!
Lauran Hibberd’s current single ‘Old Nudes’ came out in April and is available on all streaming platforms. Go check her debut EP too, ‘Everything is Dogs’!
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