Lauryn Nichole shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lauryn, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I feel like I’m being called to fully commit to my dark pop sound and identity as an artist. For a long time, I was afraid of it, afraid of not being accepted, of being boxed in or labeled in ways that didn’t reflect who I really am. I used to hold back because I worried about how people would perceive me or if my music would be “too much.” But now, I’ve reached a place where I don’t care about fitting into those expectations anymore. My music is raw, emotional, and sometimes uncomfortable, but that’s exactly why it connects with people. It gives a voice to the parts of ourselves we usually hide. Leaning into that truth feels powerful, and it’s what I’m meant to do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lauryn Nichole, a recording artist, singer, song-writer, and mental health advocate. I pride myself on speaking on topics such as mental health, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and the masks we wear to survive in my music because no one else really does. My music is raw and emotional, but it’s also empowering and can be very healing if you allow yourself to feel. Making music for me is about turning pain into art and letting people know they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. What makes my brand unique is that it’s not just about songs, it’s about storytelling, visuals, and creating a safe space for people who struggle in silence. Right now, I’m working on releasing music and visuals that really push into that world, with projects like my upcoming single “Sike Ward” and video concepts that bring my alter egos (RYN and REN) to life. Everything I do ties back to being authentic and giving others permission to feel, to heal, and to embrace who they are, flaws and all. There are more sides to us than who we show up in the world as, most of us are just too afraid to show them. We are complex beings and there’s so many parts of us that make up a whole person. I pray I leave a legacy that encourages anyone who hears my music to not be afraid to show those parts and face the vulnerabilities that society tells us we should suppress.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
First, I would definitely start with saying my mom. She’s seen me clearly since the very beginning, literally since the day I was born. She nurtured my love for art from the time I was two years old and has never stopped believing in me. Even on the days I felt like giving up, she was the one who picked me back up, reminded me to keep my chin high, and told me I’ve come too far to quit now, or ever. She always makes sure I remember that this path isn’t random, that I was made for this, and that God chose me for a reason. Having someone in your corner who can see your potential even when you can’t see it yourself is powerful, and I wouldn’t be the artist and most importantly the person I am today without her. Another person who saw me before I saw myself is also my mentor, manager, artist developer and so many other hats, Brandon Smith. He saw who i’ve become today at 22, in me when I was 16. Since the day I met him, he’s always pushed me to be the best artist, songwriter and creative I can be and reminded me of who I was when I forgot. It’s not easy building a team and finding people who are willing to start from the bottom with you and stay the course even when it’s hard. He turned me from a lost girl who just knew she wanted to make music, to a sure girl who’s clear on her sound, image, brand, message and impact. He helped me truly unlock the key within me and has never given up on me. For that I am forever grateful and so blessed to have him and my mom in my corner.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been plenty of times I almost gave up. This path isn’t easy, you have to wear so many hats as an independent artist. It’s not just about making music, it’s the finances, the industry politics, the grind of social media, and the fact that every single day new artists and new music are dropping. It can be discouraging when you put years of hard work in and don’t get that instant gratification. I’ve been writing songs since I was 10 and pursuing music seriously since I was 15, so about seven years now, and I’ve hit so many obstacles along the way. People have even called me stupid for chasing this dream, because it’s not the “traditional path” so i’ve had to deal with years of people projecting their own fears and limitations onto me. But what’s kept me going is remembering my “why”. Music saved my life, and I know it has the power to save others too. That reminder is what fuels me, and it’s why giving up has never been an option for me, no matter how hard it gets.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself and artists, is that you’re just going to blow up overnight and suddenly everyone will know your name. That’s not reality. What people don’t see is that it often takes 10 years to become an overnight success. Behind that moment are years of writing, recording, performing, investing in yourself, building a brand, connecting with fans, and learning the business side of music. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You have to constantly put time, energy, and money into your craft before you see any kind of return. The truth is, this industry isn’t built on instant gratification, it’s built on consistency, resilience, and a whole lot of faith in yourself even if no one else sees it yet.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was fearless in my truth and that I used my music and my art to give a voice to the feelings people are usually afraid to admit. I want to be remembered as someone who turned pain into purpose, who wasn’t afraid to be raw and vulnerable so that others could feel seen and less alone. Beyond the music, I hope they say I inspired people to keep going, to find strength in their struggles, and to embrace who they are, flaws, scars, and all. I want my legacy to be that my art didn’t just entertain, it healed, and that I left behind a safe space for people who felt like they didn’t belong.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/laurynnicholemusic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=54e0d5d3-ec01-4fc1-9a34-8ce747cabe43
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurynnicholeofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurynnicholeofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurynNichole
Image Credits
Brandon Smith
