Lauren Zettler

"Intelligent songs with an eclectic style - and an engaging singer!" - Indie-Music.com

Review of Lauren’s EP from iRockandRoll

http://rockuboff.tumblr.com/post/28743522

Singer/Songwriter, Lauren Zettler has been playing guitar ever since she received a used Epiphone on her 14th birthday. Originally from Indiana, Lauren has began making a name for herself in New York City. She is about to release her first EP, Call Me Out on April 8. Her recipe for music includes rock, folk, and a touch of country.

Lauren’s voice is strong, yet sweet. She can certainly hold her own. Her guitar playing is quite solid and melodic. The two blend beautifully together in her music. They intertwine in a very natural way. Lauren’s songs are tight, and include enough instrumentation to keep you listening. This is the kind of music you’d like to listen to when you have some downtime, but is not boring whatsoever. There is both intensity and sincerity you can hear in her.

Her EP begins with "Call Me Out," and certainly shows Lauren’s rock side. It’s a safe way to get the listeners attention.

Lauren’s voice is quite dynamic, and goes between rock ’n roll and country. It definitely grabs your attention, so much so, that it could sometimes be difficult to focus on her guitar playing.

"Shame" mixes up tempos and time signatures, as well as showcases Lauren’s vocal styling. This song gradually builds, rhythmically and instrumentally. There is a moment of intensity, before dying down again, accompanied by haunting ’oohs and aahs,’ which make this song unforgettable.

"Thank You." It is more upbeat then her other songs, and certainly allows Lauren’s influence of country music to shine through. The song starts out as if you are listening to it through an old radio, which brilliantly adds to the organic feeling of this track. Her voice gently twangs throughout. This could be the best track on the EP. It’s both a good and bad way to end her album. It leaves me wanting more, but disappoints me knowing that this the end. In any case, it makes me want to check out her live show. I hope we’ll be hearing more from Miss Lauren Zettler soon.

If you’re at SXSW this week, try to make it to Lauren’s show. She’s playing at 10 AM at the Austin Farmer’s Market on Saturday. She’ll also be playing at Baruch’s Performing Arts Center April 4, at 8 pm.

Her EP is available for you to listen to and purchase on her Myspace. Be sure to check out Call Me Out, Over My Head and Thank You.

From Amy Yackuboff’s blog iRockandRoll Rockuboff.tumblr.com - rockuboff.tumblr.com

"I think [Lauren] has some serious talent. As I'm sure you know, lots of great artists have come out of Berklee, and I greatly admire their program."

- Brad Holtz, WTTS-FM Program Director, Indianapolis - 92.3 WTTS-FM

from neighborbeeblog.com:

Tell us a little about your music and how your got started:

I grew up in the Midwest, taking voice and piano lessons. I was a terribly shy kid, though, so I never really anticipated this becoming my career, even though in my heart of hearts, it was definitely at the top of my list of dream jobs. I decided to continue music after high school and went to Berklee College of Music in Boston. I studied music business and got a job working for Universal Music Group immediately after graduation. I really wanted to try and make a decent living in the music industry and I thought that would be the best way. I was there for a little while, and got really unhappy. I woke up one day and decided to stop being scared and do what I really wanted to do. So I quit.

And now I’m a musician, full-time. There’s no turning back. I got a tattoo of a Brandi Carlile lyric that reads “I have seen your nine-to-fives wash away your dreams.” I refuse to be a hypocrite, so I can never go back. :)

Your favorite place to practice or create new songs:

I’m a big fan of coming home to Indiana. Don’t get me wrong - the city is great for inspiration and accessibility and creativity. But sometimes it’s just too loud. When I come home to Indiana for a few weeks at a time, I can sit in the peace and quiet and work for ten hours straight. It’s harder to do that in a small Manhattan apartment. Especially when you have roommates. Between visits home, however, I generally sit in my room and write. Sometimes I sit in my ridiculously small closet, so I can be somewhere dark and quiet and let my mind calm down and things start to come out.

Any upcoming gigs we should know about?

December 2, 9pm, Rockwood Music Hall. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this venue. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you MUST.

Who are you currently listening to? Any local bands/musicians?

My favorite thing to do is turn on my iPod and randomly shuffle through the 4,000 plus songs I have on there. I can’t get enough of this band from Asheville, NC called Arizona. I think they spend time in Brooklyn, too. (They have a CD release party at Cake Shop on Nov. 7). And Fleet Foxes! I love them. They’re out of Seattle, I think. Elizabeth & the Catapult are an awesome Brooklyn band - also from Berklee.

Favorite shop(s) in the neighborhood:

I’m a big fan of food. Babycakes and their vegan desserts are a weekly habit of mine. Their chocolate chip cookies are bad news, man.

Favorite place to eat in the neighborhood:

Mercadito. BEST FISH TACOS EVER. Get the estilo baja.

Little known fact about your neighborhood:

Everyone always marvels at the black squirrels over by Stuyvesant Town. I guess I had never seen one before either, but it’s like you’re introducing them to a new species or something when they see one for the first time.

Favorite Watering Hole:

I guess I frequent the Crocodile Lounge most. I don’t know if it’s because I’m lazy or if it’s because I’m not really sure if you can beat free pizza with every beer.

Best pizza in your hood:

Hands down, a lot of people will tell you the Artichoke Basille, on 14th street, is the best. There is always a line out the door. I’m more of a vegan/vegetarian eater, however, and really like Cafe Viva on 2nd Ave.

If there was a movie of your life, what neighborhood would grace the opening scene:

I think it would definitely be a NYC neighborhood. The West Village is where I want to end up. It is so quaint, so beautiful, and you can easily find a few quiet streets. So I’d say if I could choose any neighborhood, it would be that one. I wonder what that says about me?

Any advice for the kids out there interested in singing?

I am always the first one to say that you have to do what you love. Forget about money, forget about stability, forget about probability. Everything falls into place if you are doing what you truly want to do, and anything is possible. And there’s really no way to prove that - you just have to do it. It’s the scariest thing, but that’s how you know it’s the most worth-while. And definitely the most rewarding. Sorry for the Hallmark moment, haha. But it’s all true, I promise.

Alright, what is your all time favorite monster and/or horror movie?

Hm, I’m not too knowledgeable about anything campy or cult in that genre - but I will say that The Shining is a freaking scary and brilliant film. Jack Nicholson is monster enough for me in that one.

You can get the latest on Lauren on her site, or visit her MySpace to listen to her tunes. - Neighborbee Blog

It comes as some relief to discover that Chuck Taylor's and Guacamole weren't enough to satisfy New York's latest indie-folk sensation. Lauren Zettler, a charming artist of immeasurable potential, fought against accepting her true calling until an epiphany insisted she begin writing and recording her own material. That formative 'lightening strike' moment will prove a blessing to us all as she takes to the Rebel Spirit stage this month. Backed with a genuinely striking vocal, Zettler has produced an armoury of songs awash with a sincerity and lucidity that makes light of her young age. Now blossoming in her new-found freedom, Zettler's music and story is something to admire and inspire us all.



http://www.rebelspiritmusic.com/ - Rebel Spirit Music