Q&A: Lauren Gin
Auckland-based DJ & Trap/Future Bass producer Lauren Gin has played at some of New Zealand’s biggest festivals including Rhythm & Vines, Splore, Bay Dreams, Soundsplash and Electric Avenue. Last year, she released her debut EP “SUPERNOVA” and has most recently dropped her latest euphoric single “Say No” filled with explosive synth-drops and silky vocals from the talented Rachel Leo.
We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far from when you first started DJing and producing!
I started DJing 6 years ago (when I was 20 years old). I began by playing in small bars and clubs around Auckland and then eventually landed my first festival performance at Splore in 2017. Since then I've played at Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams, Soundsplash, Electric Avenue and more. Recently, I've spent the last couple of years focusing on making original music as I begin to traverse into production. Last year, I released my debut EP called “SUPERNOVA”, a four-track EP I made during lockdown. This really propelled me into production and I’m super excited to release more work.
Congrats on your latest banger “Say No”! Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind this track and what the writing process for this song was like?
I wanted to make a banger for 2021. “Say No” is powerful in the way that it evokes a euphoric mood and energises the listener. The vocals are smooth and soft which accompany the track’s hard-hitting drops. I wanted to create something that was stimulating and uplifting. Regarding the process, I first sat down and explored various sounds for the main drop and what you hear as the final product is very different to the previous sounds I was tinkering with. It took many iterations to achieve a sound I was finally happy with. Rachel’s vocals were the final touch for completion. The track strikes a perfect balance of being a daytime tune that also carries undertones of heaviness and power in the drop.
What were your main highlights working on this track?
I really enjoyed making new sounds I had never ever played with before in the past. Being able to create these unique sounds from scratch and then incorporate them in a subtle and seamless way was exciting. This was also my first time working with a vocalist in a proper studio (not my small bedroom setup). It was super fun co-writing with Rachel and brainstorming with different melodies and harmonies.
Will you be dropping any more music soon? 👀
Absolutely! You can expect another track from me before the end of the year. I’m hoping to collaborate with more wāhine in the local scene as well.
Who are your biggest inspirations in music?
Skrillex, RL Grime, Flosstradamus and QUIX (local Trap hero!)
If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?
I would love to see more diversity in the music industry. There’s a lot that has improved over the past few years but there’s also a lot of work to be done. I’ve personally struggled as a woman in electronic music but I see many positive changes starting to transpire which is a great sign.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love or connect with?
I’m a huge fan of QUIX. He’s made a name for himself locally and globally and he’s a standout due to his signature sounds. I’ve always been inspired by his music and the way he continues to release more epic work. I also have a lot of admiration for Lee Mvtthews. Tom and Graham have worked so hard to get to where they are today and they are extremely talented. Their biggest hit “Takeover” is an example of this.
What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?
This is tricky because I love everything about my home but one thing I am grateful for are our amazing surf beaches. I love surfing on the West Coast for a quick session or I’ll spend a weekend up north at either Te Arai or Mangawhai Heads. I love the waves up there and it’s such a gorgeous scenic spot. Beyond that, I try to visit the South Island as much as possible, especially during ski season.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt so far as an artist?
In order to keep pushing forward and remain motivated, it’s important not to be overly harsh on yourself. Be kind and let your passion drive the creative process. I used to think aspects of my music “weren’t good enough” but this was my inner critic speaking. Putting more music out there and knowing you will gain momentum overtime is the best mindset to have.
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
Gratitude is key. Reminding yourself of the people and things you are grateful for around you is the best way to nurture yourself. I keep a gratitude diary and it truly has changed my outlook on life. I encourage everyone to do the same.
Thanks heaps Lauren! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
