I caught up with London-based singer-songwriter Lauren Dejey, to discuss her debut EP titled 'Kali Ma' released via Goldun Egg Records. The EP is a collection of introspective tracks that delve deep into the dark side of the human psyche. In this conversation, I asked Lauren about the meaning behind the EP and the artists who have influenced her sound as a musician.
Hi Lauren, how are you?
Hey! I’ve been a bit ill with the cold going around but other than that I’m great thank you!
Could you introduce yourself to anyone who may not have heard your music before?
My name’s Lauren Dejey, I’m from South East London, I’m 23 and if we hung out for the day
I’d reference Harry Potter at least once
You have released your debut EP ‘Kali Ma’ a collection of songs about emotional release and
claiming back power. Could you tell us why you decided to name the EP ‘Kali Ma’ after the Hindu Goddess and the inspiration behind the songs?
She’s such a dichotomy and I find that very inspiring. Kali is nurturing and destructive, feared
and worshipped. It’s the duality of her that is truly relatable because as people we aren’t perfect, we’re ever-changing and can’t be placed into one box. When I looked back at these
songs, I felt like they all had a concoction of feelings. Strength and vulnerability, humour and
sadness you know? I feel that a lot, so in my opinion it just made sense to title the EP Kali Ma. She just embodied everything I’d written these songs about.
You self-produced this EP, when did you get interested in music production and do you have a producer you look up to?
I’ve been producing in a way for years, but I’d always end up feeling like something I did entirely myself, couldn’t possibly be good enough. When lockdown happened, I was given that time to really play around and build up my confidence. I know my way around a DAW a lot more now, however I still have a lot of learning to do. I love Jon Bellion, he really sparked the idea of producing for me. Labrinth, Jordan Fish and Grimes are amazing too.
The EP explores the dark side of the human psyche and delves deep into the thoughts and
feelings of the persona. I loved how the songs had depth and it reminded me of Banks album ‘The Altar’. Would you agree with that interpretation and as an artist who do you consider to be your musical influences?
THANK YOU! She’s incredible so that’s a huge compliment. I think so, I’m not really an ‘open
book’ person so I find I tend to write things I wouldn’t usually say out-loud in any other scenario. It’s absolutely a form of therapy for me so I’m honoured that was your interpretation. Also among the names I mentioned before I’d definitely say I find Melanie Martinez and Bring Me The Horizon’s music really inspiring because there’s so many unique sounds going on and that’s something I’m learning more about.
If you had to describe the EP in three words, what would they be?
Honest. Transformative. Mischievous.
What do you hope your listeners take away from the songs featured on the EP?
I’d hope that by expressing myself, the listener also finds something they can relate to and connect to. If that happens, I could only hope they stick with me while I grow and develop as an artist. That’s the dream!
"It’s the duality of her that is truly relatable because as people we aren’t perfect, we’re ever-changing and can’t be placed into one box."
Was it challenging to record and produce the EP during lockdown?
It was a challenge for sure. I’d have so many moment of doubt where I thought I’d never be able to finish these songs, or I’d never find the confidence to release them. I guess it was more the mental part that was the challenge rather than physically being stuck inside.
What advice would you give to an artist who may want to start producing their own music?
Watch videos, find inspirations, play around, don’t be afraid to ‘cheat’. I don’t know music theory but there are plugins that do the theory for you. It doesn’t make you any less of a
musician. You’ll pick it up as you go along but the less hurdles and obstacles you place in-front of yourself the better.
What is the best advice you have received?
Only compare yourself to where you were last year. Don’t forget the journey is part of the process. Aim to be better by 1% each day. Don’t be afraid to say no. Listen to your gut, you know what’s best for yourself. Be your own best friend.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!
Thank you so much for having me
Check out 'Kali Ma' by Lauren Dejey in the links above or hear the EP in full on my Spotify Featured Artists Playlist (link in bio).
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