Inspired #72 - LORYN
The newest signing to Black Butter - LORYN has just released her single ‘Something New’. It is the second offering of LORYN’s expressive songwriting that fuses electronic and acoustic sounds. She talks us through the inspirations behind the track.
Who are you top three musical inspirations?
I get really inspired by songs and voices. Carole King is a big one for me; She’s a storyteller and I’m really drawn to that. She’s written so many songs that hit me right in the gut and make me feel all of my emotions at once and that’s what it’s all about for me. Amy Winehouse too. Her voice just makes me want to cry and I feel so much pain and feeling when I hear her songs. I love Kendrick Lamar, I mean totally different vibe but, I think his lyrics are unlike anyone else’s and I’m always excited to hear what he’s gonna say next. I like it when people keep me on my toes.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
There are so many films that do this but the one that stands out is Erin Brocovitch. The fact that it’s a true story really gets me. I’ve watched it way too many times but it never gets old. It’s a horribly sad story, but what she did to make things right and help people was unbelievable. For me, there’s nothing more inspiring than seeing someone do what they set out to do no matter what obstacles are in the way.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
There’s something about the energy of NYC that makes me feel giddy like a kid again. It feels like everyone has a purpose and a relentless drive. It feels exhilarating even being on the subway or walking down the street. It completely stole my heart. I went there when I was sixteen and came back home like ‘I’m gonna live here one day, mom’ I still hold out hope that one day I could live in my own New York City shoe box apartment.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
I get constant inspiration from my family and friends but my mom is so inspiring. Nothing seems to get her down. Even when she’s had the worst day she is able to find a silver lining and a reason why it’s ok. Maybe it’s the Canadian in her, but she’s always smiling and helping people. She works harder than anyone I know and she’s in her sixties. To see someone that passionate about something after almost forty years of doing it is really humbling.
What is the inspiration behind your new track?
I had come out of a long relationship and after it ended, I subconsciously was closed to anyone new. Every situation and moment brought thoughts and feelings about my ex. I started seeing someone in a kind of ‘it’s just something to do’ way but found that when I was with him all of the thoughts and feelings for my ex went away. I think it’s something everyone goes through after a relationship ends but I found it interesting that this new love made me ready to love again at a time when I didn’t think it was possible. Sometimes it takes meeting the right person to realise how wrong someone else was.
How would you like to inspire people?
My hope is that I might inspire someone with a new way of looking at something that they’ve been struggling with. For me, it’s an inspiring thing to see someone take responsibility for their own issues and situations. I think it’s empowering to try to do that. Or at least it has been critical in my own life. I hope that can be heard in the songs somewhere and that maybe other people might find that helpful too.