Lauren LoGrasso, a person who seems to do it all, has now released her latest single “Road to Glory” and teases that there is, in fact, new music on the way following this release. LoGrasso has produced several popular podcasts, such as Lauren Conrad’s Girlboss and the podcast Goop, and continues to show the world that her talent goes beyond one aspect of the entertainment industry. And although she has countless impressive talents, music and writing have been the main source of passion for Lauren LoGrasso throughout her life. In an exclusive interview with CelebMix, the “Road to Glory” singer opens up about her music, influences and more.
What can you tell us about your new single “Road to Glory” and its message?
My single, “Road to Glory,” is all about the treacherous, painful climb to become the person and creative you long to be. It’s a tale of angsty optimism: a soulful reminder that there will be blockages, traps, failures, tears and villains along the way, but as long as you always keep going, and keep your focus on your goal, you will eventually make it to your dream. And when you get there, you will be better for the pain you endured, survived and turned into purpose. The style of the song is a mix between pop/rock, soul and alternative music. It is a song you can dance to, cry to, run to, powerfully lip sync in your mirror to…I love it because it has this deep meaning, but it also has an incredible forward-moving beat.
For me, when it comes to making big decisions, it's never just one thing that tips the scales. There might be a defining moment, but leading up to that, there were a million little moments that led me to the one where I finally knew. Give yourself grace. The answers will come.
— Lauren LoGrasso (She/Her) (@LaurenLoGrasso) November 3, 2019
Do you remember when you wrote that song? What was that process like?
Yes! It was a long process, and it all started on a plane! Let me explain: one of the many “day jobs” I had was as a product specialist for Scion. That meant, I used to travel to various auto shows throughout the country to do presentations and talk with consumers about Scion Cars. I remember in February 2014, I was on a plane, on the way to the Cincinnati auto show, when all of the sudden I couldn’t get this melody out of my head. In order to not freak out/annoy my seat mate, I kept going to the bathroom to record voice memos of this song. In that airplane, I wrote what was the original chorus for “Road to Glory.” I actually still have the voice memos…it’s pretty cool. A few days later, I came back to LA and figured out the chords with my friend Jordan. Over the course of the next year, the song took shape. I finished it while driving in downtown Detroit (many songs come to me while in the car) in August of 2014. I refined it throughout the year and finally finished the original version in 2015. Then, last year, I worked on a rewrite with an awesome singer/songwriter named Miranda Glory and my producer Jeff Bova really revamped the production/chords on the song and it became what it is today.
Looking back on it, I think there’s a few really interesting things about the way this song came together: one is that the biggest components were written when I was involved in some sort of transit. It’s such a forward-moving, driving piece and the fact that it was written while literally moving forward is cool. Another, is that, it came together in so many pieces over the course of years. I really took my time with this song and didn’t rush it to become something. I think that is also reflected in the overall message–that the journey to become the person you want to be may be long, and unpaved, but it’s worth it. Finally, it’s interesting that I wrote this song called, “Road to Glory,” when I was just a couple years into my journey and really didn’t know the road to glory. I thought I did, but I had no idea what real suffering was at that point. Now I do. I am a highly spiritual person, and so I have come to the conclusion that on some level, my younger self wrote it for my older self. As I’ve worked on this album and myself, this song has been the exact anthem I’ve needed in order to keep going. Sometimes songs come through you, and you are more of a conduit for a higher creative energy. I really feel that’s what “Road to Glory” was and is and I am so grateful for it.
Can fans look forward to a possible music video to accompany it?
Yes, fans can! We have filmed the video and I have to say, it is the perfect accompaniment to the song. It chronicles my journey in Hollywood and the different obstacles I’ve moved through in a very creative way. It will be coming out in December 2019, so stay tuned to my social media @LaurenLoGrasso, podcast: Unleash Your Inner Creative and my website laurenlograsso.com for news on the release date!
What musicians or bands have influenced your sound?
So many! I always have to give props to Billy Joel, as he was the first artist that really made me fall in love with music. I used to study his lyrics when I was in high school. His words made me feel so seen. I don’t know what his direct impact has been on my music, but I always think of him as a sort of spiritual musical mentor.
As far as a direct impact, I have really studied Fiona Apple, Ani Difranco, Sara Bareilles, Motown Music as a whole, Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Mike Posner, Ingrid Michaelson, India.Arie, Robyn…I think the commonality between all of them is that they are powerful singer/songwriters with unique points of view, who write to an intelligent and emotionally-astute listener and sing with unbridled passion. I aspire to do what they have done through my own lens.
My friend, Liz Fohl, who I write with, is also an artist and has greatly impacted my sound and my musical courage. More recently I’ve been inspired by Billie Eilish, Bishop Briggs and Lizzo. I think they are all carving out really cool [and] unique spaces in music by being true to themselves and not adhering to past trends or what it “should” sound like.
How appreciative are you that your fans support you and all of your different passions?
I have a deep level of gratitude for anyone who follows and supports my work. Since I am so committed to living a creative life, when you support my work, you don’t just support my work, you support me. I know there is so much content out there right now, so when someone chooses to bring yours into their world, it really is an honor. Without people to listen, I would just be singing and talking to myself in my apartment which would be fun, don’t get me wrong, but not nearly as meaningful. Every time someone tells me some of my work has affected their life positively, it blows me away. I am so grateful. All I’ve really ever wanted to do is help people and perform, so every time someone allows me to do that, they’re helping me achieve my dream.
On top of that, the people who are fans of my music and podcast inspire me all the time. I am constantly calling my Mom to brag about them. They are so talented, kind and generous of spirit. Their consistent, fearless pursuit of their dreams encourages me to keep going after mine. As I continue to build my career, it is my dream to help foster a community of creatives who all exist to boldly share their work & their story and encourage others to do the same. I feel like the world is currently in the process of going away from a system of competition to one of collaboration, and I am excited to see how it continues to positively impact society.
Can listeners look forward to hearing more music from you soon?
Yes, they can! First of all, I have a single release show on November 11th at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood at 8:30pm. I would love to see you there! I will be playing “Road to Glory” and some brand new songs, as well as previewing two additional songs from my upcoming EP…which leads me to: I have a couple more singles coming out in 2020, as well as a full EP! The songs on my album (which is also called Road to Glory) will cover subjects such as mental health, codependence, self-acceptance, self-discovery, resilience, empowerment and ultimately: self-love. It all goes back to that theme of angsty optimism…of always believing the best possible outcome will happen, but acknowledging the pain along the way. It’s an open-hearted account of what it’s like to be a flawed person, striving to be better and in the meantime and acknowledging where you’re at. I hope it makes you feel less alone, and know that wherever you are, as long as you’re honest with yourself and working on self-development, you’re doing great.
Listen to “Road to Glory” here.
Follow Lauren LoGrasso on Instagram and Twitter.
Listen to her podcast Unleash Your Inner Creative here.
Pre-save “Road to Glory” on streaming platforms.