tracks that shaped my sound: Lauren Dejey

South London's rising star, Lauren Dejey, is making waves with the release of her latest EP, 'To Sow By Scattering.' The vibrant record features four diverse singles that not only showcase Lauren's musical prowess but also solidify her position as a standout artist for 2024. The EP's release is accompanied by the energetic new single, 'Drowning Me,' now available on all streaming services via Apollo Distribution.

In a recent statement about the EP, Lauren shared, "To Sow By Scattering is a collection of songs written at a transformative time, laying down the seeds for who I am now and the foundation of my sound going forward. The title evokes the visual of not sowing seeds in a meticulous, organized way but rather throwing everything up in the air and seeing what grows. That sums up my last year perfectly."

Leading up to the EP release, Lauren has been dropping tracks over the summer, with "I'm Not Ready" showcasing her top-notch vocal melodies colliding with vibrant production. The impressive 'Solar' was lauded by Wonderland Magazine as "Mesmerizing," and her last single, 'Permanent,' alongside collaborator JUST OSKA, earned them the coveted cover spot on Spotify's influential tastemaker playlist, "Fresh Finds." Lauren Dejey's musical journey is undoubtedly one to follow, and 'To Sow By Scattering' is the soundtrack to her transformative year. We spoke to her about the tracks that shaped her sound, enjoy!

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) 

I can’t start off without mentioning this woman and the bold, experimental, cinematic nature of her music. Everything she makes is so uniquely her, always painting such clear lyrical picture and with the visuals to match, it’s all a glimpse into her mind. Stranger Things recently gave this song a huge revival, I’d absolutely love my music to be used in TV and Film one day.

Gorillaz - DARE 

My dad would always play the Demon Days album, I just loved their playful lyrical elements and bold imagery. I vividly remember this music video on MTV and thinking it was insanely cool, the world they create sonically and visually is something I admire so much. I’m working towards building a concept album or something similar for next year so who knows maybe I’ll try and craft a visual world along with it.

Busted - Sleeping With The Light On 

Busted are the first band I really got obsessed with and are also probably the first CD’s I got. I remember listening to the lyrics of this one specifically and feeling it all so deeply even though I was way too little to have ever felt like that about anyone. No doubt they inspired part of why I started guitar lessons. Even though I wouldn’t say I’m in the same ‘genre’ as them I definitely see elements I’ve carried over subconsciously.

Jon Bellion - Guillotine 

Such a playful, genre bending, creative mind. Another artist that builds a world with his visuals, finding Jon inspired me to explore production myself after leaving uni and during lockdown. The Making Of videos are where I really got inspired, watching how he worked letting ideas flow through collaboration. It’s similar to the way I wrote ‘To Sow By Scattering’ with spacemen, trusting their skills weaving in with mine.

Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever 

Billie’s lighter voice mixed in with bigger, hard-hitting production was the first time I’d really heard someone that made me feel comfortable with my softer voice. I grew up watching the show X-Factor where the winner always had the biggest, belting voice. This year I’ve felt so much more in tune with my breathier tone, it doesn’t mean I can’t have heavier production like in ‘Drowning Me’ & ‘I’m Not Ready’. I’ll make an emotional impact, just in a different way.