Track of the Day: Lauren Ann - 'Blatant'

Northern Ireland alt indie-pop artist Lauren Ann unleashed her new single 'Blatant' upon the world yesterday, and Hot Press are big fans of the powerful anthem.

You might remember Lauren from her first label-released single, 'Lucy'. The breakout talent signed with label Faction Records (James Vincent McMorrow, All Tvvins, Sorcha Richardson) the same day she left school. By the summer of 2021, music was clearly Lauren Ann’s path forward and she put plans to study law on pause and signed to the Dublin label. She also appeared on the Hot Press Y&E Series last year with a stellar performance.

The explosive new track sees Lauren Ann continue on her upward trajectory, exposing the depth of her songwriting and the true grit of her musical prowess. She continues on her nostalgic route, with unique, rock-tinged vocals bringing back '90s guitar-heavy tones.

“‘Blatant’ is about a blunt end to a relationship that you cared about,” she explains. “It's about being let down by someone you didn't think (or rather didn't want to believe) could hurt you. It's about being left out in the cold, yet you still care for them even though they don't care for you anymore.”

Her own experiences are the launchpad for her imagination to take those stories into bigger directions. It’s also about staying true to who she is. “My songs are centred around heartbreak and anger. I didn’t want to write love songs as it’s not who I am. So I ended up doing break-up songs instead.”

Having already earned praise the likes of Sir Chloe and Starcrawler, Lauren Ann’s journey into the UK and Irish music scenes continues in the coming months with the release of her debut EP. Between her limitless potential and pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo reintroducing guitar to the mainstream, Lauren Ann’s talent can take her to the top.

“Back at school, most people didn’t understand or like this music. I remember on non-uniform day, I’d turn up in grunge clothing and loads of dark make-up, and people would be like, ‘What’s she doing?’ But I liked it, so I did it. But it’s becoming a lot more popular. Now I want to play music for a bunch of people and become the best I can be.”

With a fiery mix of grunge dynamics, garage rock exuberance and a hooky pop edge, Lauren Ann's music feels like a natural hybrid between grunge’s original wave of killer bands, but with a flavour of contemporary practitioners such as The Regrettes and Milk Teeth.

A key component of her recent rise was working with producer Declan Legge (Jealous of the Birds, Ciaran Lavery), which helped shape her raw songwriting talent into fully realised productions.

By mid-2020 she was shielding with her family from Covid to protect her dad, and decided to write songs. Singles 'Don’t Take It Out On Me’, ‘How It Works’ and ‘Angel Eyes’ saw a build up of Lauren's fanbase, while ‘Angel Eyes’, was chosen as BBC Radio Ulster / ATL Introducing favourite track of the month.

It's a phenomenal achievement for someone who only started writing songs a year before.

With performances at Ireland Music Week 2021, high profile support slots with New Dad and an upcoming gig with SPRINTS on March 6th at Ulster Sports Club in Belfast, Lauren Ann is busy establishing herself as one Ireland’s most exciting new talents.

Listen to 'Blatant' below: