Lauren Reno is an American country music artist, songwriter and musician of Cherokee Indian descent.
Born in rural Nevada, and the daughter of a gold miner, Lauren’s musical palate was cultivated by the sounds of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Martina McBride and that of her father, Eddie Dimock, who was signed with Capitol Records in the early 90s. Earning a paycheck, Lauren worked long shifts at the local gold mine; as her creative respite and muse, she wrote songs and performed at local wineries and honky tonks cultivating her craft and satisfying her creative passion.
Characterized by her big, powerhouse vocals, old soul storytelling and contemporary delivery, critics have described her music as a “blend of outlaw country and Americana-Folk roots.”
She released her debut EP, titled SEASONS (under her maiden name Lauren Dimock), in 2015. Produced by Adam Palmer, the acoustic recording project was featured on various playlists.
She met her husband, Ben Reno (a musician, composer and producer), in 2017; she, Ben and their two young children now call Music City “home.” Lauren and Ben are co-owners of Nashville’s hit-making recording facility, Majestic Ape Studios.
Lauren has spent the past decade writing and tracking songs. She released a series of singles including “Don’t Think” and “Crooked Smile” in April and June, 2022; she continues her momentum with the release of “Bottle’s Worth A Dime” as an introduction to her full-length recording project (GOLD RUSH) due September 23, 2022. The 11-song CD was produced by Ben Reno and recorded in Nashville at Majestic Ape Studio and Pentaverit Studios.
What first got you into music?
I grew up surrounded by music entertainment. In addition to working in the mines, my dad was a musician/entertainer. I spent many nights watching him at shows, playing with different bands. I knew from a young age that I wanted to do the same thing. When I was 16, my dad released a gospel album. I had just begun to write my own worship music, so he took me on tour with him. Through him and because of him, I learned how to perform. Touring with my dad was a great experience; I realized I really could be an artist, and it assured me that wanted to be an artist. Once I started writing my own songs, it became a constant in my life.
Are you melody-driven or lyric-driven?
I am definitely more lyric-drive. Lyrics and storylines are always floating around in my mind. I do write my own melodies, as well, but words have always flowed out of me. Writing a melody is something that I do enjoy, but in order to create something new or different, I like to have a strong melody writer on my songs. I usually have a whole song written (lyrically), and then follow with the melody.
Touch a bit on being a “woman in country music;” what are the challenges, what are the success stories, in your opinion?
I think being a woman in country music is a special opportunity. I feel women are heard and respected in country music, but at the same time, it’s hard to figure out your place as a female artist in the platform. There’s undoubtedly an audience for “the girl next door” vibe, and on the other hand, the country audience loves a badass, redneck woman. The dichotomy can make it hard to figure out where I stand as a woman in country music. On the same token, I love the genuine and relatable fans in the genre; they all make me feel like I’m not too far from where I came from, or who I truly am.
What about your music is rebellious, unconventional, or unusual?
I feel like my new album GOLD RUSH goes outside of the box. I wasn’t afraid to go to places that are essentially outside “the norm.” There’s a little bit of love and romance highlights, but this new music is truly about the life of a girl growing up in a small gold miner town. I wrote what I wanted to write; I sang what I wanted to sing. There are definitely some different cool sounds on this album that I feel push the boundaries of country music.
What is your current music project about?
I am getting ready to release my new album, GOLD RUSH, on September 23. I grew up a gold miner’s daughter and I have had this concept in my mind for a long time. This album tells the reality of what growing up in a mining town looks like from a personal place and experience. I am so excited to share this album with my fans and listeners. Seeing this though to fruition is such a blessing.
These songs are my personal stories cultivated over time,” Lauren Reno said. “No matter from across the country or on the other side of the world, I believe we all share similar experiences—heartache and pain, yearning for a better life, romance—and music is a bond. This album is my treasure box; I hope every listener can discover a little nugget they feel akin to.”
“This was a labor of love for both me and Lauren. A true work of art, GOLD RUSH is Lauren’s best work. Every track is characterized by her unique vocals as a signature,” said co-writer/producer, Ben Reno. “The project has a deep romanticism about it; it’s a ‘traveling record’—a listening experience one can enjoy on a journey across the country. It’s got something for everyone—those drawn to 90s country, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan, and the vocal styles of Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride.”
What draws you to your preferred genre?
I grew up listening to country music. It truly is like a soundtrack of my life. My dad was a country music recording artist, and I was surrounded by old and new country throughout my childhood and my teens. What especially draws me to country music is the storytelling. Every emotion can well up when you listen to a country music playlist because country music hits people deep. It’s relatable, heartbreaking, exciting and a good time all at once. Country music is timeless.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I definitely sing in the shower. One of the most interesting things is that some of my best song ideas/lyrics happen in the shower. I don’t know if it’s the steam or the refreshing feeling I get in the shower, but many of my songs have truly been written while in the shower.
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
Yes, I actually have a bunny that my parents got me at a garage sale when I was just a year old. I did everything with that bunny, and my grandmother would re-stuff it when it was looking tattered and torn. It’s not sitting on my bed anymore; it now sits on my daughter’s bed.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
The Great British Baking Show is my favorite series. I cry tears of joy every time I watch that show; I love the positivity and wholesome nature.
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
“Coffee!” I’m a little bitter, but many people just can’t live without me.
What makes you nostalgic?
Any time we bring a box down from the attic, I feel nostalgic. I can spend the rest of the day looking through all of the boxes. Pulling out old yearbooks, pictures and awards. It drives my husband crazy because while we might be looking for just one thing, it becomes an eight-hour process. I’m a sucker for memories.
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