We checked in with one of our favorite artists, LACES, to see what’s up!
Kyle Warner: What was your first experience with music that drove your passion?
LACES: I was singing long before I could ever talk. It was just one of those things that was always inside of me. I started writing poetry when I was in middle school and that’s when it really clicked — I had to do it!
KW: You’ve had a long career with a lot of different names, some given, some stage, Jessica Poland, Charlotte Sometimes, how did you end up at LACES?
L: Ha! I am a woman of many names! More to come I’m sure…I ended up with LACES because the name ‘LACES” represents what ties things together and God knows I need a whole ton of that!
KW: Your music is super catchy, I’ve been listening to “Spend the Night” all day haha. How did you come up with your sound?
L: Aw thanks so much! “Spend the Night” was never released, but I use it for sync pitches a lot! I think my sound always naturally comes out pop and I have too much sass inside not to also express that. I also grew up listening to Roy Orbison, John Hiatt, Fiona Apple, and Tegan & Sara so I think that pops up in my music as well.
KW: What was the experience like being on the Voice? And how was working with Blake Shelton?
L: The Voice was super fun! It felt like music summer camp, but way more chill and more pool time! Blake Shelton was nothing short of amazing! He was sweet, helpful, validating, and fun as hell!
KW: Do you feel like the trajectory of your career changed after being on The Voice?
L: I don’t think so. Before and after The Voice I was doing a lot more behind the scenes work so that progression into that part of the music industry just solidified a little more.
KW: I see that you’re very socially active on Twitter, do you feel like the platform you’ve been given as an artist gives you a responsibility to speak out on social issues?
L: I think being an “artist” doesn’t really have anything to do with it. I believe as a society we should all be speaking out and working hard to create a better world. I feel it’s my duty as a citizen to raise a voice for those who have been silenced. Until we have true equality I will never stop being vocal and fighting for my brothers and sisters of the world and America.
KW: What’s next for LACES?
L: That’s a great question — ha! I’ve been fortunate enough to be working closely with HASBRO on a few of their projects — which will be released in 2018. I also just wrapped up an EP of covers from the 90s/00s done in an epic theatrical style. I am hoping to release that this year. Stay tuned! I work mostly as a songwriter, so I have a few different creative projects I’m juggling. Hoping to release new music through Laces within the next decade though!
