Introducing Lavrence and his 80s-tinged, empowering debut single, Shine

Empowerment and self-love have always had a part in pop music. "People love the whole victim-to-victory story in whatever form it takes and that's kind of what pop music is about - making people feel good," said Eves Karydas when we interviewed her on her uplifting debut album summerskin a few months back and she's right, but this year particularly, it seems that empowering pop music is stronger than ever. Big names (Ariana Grande, Troye Sivan, Robyn) have released albums brimming with optimism and self-care, usually following times of hardship prior. On a local level, names like the aforementioned Eves Karydas have done the same, uniting catchy melodies and strong vocal hooks with lyrics on self-confidence and what-not else. Sydney artist Lavrence is doing much the same on his debut single Shine, offering a glittery, 80s-tinged ode to empowerment on a single that'll make you feel comfortable and warm if you so need it.

"It’s about finding that part of you where there’s no shame or fear and putting it out for the world to see without needing validation," says the Lavrence on the single, which combines a retro, hammering synth line with chiming percussion and his echoing vocals, that in its most climactic moments, shine with pop mannerisms twisted in a slightly different way. Dive into the single and get to Lavrence a little better below:

Tell us about yourself?

Hey, I’m Lavrence. I’m a singer/songwriter & performer from the queer fringes of Sydney.

What kinda tunes we talkin’?

Lavrence is the combination of heyday indie dance and the 2007 hit album Blackout by the artist Britney Spears. Dance floor affirmations for the crowd but also for the mirror.

Production/writing process:

I work with Sydney DJ/Producer Bobby Gray (BBG). He’ll come over and start cooking while I dance in the loungeroom and start singing whatever comes into my head. I’ll then go away to lock in the lyrics/melody and we record the result.

Can you tell us about your new single, Shine?

Shine is a song about being the star of your own life. It’s about finding that part within you where there’s no shame or fear and putting it out for the world to see – without needing validation.

Any shows coming up?

I just debuted at Heaps Gay which was crazy fun! More dates to be announced soon! ;)

What’s the rest of the year have in store?

More recording, rehearsing and then there’s the never-ending quest to create the perfect look.

Where can we hear more of your music?

Shine comes out everywhere on November 1st, 2018!!

Follow Lavrence: FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM