Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
Currently I am in the studio working on new music, I’m also really enjoying getting to grips with production and working on completing and recording all the songs I started over the last few years.
Tell us a bit about your influences.
My influences are so broad because I grew up listening to all of music, my parents always had an eclectic taste in music and even to this day, if I hear a song that they used to play when I was growing up, I’m right back there. Growing up, I was definitely a fan of the 90’s and 00’s pop, but I also love R&B and soul music from throughout the decades as well. I love old soul music, from Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves but also more recent influences from Michael Kiwanuka, Lianne La Havas, Joss Stone.
How did you start?
I started singing when I was very young, around 3 years old. You couldn’t shut me up throughout my early school years, and I even earned myself the nickname Lorna La La. During my teenage years, I lost my confidence of performing and chose to belt out Celine Dion ballads from my bedroom rather than in front of an audience, so professionally I only started singing in my early 20s, and I started by trying to build my confidence in performing again, I entered a competition; spoiler alert, I didn’t win the competition, but I did meet my (now) manager, who was coincidently one of the judges and we had a wonderful conversation about hard work, and honing my craft and working together, but only if I was serious about my music. We have been working together ever since.
How will artists be influenced by the rapid change in technology in the future in your opinion? What will change?
I think the rapid changes with AI are going to have a huge impact on the creative industry, the advancements are happening faster than people realise, and I think you either keep up, educate yourself or unfortunately you will be left behind. My latest cover art for my new single was partly created using AI, the photo background was artificially put into the photo and looks like it was always meant to be that way.
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
I would say the market is very saturated, that’s nothing new, but with the increase of accessibility to do more yourself, it’s so much easier to be a DIY artist these days, which means, more people are releasing, and uploading new music more often. Sometimes it can be hard to cut through the noise of other more established emerging artists, as well as artists signed with major labels. Another thing I would say that emerging artists maybe have to overcome, is knowing their worth, there is always going to be someone who will do the gig for free when you’re just charging your usual rate, business’s often say the payment for a gig is ‘exposure’ but exposure isn’t something that will validate me as an artist, with a real job and pay my bills.
In what way, in your opinion, could someone get real fans?
Performing live - Interacting with an audience is now my favourite thing. Knowing the joy my music brings me and seeing the joy it brings to an audience is the best feeling. But when you perform live, it isn’t about just the performance element, you also then get to talk to people face to face, you’ve provided an experience for them, and they want to interact with you, they might even what to know when and where they can see you perform next.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My main goal, is to continue making money from my music, to allow me to continue making music that inspires people and creating genuine connections. I also have quantifiable goals, of performing Live on Later with Jools Holland, Performing a Radio 1 Live Lounge, and Performing at Glastonbury. In 5 years time, I aim for my sole income to be from my music, to be performing to people that come out specifically to see me, and maybe if I am lucky to headline a festivals ’second' stage.
What is your favorite movie? What would you suggest to our readers?
My favorite movie, is the Disney version of The Little Mermaid. What drew me to this film initially was the music and the color, so that’s why was so excited for the live-action remake released this year.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
I have a new single Can’t Count which was released on July 28th. It got to Number 4 in the iTunes R&B/Soul singles chart. It’s a bop.. In my opinion anyway. It’s already received great support from Local BBC introducing. It’s got a real summer vibe, 60’s / soul inspired.
@lornadea