tag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2022-05-15T04:03:21-04:00Lauren Flahertyfalsetag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707422019-10-15T20:00:00-04:002022-01-13T19:45:19-05:00New music alert!
<p style="text-align: center;">New music alert! I made an EP of instrumental piano music called "Drama Queen". You can check it out <a href="https://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/album/drama-queen" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2913323705/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707412017-05-12T20:00:00-04:002021-09-26T12:55:55-04:00Let The World Stop is coming to you!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/7c0d3832f5ac3b03f170c6d276ec43fce4f01067/original/ltws-documentation-collage-filtered.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDQ5MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="CD, album art, postage receipt, donation receipt" height="490" width="500" /></p>
<p>Let The World Stop is now on iTunes, Spotify and in the mail to everyone who ordered a physical CD! Because of your generosity, we were able to donate 20% of the campaign to the American Cancer Society. Most of the costs such as mastering, album art and crowdfunding fees were one-time-only so later contributions may be possible as well. </p>
<p>Thank you again for letting me have this incredible journey and give back.</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707402017-03-23T20:00:00-04:002021-08-09T13:23:53-04:00Let The World Stop is here!
<p style="text-align: center;">One year ago today I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Both the cancer and its cure risked my singing voice. Now my new album about my journey is live at <span style="background-color:#ffff99"><a href="https://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">LaurenFlaherty.Bandcamp.com</span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It will be on iTunes and Spotify next week.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">TURN. IT. UP.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/aecfb05363ed029920933e94471c8a2cb68c548d/original/cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDUwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Album cover (Lauren onstage with guitar)" height="500" width="500" /></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707392017-02-13T19:00:00-05:002021-08-01T16:22:21-04:00New Album Campaign Ends 159% Funded!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/54802a440accb24cff13cd9fa50363902b6f669f/original/159-funded.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTE2eDYyMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="159% funded text over Lauren playing guitar" height="623" width="516" /></p>
<p>Hello Valentines,</p>
<p>We completed our campaign <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1751108137"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span> night a whopping 159% funded. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me organize the campaign and everyone who supported it. We've definitely earned some holiday candy!</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's still possible to pre-order the album (and get perks) from </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><a href="http://igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty&source=gmail&ust=1487187014509000&usg=AFQjCNGP2CDXnJPpp3dsTPHP1iKQxUb0dg" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty </span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I'll be in touch when the record and rewards are ready (approximately 3/<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1751108138"><span class="aQJ">24). <3</span></span> <br></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707382017-02-06T19:00:00-05:002021-09-11T14:04:11-04:00"BOLD" Official Video Now Live
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ieg-76rM6L4" width="466" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p>Here is the premiere of my third and final campaign video. It's a lyric video for my new song Bold (teased in earlier videos). The video tells the story behind Let The World Stop, from the stage to the recording studio, operating room and ultimately the newsstand (along with a special shout-out to this campaign).</p>
<p>While I'm proud to share the video, it feels bittersweet to post the final part of the campaign. Thank you again for all of your support. This has been an amazing experience and I can't wait to share the finished product (and swag!) with you around late March.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">Join our campaign at </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><a href="http://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty </span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">by February 12th, 2017 to get your name in the album's Thank You section. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.<br></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707372017-02-01T19:00:00-05:002021-09-21T02:18:48-04:00New Album 141% funded!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/0329ad767ed4143eec40c9c406457ca577b3cd6a/original/countdown-11-days.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDk1eDUwMCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="11 days countdown graphic" height="500" width="495" /></p>
<p style="color: #000001; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0 0 18px; padding: 0px;">We've got 11 days to go and are 141% funded! I'm now working on my final campaign video: a lyric video debut of my new song "Bold" (previously heard in snippets during my other campaign videos).</p>
<p style="color: #000001; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0 0 18px; padding: 0px;">Here's to the home stretch (and all the edits I have to do in the meantime)! Anyone want to bet if my next post will happen at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_977751525"><span class="aQJ">4 AM</span></span> and make just a little bit less sense? ;)</p>
<p style="color: #000001; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0 0 18px; padding: 0px;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Join us at</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></p>
<p style="color: #000001; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0 0 18px; padding: 0px;"></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707362017-01-10T19:00:00-05:002021-10-25T15:24:31-04:00New Album On Metro Cover
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/e4d17b23bbc0346afecec190e58233d0910f6979/original/cover-on-the-mbta.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDQzMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Lauren on newspaper cover with bus in background" height="431" width="500" /></p>
<p>Ladies and gentlemen, we have lift off.</p>
<p>My new album is featured on the cover of today's Boston Metro. I am so honored and honestly couldn't have done it without you all. Thank you SO much for your support.</p>
<p>You can read the full article here:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.metro.us/boston/boston-musician-hopes-to-share-her-cancer-experience-through-new-album/zsJqaj---FLyzTIWe0Fhk/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.metro.us/boston/boston-musician-hopes-to-share-her-cancer-experience-through-new-album/zsJqaj---FLyzTIWe0Fhk/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">Join us at</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><a href="igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></span></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707352017-01-09T19:00:00-05:002021-08-07T13:30:24-04:00New campaign thank you video now live!
<p></p><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMFCQ5DKmC8" width="425" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p>Drum roll please...</p>
<p>I'm psyched to share my new campaign video with you! It's a thank you for all supporters, and a bit of a roast of what the music industry can feel like without friends.</p>
<p>Sorry it's a few minutes late. I had a phone interview with a reporter this morning! ;)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can still join us at</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><a href="https://igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></span></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707342017-01-04T19:00:00-05:002021-08-10T13:07:13-04:00New Album 118% funded!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/31741c4ad9036f4b3c9205a25f76a57f9f0e187e/original/behind-the-scenes.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTUxeDY3MiJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Lauren and co-star behind the scenes of fundraising video outside coffeeshop" height="672" width="551" /></p>
<p>Hello week 3! We are 118% funded with six weeks to go!</p>
<p>I'm now editing our follow-up video. Here's a pic from behind the scenes. It wasn't easy to find a corner of Boston that could pass for Los Angeles in January, but we managed to find one... then we stopped by Dunkie's to celebrate. <3</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can still join us at</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><a href="https://igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></span></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707332016-12-27T19:00:00-05:002021-11-01T11:49:13-04:00New Album 111% funded!
<p><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/cc5be99a71dac25e34f2d56434865802e8451818/original/igg-filming-1.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDYwMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Filming and music equipment" height="602" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="background-color:#ffffff">Heya week 2! Contributions have continued and we're now 111% funded!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color:#ffffff">I'm starting to film a follow-up video. I had to do some re-writes since we met our goal so quickly! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffffff">You can still join us at:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://igg.me/at/laurenflaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707322016-12-19T19:00:00-05:002022-05-15T04:03:21-04:00New Album 101% funded in 1 week!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/6f1bf31c0549ca3d81efad9250896fde568b2dbe/original/101-funded-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTgxeDU5MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="101 Dalmations" height="593" width="581" /></p>
<p>Hellooooooo Day Seven! Break out the holiday treats early: we've already met our goal! We are now 101% funded. I am so honored. I'll be keeping this campaign open for anyone who would still like to join and will post a fun video update after the holidays.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Check it out at </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></p>
<p><span style="background-color:#ffff99"></span></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707312016-12-18T19:00:00-05:002016-12-19T02:13:06-05:00New Album 69% funded in 6 days!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/7cf1172841e616ba2ee12ce2f168199151be5b90/original/69-funded.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTk4eDYwMyJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="603" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="598" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Good morning Day Six! We are under 1 week into our 2 month campaign and have already raised 69% of the funding we need. I can't wait to share the new record with everyone in March and send out thank you gifts.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To join us in the campaign to fund my new album and donate a potion of proceeds to the American Cancer Society, go to </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><strong><a href="https://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></strong></span></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707302016-12-15T19:00:00-05:002016-12-16T06:29:30-05:00New Album 47% funded in 3 days!
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/5ce8c1d26b82ee81726bdfeb34ccd54b628f3ba6/original/47-funded.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDU5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="47% funded in 3 days!" height="599" width="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hello Day Three! We are already 47% to our funding goal. I can't believe we are almost halfway there and it hasn't even been half a week yet. You guys are truly the best. I'll start emailing out my Songs from Dance Moms EP later today so you'll have some warm tunes for this frozen weekend. <3</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To join us in the campaign to fund my new album and donate a potion of proceeds to the American Cancer Society, go to </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><strong><a href="https://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></strong></span></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707292016-12-13T19:00:00-05:002020-06-27T01:51:53-04:00Add YOUR NAME to my NEW ALBUM
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/407e5724a40d7912c0e0529baa68189b994fb35d/original/kickstarter-text-2-facebook.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTUweDM5NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Lauren singing at a show" height="395" width="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hey guys,</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It's my honor to tell you FIRST that I will be releasing a new full length album in the spring of 2017. This will be my first full length release since 2009. It documents a challenging journey I have kept private until now.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> In March 2016, exactly 10 years to the day after my first album release, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Both the treatment and the cancer risked my singing voice. It was a terrifying decision to have to make and my world stopped. I had been working on this album but suddenly couldn't focus. I decided to have surgery just 31 days after my diagnosis to regain my physical and mental health.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It was a complete success and I am so proud to say my singing voice and health have perfectly recovered. As I began rebuilding my life, I saw things differently. I let my world stop again and reassembled my life in the ways that now felt right.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>And then I hit the studio with a vengeance.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The 15 track album, called Let The World Stop, is divided into three acts: life, death and rebirth. It's designed to help anyone who is going through a tough time, needs inspiration or just wants to feel something. I've set up a fundraising campaign that enables YOU to get YOUR NAME on my liner notes and receive other cool thank you presents. I'll also be donating a portion of proceeds to the American Cancer Society.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><strong>You can check out the campaign here:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color:#ffff99"><strong><a href="https://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty&source=gmail&ust=1481813734581000&usg=AFQjCNFjN3JlmwCE-nS9EarK2KgfXuw6Bg" data-imported="1"><span style="background-color:#ffff99">https://www.igg.me/at/LaurenFlaherty</span></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your past support. I hope we can all work together to make this new record the best it can be and give back.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With love,</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">-Lauren</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707282016-10-24T20:00:00-04:002016-12-14T02:31:30-05:00"GhostTown" gets a Nightcore remix
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/69c110776015add3e40fa5057b07c022af6f1761/original/dance-moms-nightcore.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDI1OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Dance Moms Dancer" height="258" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">One of the coolest things about having a song on a show that's so popular with a young fanbase is learning what else that fanbase is into. Yesterday I not only learned that someone had made a nightcore remix of my song, I also (frankly) learned what nightcore is! Originally created in Norway, nightcore is a regular recording sped up and often accompanied by manga or anime. It's a deliberately electronic/manipulated sound which is ironic since I swore I'd only work on acoustic music this week. Whoops! ;)</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707272016-09-20T20:00:00-04:002021-06-30T19:41:51-04:00Say Yes To The Dress said yes to my song ;)
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/38db96949df8b5b40dad0f07c94fb2cec9fa77c3/original/mc-tlc.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDUwMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Say Yes To The Dress logo" height="501" width="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I'm proud to say my song "Take Me Home" was used on Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta... when she said yes to the dress! </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Picking out the right wedding dress often comes down to trusting your instincts and in a way, this song did too. I wrote "Take Me Home" after an inspiring but overwhelming trip to LA where I was fortunate enough to meet with several people in the industry about my music. (Having someone say a few kind words about your work while overlooking the Hollywood Hills is not exactly a low point in your life!) Ultimately, I came back full of ideas, suggestions and more options than I could sort through. I decided to strip this song down to its basics and take a risk with an unplugged pop ballad.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Looks like I got it right! ;)</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707262016-08-16T20:00:00-04:002016-12-14T02:32:25-05:00Hometown gig this Sunday 8/21!
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/a05c6c9687b9f99e0a46eea881ac15da38027a5a/original/cambridge-collage-hi-res.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDEwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I’m happy to announce I’m (finally) playing another hometown gig this week! I’ll be performing at Outpost 168 in Cambridge, MA this Sunday (8/21). I’ll be busting out some oldies but goodies with some excellent local ladies that rock, including my recent collaborator Lydia Marsala Primate (of Br1ght Pr1mate) and Leah Driscoll (Billboard Charting singer/songwriter of the hit dance single “If This Is Love”).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It’s an early show starting at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_660877065"><span class="aQJ">6:30</span></span> and advance tickets can be purchased at <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=5434737&l=1283469&k=2fc936cfe3993edbdc40f8f740c624e3" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D5434737%26l%3D1283469%26k%3D2fc936cfe3993edbdc40f8f740c624e3&source=gmail&ust=1471532678678000&usg=AFQjCNEqNg8Weuo2PvpAnIHZla-oVziSog" data-imported="1">https://www.artful.ly/store/events/9641</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Outpost is a super intimate venue so advance tickets are suggested since it could sell out easily!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707252016-06-26T20:00:00-04:002016-06-27T09:15:52-04:00On WEMF Radio tomorrow (6/28) & new song!
<p>I'll be a guest on WEMF's "Sterlingtology" radio show tomorrow afternoon between <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_834271574"><span class="aQJ">11 AM- 1PM</span></span>. We'll be discussing local music, rock & roll influences, what we've been up to and I'll probably get the chance to plug my new song.<br><br> If you'd like an early sneak peak of my newest song, called "Shame" (co-written with Lydia Marsala Primate of the renown chiptune music duo Bright Primate) check it out here: </p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=108555866/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0px none; width: 350px; height: 470px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> P.S. After much deliberation I've decided to give bandcamp another try. There is so much speculation about iTunes ceasing downloads that I wanted to give my fans and kind supporters another way to download music. But you bet I'll be making sure all the monetary transactions are done just right!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707242016-03-07T19:00:00-05:002021-08-17T13:43:14-04:00New Song on International Womens' Day
<p style="text-align: left;">Because consent is the sexiest thing of all, I'm dropping a new song for #InternationalWomensDay: "“True love with no demands/Freedom and no commands/Safe with you every night/Only love no need to fight”.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/244405230&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707232015-10-26T20:00:00-04:002016-12-14T02:33:30-05:00What I Did On My CMJ Vacation
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/04d16ddc16cbb42e866ede77bb52efcb2e2744d8/original/cmj-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAxeDUwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="500" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="501" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I’m back from a week in NYC at the CMJ music business conference with lots of stories to share with you and any “music people” in your life. Aside from girls’ drinks overlooking the Empire State Building, pizza at Grimaldi’s and an afternoon trip to take a few shots of Lady Liberty, there was still plenty of time to hit the pavement.</p>
<p>I learned so much I made my first vlog. It’s a three part series about CMJ as well as how to rock any creative event, even if you have to fake it till you make it. (Trust me, I know a LOT about that!) I even made a few predictions about where the music industry is headed. Bet you a NY pie that I’m right (at least some of the time!)</p>
<p>To watch me discuss streaming, online music profiles, fanbases and do’s and don’ts check out</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDnRFFcY4Gs" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDnRFFcY4Gs</a></p>
<p>Again, I’ve never vlogged before, so let me know your thoughts!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707222015-08-11T20:00:00-04:002016-12-14T02:34:03-05:00"Ghost Town" reaches South Africa (and why it takes 31 cents to make me cry)
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/efb23af079004de6058d1992d74d918e7ff58fdb/original/dance-moms-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAzeDQwMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="403" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="403" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Every artist wants to make a difference. If someone doesn’t want that, they aren’t really an artist. They’re some weird larger than life combination of hairspray, slick moves and knowing just the right people. A strong breeze could blow them over because they don’t really stand for anything. Somewhere in the middle of rehearsals, driving to gigs, booking contracts and constantly doing far more logistical work than we ever envisioned, it is very easy to feel like anything but an artist.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That’s why it’s extra special when something you created seems to have a personal impact on the people affected by it. Royalty checks and re-bookings are nice, but this is what you live for. I’ve been blessed with such a special moment I would like to share with you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My song “Ghost Town” was used on an episode of last season’s Dance Moms on Lifetime. It aired for 2 million people in the US (about 1.999 million more than my gigs are usually for, so let’s just say it was pretty awesome!) Fan videos, downloads and streaming royalties have followed, but what I’m most excited about paid exactly 31 cents:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My first sale in South Africa.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Why the heck does this matter when it doesn’t even round up to a buck? Because I somehow managed to get a relatively political song onto a mainstream TV show that was later re-broadcast in a country once known for apartheid. The dance routine set to the song was called “They Don’t Want My Kind Around” and portrayed a fallen angel of sorts that society had devalued. And someone in another part of the world was moved by it. I will always be thankful to the show for helping me be part of an artistic moment that will hopefully empower underdogs well… everywhere!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> You can watch Lifetime’s clip here:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ystwwO0YzBc" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ystwwO0YzBc</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Or check out this moving fan video of a home dance clip from the US:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fm6pYTIQIM" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fm6pYTIQIM</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And remember: when you dream… dream BIG.</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707212015-06-16T20:00:00-04:002016-12-14T02:34:17-05:00"My Own Way": Red Line Blues is 1 year old but I still have Teen Angst
<p style="text-align: left;"><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3653540800/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> One year ago I “Pulled A Beyoncé” and dropped <em>Red Line Blues</em> as a surprise. To thank everyone for their support, here's a new tune called "My Own Way". I suggest playing it loud. ;)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The idea for "My Own Way" came to me in a very unlikely place: my high school's cafeteria. (What, that doesn't suggest eau de glamour to you?!) I had bravely returned to good ol' Boston Latin to volunteer as a mentor to current students interested in the arts. While the day was super rewarding, it forced me to remember some teenage memories that the only good thing about was that they were old! I've got at least as many embarrassing stories as anyone, but speaking with teens who were both attracted to and nervous about a career in the arts made me all the more certain about going for what you want in life. Some of my peers back in the day probably thought I was crazy or that I'd just end up becoming a degenerate in addition to a weirdo, yet here I am. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Best wishes to all new grads and the Class of 2016!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707202015-05-13T20:00:00-04:002021-08-05T14:39:11-04:00Spring with Miss Thing! New Song & Make Way for Ducklings Made Over
<div style="padding: 10px 15px; text-align: left;">
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/4f657e083c65767cfafdba576466ef3c87519967/original/make-way-for-ducklings.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="640" /></p>
<p>If you know them, you love them. Make Way For Ducklings are a fictional bird family that inspired the title of Robert McCloskey's classic children's book. The ducklings and their Mama shut down the city of Boston with their stubbornness, proving they can walk- or waddle- anywhere they want. (Now THOSE are some city peeps!) The bronze statues are a top attraction in the Public Gardens, and tourists and locals visit year round. Occasionally, they are anonymously decorated with santa caps, red sox shirts or other fun treats. It's an adorable mystery! Lately they've been fully glamorized with spring bonnets. Cuz why the heck not?!</p>
<p>Well, I must take after their stubbornness cuz I'm still making music (ba-DUM-tsh!) No, seriously folks, I still am making new music and would love to share it with you. I've got a new song called "Take Me Home" that you can listen to at</p>
<p><a href="https://soundcloud.com/laurenflahertyrocks/take-me-home" data-imported="1">https://soundcloud.com/laurenflahertyrocks/take-me-home</a></p>
<p>I learned a lot during my winter week in LA and tried to incorporate some of the feedback I received into this tune. It's more laid back and acoustic with the vocals up front. Maybe I'm on to something, or maybe I've got Bird Brain. Let me know what you think! Again, cuz why the heck not?!</p>
</div>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707192015-03-16T20:00:00-04:002021-07-14T14:34:58-04:00Ireland, Inspiration & How To Cook With Guinness
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/ceabb509eb2d6e5b84e986cb0894296162e5cb97/original/happy-st-pats-collage.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDUwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></p>
<p>Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all my party people. May your craic be mighty and your shoes stay dry when it rains. (Cuz if it didn’t rain so much, Ireland wouldn’t be green. D’oh!)</p>
<p>I hope everyone is having a lovely time, or at least can sneak in some fun once the work day ends. I’m working on a new acoustic indie tune I hope to share with you soon but had to take a break to hit the famous (and infamous) South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade. From Storm Troopers to Step Dancers and a whole lot of green, we had it all! It rained on our parade but we kept on dancing to welcome our newest guests, Boston Pride and OUTVETS. With that controversy settled the Mayor and other VIPs were able to rejoin the march, leading to epic high fives and green beads everywhere… until we got three more inches of snow and broke the all-time winter record, so then there was white everywhere AGAIN.</p>
<p>All that dancing and crazy weather required some hearty food so I would love to share my authentic Irish beef stew recipe with you. It’s somehow been “reposted” on the Guinness website. How funny… I swear I didn’t see it there first! ;)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Cooking.aspx" data-imported="1">http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Cooking.aspx</a></p>
<p>Ireland has always been an inspiration to me. In 2007 I stayed alone in Dublin and ventured into the North to see the Giant’s Causeway. I didn’t fully understand what it would be like to hit the two separate countries in under 12 hours and was surprised when my cell phone lost signal the second I crossed the border. I had to convert my Euros to Pounds only to change them back again later that day. Also the (ahem) uniquely Irish sense of time kicked in when my tour that was supposed to end at six PM did… still in Northern Ireland, meaning I had another several hours of no phone and sparse correct currency required to get back to Dublin around midnight. (Sorry if I put some new grey hairs on anyone’s head that night!) </p>
<p>It was a crazy adventure and I anticipated I would be too exhausted to do anything the next morning but amazingly, I woke up with the entire song “Just Rain” in my head. I fumbled for a pen while all my instruments and recording gear were on the other side of the world but I captured enough that I could record the song the following year, only to watch it truly make an impact over <em>six years later</em>. </p>
<p>Ireland is a magical land and I work in a crazy business. Thank you for sharing the rollercoaster ride with me!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707182015-02-15T19:00:00-05:002021-07-15T07:08:36-04:00We all have the Red Line Blues... but pizza helps
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/a214e7dd5dccb6e8c3f4e393b5dbdfcb7ea616c3/original/screen-shot-2015-02-16-at-3-53-37-pm.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDYyNyJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="627" width="800" /></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>A historic winter. Fire and brimstone- being used to clear the subway tracks no less. Snowzilla vs. the third rail. We are building some character up in this joint for sure...<br>.</div>
Back in my youth (about three weeks ago), one was able to do crazy things like take public transportation, walk on a sidewalk or visit a friend after dark without fearing an icicle would hit you on the head and knock you into a snowbank where you might be found sometime after July 4th. I did outrageous things such as go to New York City for a music business seminar and ladies' pizza night. Here are some highlights of my trip:<br>.</div>
<div>The conference was hosted by social media wizard Ariel Hyatt and her friend, Emmy award winning composer Michael Whalen, at the Aaron Davis Hall in Harlem. The event turned out to be not only free but friendly as well. We sat in a large auditorium facing brick walls that lead to a black stage with a grand piano everyone joked about itching to play. The first panel cheerily suggested that everyone in the auditorium should introduce themselves to each other because we were "probably the people in our bands who did all the work." For several hours we learned about the new music industry (which has probably changed since I started writing this *groan*). We discussed conversation as currency, meaning music that is shared from one fan to several friends can actually increase in value between them because it becomes a shared personal experience. We also talked about PR strategies, crowd funding and the pros and cons of Youtube. SESAC's Doreen Ringer Ross even did an inadvertent magic trick of managing to balance almost a dozen torn pieces of paper to symbolize how a song's ownership can get split more ways than well, one can easily balance!</div>
<div>.</div>
<div>I'm proud to say I had a definitively NY moment while there (and no, I'm not just talking about the awesome pizza at Lombardi's in Little Italy- look it up, trust me). After the usual scrambling to be one of the scrappy few able to ask a question to the panels- New Yorkers move a lot faster than the LA crowd I last saw, yeesh!- I was finally able to get the mic on my third attempt. I thought I would ask a fairly simple question about what to do after a TV song placement. But little did I think ahead to realize, I'm asking this of a publicist and there is no way she's gonna let me downplay my accomplishment.</div>
<div>.</div>
<div>Sure enough, Ariel stopped me after my question, and before I knew it I was telling an entire auditorium my name and the name of the television show that picked "Just Rain" and "Ghost Town". I hadn't planned on something like this when I left for the city at 6 AM, but at this point I was in it to win it. I started to have a little fun up there because sure enough, after I said the words "Dance Moms" a beat or two passed before I could feel the crowd respond. In return for this bold step I was honored with claps, business cards passed to me during a break, new twitter buddies and my favorite, a college student working the event who stepped away from his post to congratulate me and wish me a safe trip back to Boston. </div>
<div>.</div>
<div>Honestly, when the New Yorkers make you feel like you've done good, you buy the pizza, get a nice drink and sit back. What more is there to life? ;)</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>.</div>
<div>Of course, now I'm back home, hunkering down with some Bailey's and recording some new material I will hopefully share with you in the future (assuming Snowzilla doesn't get me). Remember, if winter blues are getting you down, you can always crank out some Sassy Sounds of mine from iTunes or Bandcamp at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-flaherty/id128677630?uo=4" data-imported="1">https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-flaherty/id128677630?uo=4</a> and <a href="https://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/album/red-line-blues" data-imported="1">https://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/album/red-line-blues</a>
</div>
<div>.</div>
<div>Got any other tunes that help you feel warm and fuzzy inside? Write back to me with them and I'll share them in my next mailing! If you'd like to read more about the conference, fellow attendees have write-ups about what they learned at <a href="http://cyberprmusic.com/category/blog/" data-imported="1">http://cyberprmusic.com/category/blog/</a> (scroll down to January 20th).<br>.</div>
Stay safe and warm!</div>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707172015-01-07T19:00:00-05:002021-07-20T20:07:56-04:00New Year, New Song (and a Shameless Celebrity Sighting)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/4674b931eeaf28f31a9c074983d153f6c608421e/original/10418306-10100264651104069-6566695868837690439-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDM3NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="375" width="500" /></p>
<p>As I write this it’s about zero degrees in Boston with a wind chill I’d rather not think about. The silver lining to this frigid day is that I get to share a new song with you called “Me Without You.” I decided to release it around the new year since it's about breaking habits and letting go of people who bring you down. It's on iTunes and you can listen here: </p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2066423191/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/minimal=true/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 350px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p>I’d also like to share one of my highlights from 2014: meeting one of my Rock God idols. I’m tempted to make up some ridiculous story about how I got this picture with Trent Reznor. Maybe we worked on something together or maybe he sent ME fan mail. (To quote Wayne’s World “Shyeah, and monkeys might fly out of my butt!”) In reality, he was kind enough to pose for this picture during a music conference I attended in LA. It was a definite high point in a crazy week of insane driving, watching people take selfies of themselves with sunglasses on indoors, notorious LA traffic (and more talk of traffic) and me attempting to wear fashionable fall clothes on a 90 degree day. (In my defense, it WAS November!) It was amazing to hear a mentor say great things about my music while overlooking the famous Hollywood Hills and see old friends who have relocated*, but I’m definitely an East Coast girl living the Red Line Blues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*Technically, this does not include Trent... yet. ;)</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707162014-09-17T20:00:00-04:002021-07-02T01:15:15-04:00GOOD GIGS & GOOD OMENS
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/916c9c58c38e9d27774530434fe8331a51441a5e/original/2b.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTEyeDUxMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="512" width="512" /></p>
<p>Hello Party People!</p>
<p>I hope you've all been well since I last said hello. I now have the pleasure of telling you the band and I have finally gotten our CD Release Party footage online. You can watch our full half-hour set at Cambridge's T.T. the Bear's at these links:</p>
<p>Part 1 <span style="color:#ff0000"><strong>(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXPmjCxPSU" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000">Battle Scarred, The Second Act, Junkies On The Train):</span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline; color:#ff0000"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXPmjCxPSU" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000; text-decoration:underline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXPmjCxPSU</span></a></span></p>
<p>Part 2 <span style="color:#ff0000">(<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEATL2COgE" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000">Heartsick & 3 AM):</span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline; color:#ff0000"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEATL2COgE" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000; text-decoration:underline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEATL2COgE</span></a></span></p>
<p>Part 3 <span style="color:#ff0000">(<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXPmjCxPSU" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000">Just Rain & What Makes An Angel):</span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline; color:#ff0000"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAlhW2q2Ezs" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000; text-decoration:underline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAlhW2q2Ezs</span></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was amazing to see so many friendly faces at the gig and the excitement helped energize our set. Special thanks to everyone who came out, cheered and bought a CD (or even two!) The limited printing of “Red Line Blues” is almost sold out! If you'd like one of the remaining copies, you can order a signed CD at <span style="color:#ff0000"><a href="https://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000">https://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/</span></a></span> If you prefer digital copies, you can buy them straight from my store at the same site, or at iTunes (shortcut: <span style="color:#ff0000"><a title="http://bit.ly/GUCITw" href="http://bit.ly/GUCITw" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000">http://bit.ly/GUCITw</span></a><a title="http://bit.ly/GUCITw" href="http://bit.ly/GUCITw" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#ff0000">)</span></a></span></p>
<p><br> Playing with a live band and being supported by the crowd would have been awesome enough, but I later discovered Lifetime TV's "Dance Moms" decided to air another one of my songs... DURING OUR SET! Talk about a good omen! They selected "Ghost Town" from my second album "You Don't Know Me" and renamed it "They Don't Want My Kind Around Here" to suit the plot of the show since the song was referenced on camera by the lead. Watching Chloe dance to my song while outfitted in a Les Misérables inspired costume was one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life. You can view the televised performance here:</p>
<p><span style="background-color:#ffffff; color:#ff0000">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ystwwO0YzBc</span></p>
<p>Red Line Blues is only a few months old and it's already spoiled rotten! J/k, but I have been blessed lately. I'll keep you all posted on our next baby steps promoting the record.</p>
<p>Rawk on,</p>
<p>-Lauren</p>
<p> </p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707152014-07-16T20:00:00-04:002021-07-11T06:29:21-04:00Red Line Blues is one month old and now on iTunes!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/0084da0c541f97660d50787afceb7771fcb2f96e/original/red-line-blues-collage.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjczeDI3OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="278" width="673" /></p>
<p>In honor of Red Line Blues turning one month old, I've made a collage about its journey, which mostly in a loop. It is the subway we're talking about here! Ba-dum-TSH!</p>
<div>The Boston and Camberville music community was very kind to me, allowing me to make a surprise appearance on WMFO's The Dweezil Show and be spun on a brand new radio station called WEMF that is located inside the building my old band used to practice in. (How neat is that?!) I was also invited to perform on BNN TV's "Bostonian Rap". You can watch a clip of it at:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br7K7dAPZdY" target="_blank" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br7K7dAPZdY</a>
</div>
<p><br>Red Line Blues is now available on iTunes and <a href="http://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">LaurenFlaherty.Bandcamp.com</a>. </p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707142014-06-16T20:00:00-04:002014-06-17T03:16:39-04:00Dropping A Surprise Record TODAY 6/17! I'm pulling a Beyonce!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/adc9b6f26013099b7b7de12cfb94ad79d509f770/original/red-line-blues-cover-bandcamp.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzAweDcwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="700" width="700" /></p>
<p> Today is 6/17- the date that corresponds with the 617 area code of my beloved Boston. I’ve been working on a new release for over a year and am celebrating by pulling a Beyonce and dropping it as a surprise today! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>My five song EP is called <em>Red Line Blues</em> in honor of the most passionate love and hate relationship I've ever experienced: me vs. the subway. The Red Line train route connects many of my favorite places in the world. I’ve taken it from my blue collar hometown of Southie to play hipster rock clubs in Cambridge near Harvard University. I’ve schlepped to South Station with a guitar on my back and bought a cheap bus ticket to New York City and auditioned in cattle call lines that stretched for blocks (“The Second Act”). I’ve gone to Alewife to sneak out of the city and into a speakeasy for a few hours (“Anti-Love Letter”) and on very special occasions I’ve even added a few transfers and wound up on a plane to Dublin (“Dust And Bones”).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a way, the Red Line can take you anywhere. Except the days when everything goes wrong and it basically takes you nowhere, giving you the Red Line Blues (“Junkies On The Train”). I’ve had plenty of those days over the years! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Red Line Blues</em> is my fourth self-release. It was recorded using gear funded by television placements, gigs and song downloads. For the first time, I didn’t step foot in a professional studio except to record the vocal for “You Save You” (which was an epic session!) I wrote and produced all the songs but happily teamed up again with Lainey Schooltree for mixing, Jonathan Wyner for mastering and Maegan Wright for album art. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Downloads are available now on iTunes and <a href="http://www.laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">www.LaurenFlaherty.BandCamp.com</a>. </p>
<p>(There are currently no plans to press physical copies but I will have commerative swag at live shows.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will be filming an appearance on BNN TV's "Bostonian Rap" to discuss <em>Red Line Blues</em> with host Rachel Miselman <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1908331540"><span class="aQJ">this Friday</span></span>. I will keep you all updated about the air date as well upcoming gigs, videos, TV and radio appearances for <em>Red Line Blues. </em></p>
<p>Looks like I'm gonna be taking a whole lot of train rides this summer! <br></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707132014-04-15T20:00:00-04:002014-04-16T07:53:11-04:00My song “Just Rain” reached 2 million viewers on Dance Moms?!?
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/1d2fbf4126e059fbb5319c4082ac1521655f8d7d/original/kendall-just-rain-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjc1eDE4MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="183" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="275" /></p>
<p>I’ve been focused on recording my new EP but I have some awesome news I can’t wait to share. The lovely people at Lifetime TV’s “Dance Moms” selected my song “Just Rain” to air alongside a choreographed lyric dance routine that was seen by over TWO MILLION VIEWERS. And the best part is… they played the full vocal version, allowing my singing to reach every one of them!</p>
<p>I learned about the placement by accident when I was on a bus, stuck at a long red light and goofing around online. I was trying to check a link for one of my websites only to have information about the episode keep overwhelming my search. (At first, I thought it was the meanest prank ever!) I rushed to my Mom’s so we could watch it together and soon enough we showed it to everybody. My whole family is overwhelmed by how beautiful Kendall’s dancing was and I feel like this unique placement accomplishes an awful lot of my dreams as a singer/songwriter.</p>
<p>The song and performance have tens of thousands of views online and people have made fan art, lyric videos and posted multiple versions. Some viewers have written in with comments like, “I love this song. Who is it?” Only to have a sassy teen correct them: “HeLLoooOOO, it’s Lauren Flaherty! (Duh!)” </p>
<p>!!!</p>
<p>Here is one of my favorite fan-uploaded versions you can watch. It shows some of the backstage drama as well as Kendall’s fantastic performance. </p>
<p><br> Link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiXdQtYlwBk" target="_blank" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiXdQtYlwBk</a></p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707122013-05-07T20:00:00-04:002013-05-08T04:06:40-04:00ONE FUND Benefit Concert on Tuesday 5/14 at Johnny D's, Cambridge
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/9a7c50173d5167c34184389bf0dd8de77142d026/original/johnny-ds-marqui.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTUweDIzMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="231" width="550" /></p>
<p>For someone "trying to take a break from gigging and just record" I've been pretty busy lately! :)<br><br>My friends at Johnny D's have organized an excellent benefit concert for Tuesday, May 14th to raise money for the One Fund and who am I to decline playing such an important night?! I will be one of twenty regional acts (yup, you read that right- TWENTY) donating our time in a show of community and support. Each act will play for ten minutes, allowing the audience to not only help those harmed in the attacks but to also see a unique sample of some of Boston's best musicians on the same stage. <br> <br>Performers will include Barrence Whitfield of Rounder Records, Jason Dunn of the Luxury (who opened for Coldplay at the Garden), Marc Pinansky of Township (who shared the stage with Bad Company at the Pavilion) and Amy Black who I've personally seen rock the stage supporting Chris Isaac. I'll be playing a rare full-band set and can safely say we will give it our all!<br> <br>Here's a link for tickets: <a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3546134&pl=jds" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3546134&pl=jds</a><br> <br> And the facebook invite: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/384132168372366/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">https://www.facebook.com/events/384132168372366/</a><br><br>There will also be a raffle, silent auction and compilation CD of donated local music. Audiences can order dinner and minors can attend with a parent or guardian if they make a dinner reservation.<br> <br>I hope you all can make it! Now, I just have to keep repeating the mantra "I am trying to only record right now" to myself until I am inevitably invited to open for Aerosmith and Carole King at the Garden. That works, right? ;)<br> <br>Keep Boston Strong,<br>-Lauren<br><br>P.S. If you can't attend but would like to contribute, here is a link to donate to the One Fund: <a href="https://secure.onefundboston.org/page/contribute/default" target="_blank" data-imported="1">https://secure.onefundboston.org/page/contribute/default</a> . If you donate as a result of this, let me know and I'll send you a twitter and facebook shout-out as a thank you!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707112013-03-17T20:00:00-04:002013-03-18T06:41:35-04:00NECN's Morning Show will feature my music tomorrow (Tues, 3/19)!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/ed60bbf5affcd4f03eae59058047238dfe3d151e/original/necn-morning-show-logo.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI1eDM2NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="365" width="525" /></p>
<p>I am emerging from the land of green fog, also known as the day after St. Patrick's in Southie, to let you know I was selected as the "Best of Local Music Feature" for tomorrow's NECN's Morning Show. My songs "Just Rain" and "The Fantasy Me" will be aired sometime between 7-9 AM. If you live in New England and have cable, please check your local listings and set your DVR or VCR. (It's channel 6 in Downtown Boston.) I hope you'll be able to tune in and catch a tune or two!<br> <br> The airing is a nice treat since I'm waist-deep in recording new material. It's an excuse to come up for air from my GarageBand indentured servitude- I mean <em>the miraculous world of new technology available to musicians</em>. Sure. ;)</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707102012-11-06T19:00:00-05:002021-07-10T11:58:26-04:00An artist needs switch between vulnerability and a tough skin without missing a beat
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/944cb4a9e29708aa54662ab911395dedddf2856e/original/664305-816552215859-1705900657-o.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzUweDIzMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="233" width="350" /></p>
<p>Like a lot of musicians and music lovers, I was fortunate enough to visit NYC for the CMJ Music Festival just a week before Hurricane Sandy. I spent a week prepping for a headlining gig at Ella Lounge on Ave A, schlepping my guitar on the subway, making every elevator pitch I could and self-medicating with baklava in Astoria each night. ;)</p>
<p>This was the first year the powers that be decided to take the bold step of combining on-the-spot career counseling and performance in the form of a Pitch Party, a first-come first serve musical melee moderated by professional song publishers, music supervisors and A&R reps that are otherwise quite hard for a girl from Boston to access! They were crazy enough to offer it, so here’s my story of being crazy enough to go for it.</p>
<p>“I’ve been here for three days and I already have a nemesis. Or maybe I should say rival, that sounds nicer since we’re in the same field. Regardless, she wants to steal the spot in line I’ve earned for myself by waking up earlier than she did and the tension is building while we try not to stare at each other in a small hallway. The only other person with us is a kid from Jersey who wants to borrow my gear and complains when I am protective of it. The vibe is far from comfy but I’ve done my share of cattle calls that stretched around city blocks and I’m prepared to hold my own with two people who seem like compilations of dozen of ahem, “characters” I’ve met over the years in the industry.</p>
<p>When small-talk boundary setting doesn’t work and the girl simply tries to rush the door I’m camped out in front of, I get through it first. I’m not sure of how this is physically possible given everything I have with me and her head start but where there’s a will, there’s a way and sometimes being shorter (and insane) has its advantages. I snag the prime location: directly in front of the moderator and position my guitar so it is clear I am ready to play. There’s exactly one hour during the festival they are picking people to sing on the spot and I plan to make the most of it. Forty minutes of tension pass as the room fills and I reflect on just how bonkers the scene at the door got so quickly but console myself that people have done far more ridiculous things at Black Friday sales.</p>
<p>The reps everyone plans to circle and throw demos at take their seats. One observed me camped out in the hallway and tells the rest he’s picking me to begin the session. And just like that, I’m now standing up in the middle of a room full of people who wish it was them at the mic. </p>
<p>I sing and play “Just Rain” like my life depends on it. I know I nail the vocal and my guitar playing is solid despite being able to feel every muscle in my arms react to each time I strum. It’s either a strange side effect of the flu-like bug I’ve been fighting off or sheer adrenaline, but I don’t let it stop me. The reps are stone faced but no one in the crowd talks and a photographer begins taking pictures with a flash. I finish the song and take the deepest yoga tummy breath I can while the room generously claps. I take one more deep breath as the feedback begins.</p>
<p>The critique is surprisingly short and sweet: am I aware that I have used a non-traditional form as a songwriter? Could one or two lyrics be altered or sung differently? How different is my live version than the recorded version? The panelist who volunteers to address me is wearing her sun glasses inside and sounds like she’s been out closing rock clubs four nights in a row, which is probably the exact truth. The other panelists echo her feedback. There is nothing said about my performance, vocal or even guitar playing for better or worse. I take another deep breath and thank everyone for listening before reclaiming my seat.</p>
<p>No one else in the room has the guts to sing live. The people selected stream professional music videos their record labels have paid for or promotional material they’ve talked young film makers into creating on spec. A few people play something from a CD. One turns out to be a minor hit from a few years ago played on prime time television. I’m familiar with the artist and am surprised to see she still has to pitch her own work. She’s toured internationally and has played the Paradise in my hometown. She's worked with people I idolize. This is not amateur hour.</p>
<p>The first moment I have to feel vulnerable again is a few hours later when I have lunch alone outside. I feel like a bit of an old Folk foggy for having actually developed my live musicianship instead of video budget until I come to my senses. I observed the panel critique every single thing they didn’t like for others even if there was studio magic involved, so if they had nothing to say about my live performance then it’s probably one of the biggest compliments I could get from them! I’m the only one who had the nerve to get up there. I make some mental notes about the songwriting tweaks they suggest then watch a pigeon dive bomb into a neighboring table, stealing someone’s hero. Maybe it’s my lucky day after all!”</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707092012-09-06T20:00:00-04:002021-08-16T03:51:30-04:00I can fit my life's work in one envelope
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/c1ab8324e8968788c0a51244e24712825e362866/original/all-album-covers.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTY3eDU2NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="567" width="567" /></p>
<p>A slightly terrifying thought, but fairly convenient. This is my odd way of thanking everyone who was kind enough to vote for me to perform on the E! TV show "Opening Act". I greatly appreciate the time it took for everyone to create logins, vote multiple times, write me encouraging notes and even plug my music to their friends. While in-person cattle calls can be brutal and battles of the bands aren't my style, I was very touched by the outpouring of support everyone offered for this particular contest. Although I wasn't selected, it was super fun to hold my own little raffle to select the fan mail prize pictured above, carefully drawing a name of a fan who voted out of a large box.<br> <br> Those three CDs are my life's work. They represent years of struggle and sacrifice and a whole lot of teaching voice lessons to pay for studio time, at least to me. Hopefully, they represent good driving music or a favorite ballad to everyone else. But to me, they are the manifestation of everything I've learned about music, sung and written- and they're small enough to fit in one envelope! What an unnerving thought- especially considering how digital copies would be even less tangible. Facing this reality is probably a veiled way to ponder my mortality... OR AN EXCUSE TO START A FOURTH RECORD ASAP! ;)</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707082012-03-19T20:00:00-04:002012-06-07T07:20:14-04:00Music played on 100th station!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/3a598913a763bc1bed46933d751a72b581169e3a/original/happy-100-stations.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTY3eDQyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="425" width="567" />Alright, this blog is pretty special. ;) <br> <br>Just last week I celebrated a very special anniversary: my music turning 100. Yes, I know, my music seems like it's practically a teenager, or at least an semi-dramatic undergrad a la Felicity, but my music is actually 100 stations old. It had been hovering around 98 stations old for several months, perhaps slowed down by winter, but thanks to an early spring (and a gangsta week where I played on both WinCAM and BNN) the big bday came last Friday. I celebrated with a cake, some wine... and then some more cake and wine! It felt so good to pause and feel grateful for how lucky I've been... and then the sugar high set in and I just danced around like crazy! ;)</p>
<p>Meanwhile, I'll be stepping far, far away from computers (well, once I finish typing this, lol!) to play at TT the Bear's this Saturday night with a full rock band. We're opening for Grace Woodroofe, an Australian artist on Universal Records on her international tour. (Yup, you read that right. It's a pretty sweet gig!) The show starts early, with doors at 7 PM and me on a few minutes after that. There's no late night cabs or snow involved and it's a GOOD bill. I hope you'll join us!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707072011-12-13T19:00:00-05:002012-06-07T07:49:23-04:002nd printing, TT the Bear's & OWN TV... thanks to you all! :)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/984dbf8eb4142c2449a96500afe96fdf1ec579b6/original/second-printing.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTY3eDQyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="425" width="567" />I'd like to thank you for helping me make 2011 such an awesome year for my music. I got to play live on the radio for the first time, hear my songs on new radio stations *and* TV shows, and take goofy risks recording- including trying to sound like Kanye West while messing around with intentional auto-tune at midnight! You can hear the craziest example of that in my song, Wingwoman. <br> <br>The biggest news is my new EP "The Southie Chanteuse" moved to its second printing. If you'd like a copy, you can order a physical CD for $8 from http://laurenflaherty.bandcamp.com/ (CDs are $5 at shows- including tomorrow night's set at TT the Bear's in Cambridge.) You can also order a digital download of the album by naming your price at the same site. (Earlier albums are still on iTunes, with physical copies available at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LaurenFlaherty ) <br> <br>My back catalog has been doing very well and was recently played during several episodes of "Breaking Down The Bars" on the OWN network. I haven't been able to find any online clips to share yet, but if you'd like to listen to my song "Just Rain" and read true crime stories about women, you'll have some of the effect they've been going for. ;) <br> <br>Some random updates: I didn't get to play at Occupy Boston because the power grid was destroyed by rain earlier in the day. I'm sad to see the tent city gone but I am relieved that no one was seriously hurt. New England is a hard place to be outside in the winter! <br> <br>I was lucky enough to get some amazing feedback from labels and publishers when I was in NY for CMJ. Since a lot of people who enjoy my music are artists in their own right, I'd like to share their top tips in the hopes they will light your creative fires: <br> <br>- social media is great and selling lots of tickets and drinks is fabulous, but the quality of the music is essential, otherwise your "art" is disposable. <br> <br>- the best way to attract the interest of the music industry (or probably any industry) is to build on what you have in your own backyard until it is so big you can't keep up with it. <br> <br>I'd like to add to that by saying, at the end of the day, "the business" is just the business. It doesn't make the music and life wouldn't sound any different if "the business" left a room. If the musicians left a room, the music stops. Let's never forget who makes the music happen- musicians and fans!</p>
Lauren Flahertytag:laurenflaherty.com,2005:Post/60707062011-09-12T20:00:00-04:002021-06-26T15:16:43-04:00Post CD Release Awesomeness!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/394849/66d02ee2f9c3f639602ed69ad690340e725413d1/original/me-and-rebecca.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTY3eDQyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="425" width="567" /></p>
<p>Things have been pretty crazy for me since I released "The Southie Chanteuse" (now on iTunes and Spotify!) I got to open for Rebecca Loebe at Cafe 939- you may know her from NBC's The Voice, but I know her as my friend from Berklee. I am thrilled to say that she is still 100% a sweetheart, now with killer chops to boot! <br> <br>To promote my new EP, I also played live on WMFO's The Dweezil Show, hosted by DJ Phil Fleming. I've never played solo on the radio before and was worried the July heat would make my brain melt and forget all my lyrics and chords, but amazingly, it didn't! (The heat did get to me when I managed to get lost in Somerville afterwards... yeah, that's right, it was the heat's fault...) <br> <br>I've been enjoying a great reception to the new material and was played for the first time on WFNX's Boston Accents and WZLX's Boston Emissions. Host Anngelle Wood was even nice enough to ask me to play her MONDO Thursday Showcase this week at the Plough and Stars! As far as I'm concerned, anytime you are invited to play a showcase by a big DJ in your city, you are doing something right! ;) <br> <br>If late nights in Cambridge pubs aren't your thing, two of my older songs "Show To Me" and "Wake Up" will be featured on NECN's morning show this Friday, sometime between 7-9 AM. (I'll be setting my DVR and hitting snooze!) <br> <br>I want to thank everyone who helped get me to this exciting point. There is no better feeling than having your hometown's support for doing what you love. Over the next few months I'll be playing more local shows and FINALLY returning to NYC. I'm also testing the waters with possible mini-touring, internet performances and winter recording. My plan is to just keep going since music feels more fun than ever.</p>
Lauren Flaherty