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Bona fide Aotearoa talent L.A. Mitchell (Lauren Barus) has today peeled back another layer to her artistry, with her raw and bold new single, ‘Mother’.
Ruminating on the trials of the 21st century, ‘Mother’ is a masterclass in the tender songwriting capabilities of L.A. Mitchell - an artist who has proved time and time again her gift for soaring and introspective reflections on the human experience. The track treats us to the grandeur of Lauren’s piano, cinematic drums and emotive vocals - beautifully encapsulating the soundscape of motherhood, coming of age, and yearning for change.
“‘Mother’ is a lament from the perspective of the child watching the world, and the distractions that remove the attention of the parent,” explains Lauren. “But also a lament from a parent that this world isn’t fit to raise a child in. That what you have to do to meet the needs materially directly impacts your ability to meet their needs emotionally, and that we constantly compromise and constantly lament having to compromise.”
Already an established force in Aotearoa music, Lauren’s expansive career has seen her writing, touring, and recording with kiwi legends such as Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Tim Finn, Anna Coddington, Sola Rosa, Dukes, Troy Kingi, Dallas Tamaira, and more. Just recently, she was a finalist for the 2024 Best Folk Artist award at the AMAs for her work with husband Matt Barus in Terrible Sons.
Now, ‘Mother’ takes us deeper into Lauren’s world, following recent singles ‘Glove’ (Rolling Stone, Radio Active, R1, The May Magazine) and ‘Slow Dancing’ (RadioScope Alt Chart, 95bFM, Radio Active, RDU, R1) in what is proving to be a triumphant return to solo releases.
Written during Lauren’s own journey of shifting her music-making journey through parenthood, ‘Mother’ was written and recorded at the artist’s home studio in Diamond Harbour, alongside producer Mark Perkins. Regular collaborator Naomi Haussman worked with the artist on yet another gorgeous visualiser for the track, set to be released in the coming weeks.
“This song is a protest against the insufficiency of our current world-view on what is best for the future; the ignorance of leadership to properly value parenting, caring, nurturing and gentleness,” says Lauren. “We all absorb social narratives to be more productive and economically driven, while all the things that matter to our kids - attention, love, nurturing, comfort, tenderness and gentleness - are the opposite, and require the opposite from us.
“I hate watching what that cycle does to me and what conclusions my children are drawing about themselves because of what they see.”
A powerful, poignant and defiant message from L.A. Mitchell, fans will not want to miss the opportunity to bare witness to her upcoming national solo tour! Alongside these stunning performances, Lauren offers a chance for women to reconnect with their voice and power, leading a series of vocal workshops while on the road!
Tickets and more info for shows and workshops from lamitchell.nz
L.A. Mitchell - Meaningful Work - Solo Tour
November 9 - NCMA, Nelson
November 16 - The Chamber room, Christchurch
November 23 - Ahumairangi studios, Wellington
December 7 - Pitt St Methodist church, Auckland
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