Multi-hyphenate powerhouse Lauren Marcus released her latest track, “Skinny & Blonde,” on all streaming platforms this October 27. People saw her play the song live at Rockwood Music Hall on Sunday, November 12 at 7 p.m. On Monday, October 30th, the single and its accompanying music video made their world premiere on Lauren’s YouTube channel, just in time for Halloween thrills. An additional element of Halloween merriment is added by the video’s humorous exploration of the concept of authenticity in identity through the use of wigs and costume changes.
Not only does “Skinny & Blonde” include the Broadway-caliber vocals that Marcus’s fans have come to anticipate, but it also features a timeless message in the age of social media: conforming to the expectations of others is costly. The song’s fundamental theme is about staying true to oneself, and Marcus encourages listeners to enjoy their unique selves rather than searching for a diluted imitation of someone else. Her message stems from experiences she has had in life. You’re going to make a fool of yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s physical, creative, or moral, you’ll pay the price,” adds Marcus.
When I created this song, I was at my thinnest and blondest, both literally and figuratively. For me, “skinny and blonde” might refer to someone who is neither of those things in reality. That was really tragic; it was once a goal of mine and an appearance I was convinced would my professional life and, by extension, my contentment. Surprise! Not at all! And it has made an already bad situation infinitely worse for me!
“Skinny & Blonde” was produced and mixed by Ian Kagey, mastered by Oscar Zambrano, orchestrated by Charlie Rosen and recorded in NYC’s Power Station. Jeremy Yaddaw on drums, Rob Rokic- ki on piano, Mike Rosengarten on guitar, Danny Jonokuchi on trumpet, Becca Patterson on trombone, Lauren Marcus on wurlitzer, Amara Brady on lead vocals, Katie Lee Hill on background vocals, Hana Slevin on saxophone, and Natalie Walker on wurlitzer. Halleloo Creative filmed the music video for “Skinny & Blonde” at the Sound View Hotel in Greenport, New York. It was directed by Nathan Chang with creative direction by Max Friedman, produced by Shelby Smith, executive produced by Corey Sheppard, photographed by Steven Bailey, edited by Derek Johnson, and featured makeup/hair by Rachel Es- tabrook, and car/extra assistance provided by Will Roland and Steph Wessels.
Concerning LAUREN MARCUS, imagine a supergroup consisting of all the female rock stars you’ve ever liked. Example: “Mix equal parts soul from Linda Ronstadt, sexiness from Tina Turner, grit from Pat Benatar, defiance from Debbie Harry, and playfulness from all of the Go-Go’s, bake at 350 degrees, and frost with a five-inch thick layer of The Icing of Originality, and you have Lauren Marcus.
“BroadwayWorld New York City-based actor, singer, and writer Lauren Marcus has been called “fabulous” by the Boston Globe and a “powerhouse” by the Chicago Tribune for her work in both mediums. Lauren has performed at the legendary Rockwood Music Hall numerous times, usually with a band of twelve onstage. She is now completing her debut full-length album after the 2016 release of her debut EP, Never Really Done With You, and also currently attempting to figure out how the hell to fit a string section into the stage narrative of her upcoming show. Lauren’s live performances, which she likens to a combination of a party and a form of therapy, feature a blend of the upbeat melodies of 1960s pop, the lyrical poetry of 1970s troubadours, and the electric edge of today’s indie rock, as well as a good dose of theatricality.
Her music is at once a throwback and absolutely forward-thinking. Theatergoers will recognize Lauren from her recent roles in “Be More Chill” and “White Girl in Danger” on Broadway and Off Broadway, as well as Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter. She passionately embraces the celebration of self-expression and self-love while being unabashedly honest about the stuff that gets her (and a lot of the world) down. -DCMetroArts.
Listen to “ Skinny And Blonde” on Spotify:
