Q&A's

 

Though young country starlet Laine Lonero made a tremendous splash on the scene with her songs "No Sweat” and “Back to Me,” when she released “Broke” earlier this year she threw the door to her next chapter wide open, showcasing a tremendous growth spurt in her songwriting and vocal prowess. With her new single “Trouble” looming on the horizon, we had the chance to check in with Laine and talk all about the two new singles, this next chapter of her music, the tease of more new singles coming soon, her debut appearance during CMA Fest this past month, and much more!

(Interview by: Jeffrey Kurtis)

 

1)You’ve got a brand-new single coming out later this month (July 2023), “Trouble.” Tell us a little about the song and what we can expect from it.

Pretty excited about this one. Since the day we finished it, myself and my co-writers, Justin Williams and Ryan Smith, have loved this one. It’s really about not learning from your relationship mistakes and repeating bad patterns when it comes to finding that special someone. My friends tell me I look for the wrong things and one day I will figure it out. I’m hoping they know what they are talking about. 

2) The track was produced by Chris August. What do you feel Chris brought to the studio that helped shape the song and make it pop in ways that may not have otherwise been part of it?

Chris is fun to work with, and I love how we worked closely on the creation of this one. He really listens to my suggestions, which is important to me, while also working his magic. We were both really happy with how it turned out. Tracking the vocals first allows us to go through the whole song talking about some of the specifics and wants before bringing in the musicians. Chris brought in Aaron Sterling on drums which was pretty exciting. When a person makes you feel valued, it really makes the whole process feel right. 

3) “Trouble” follows your very well-received, last single release, “Broke.” In what ways do you feel “Trouble” will show a different side of your music in comparison, but in what ways do you feel it will continue to highlight your signature characteristics as well?

I was so happy and still am with the way “Broke” was received. Getting three editorials on Spotify was just a dream come true for me.  This business is all about steppingstones, and I feel like I went up a couple with this song. So glad Amanda Cooksey and I finally got it together and wrote together. Maks Gabriel did a great job on production as well. I still have a long way to go, I am just hopeful for at least the same success with “Trouble.”  These songs were written with different co-writers and producers, but I am trying to stay true to myself and hopefully that comes out in my music. My biggest goal is for people to find my music relatable and although “Trouble” is more of an up-tempo song, as compared to “Broke,” I feel like my releases have hit that mark and I hope my listeners feel the same. 

4) The music video for “Broke” was very well done and added a strong visual element to the emotion of the lyrics. Is there a music video in the works for “Trouble,” and if so, what can you tell us about it?

We’ve done a lot of clips and filming for “Trouble” for promo purposes but have not filmed an actual music video. Chris Kalbaugh with Let Live Media has been helping me out with videography and has continued to be so creative in finding way to promote “Trouble.” As much as I love the song the inspiration for a video has not come to me yet. Hopefully something will come to me soon. 

5) You mentioned that you co-wrote “Broke” with Amanda Cooksey…who we love! Co-writing is a really big thing in the Nashville songwriting community. What do you like most about the creative process of getting in a room with someone else to write a song versus writing it solo?

It's basically “twice as nice” or more in some cases I guess. It’s so much fun pooling ideas and bouncing things off of each other.

6) On the subject of songwriting, you’re currently enrolled in the renowned songwriting program at Belmont University. We have talked with several writers and artists who have come through that program, and they all give it high praise. How has being part of this program already helped your growth as a songwriter?

Since I started going to Nashville when I was around 14 years old, I dreamed of going to Belmont University. I owe all of that desire to Will Rambeaux and Sherrie Austin for teaching me the beginnings of the songwriting fundamentals. My whole life has been about performing whether it was singing, theater, dance, guitar, or piano lessons. It just seemed right going to Belmont and to tell you the truth, I really did not consider anywhere else. Being in the school and the songwriting program has allowed me the opportunities to meet, perform, and learn with so many talented people, whether it be students or staff.  It’s a music community and just being surrounded by it makes you a better artist. 

7) Switching over to your performances. You took part in the most recent CMA Fest at a round with the Nash News at Assembly Food Hall. Tell us about your experience during CMA Fest week.

This was actually my first CMA fest. I had such a great time getting to perform and seeing what it’s all about. So grateful to Nash News for inviting me to play as a featured artist. Besides playing with Nash News, I worked with Alani Nutrition during the show and got to walk around town and see it all. Looking forward to even more involvement next year hopefully.

8) You have a pretty cool gig coming up later this month with the Southern Fellow Birthday Bash. Why do our friends in New Smyrna Beach, Florida need to not only come out to support this show, but also make sure to add seeing you play to their calendar?

This is the 2nd year that I am heading to New Smyrna Beach with Patrick and Southern Fellow.  Patrick really has created a music family for us. We always have fun performing together whether it’s in Nashville or Florida. There are many fun things to do in Nashville and Florida. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and the welcome dinner from Patrick happens to fall on my release day which is exciting.  We will be performing at the newly renovated Chases on the Beach on the 29th. This was devastated last year from the hurricane and is now ready to go again. I am no stranger to hurricanes and the damage they can cause being from Louisiana. 

9) A lot of people will recognize you from your earlier songs “No Sweat” and “Back to Me,” with “Broke” and “Trouble” now paving the way for your next chapter. So, what can we expect in the near future from Laine Lonero? More new music? An EP?

Definitely going to try to keep the momentum going. I waited over a year to put new music out after putting “Back to Me” out. Not sure of the reason but that song meant a lot to me, and it was a pretty difficult year for me. It was a big part of helping me heal during that time. Hopefully one day I will put an EP out, but for now, I am focusing on singles. I have a couple more up my sleeve so stay tuned. 

10) We always end our Q&A’s with this one, but what one piece of advice can you offer to someone who is just starting out and trying to break into the music industry?

Don’t expect it all to happen right away. It takes hard work and dedication to your craft. Not sure about everywhere, but I have learned that in Nashville you have to earn your place.  Take your wins as they come and focus on things one day at a time, while still having your end game in your sights. 

 

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