R.E.N is an LA-based artist built for the stage — trained in dance and theater, and a veteran of runways from Giorgio Armani to Dolce & Gabbana. Her trap-laced R&B is made for the stage and the streets. Since 2021, she’s gone all in as a multi-instrumentalist who writes, drums, and plays guitar — performing at iconic venues from Sunset Blvd’s Bootsy Bellows and The Viper Room to Tokyo rooftops and NYFW after parties.
With “R.E.N” out now, we took some time to hear from R.E.N. Read below to learn more about R.E.N, the story behind the titular song, and what’s to come.
Hi R.E.N! Let’s start with how did you choose your stage name?
R.E.N was a nickname given to me by my high school best friend, Sarah Yim. While everyone else nicknamed me “Lo,” based on the first half of my name, she opted for the last three letters of my full name, “Lauren.”
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born and raised in LA. I spent a year modeling abroad in Italy, then 4 years in NY, before coming back home to LA where I live now.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I always loved music. I’ve been giving concerts to my mirror in wigs and my sister’s old jazz costumes since I could walk, demanding everyone call me “Beyoncé” and refusing to answer when they didn’t comply. But, my mom saw more natural talent in other performing arts — theatre and dance — so that’s where she put me instead.
It wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, Kyle, in 2020 that things changed. He convinced me it wasn’t too late to start music, even though I felt behind — every musician I knew had been singing or playing instruments since they were toddlers. On maybe our 4th date, he put me in the booth and we recorded my first cover, “Feel Me” by Selena Gomez. After he comped my vocals, I realized that I had way more to work with than I’d given myself credit for. So, I got a vocal coach and a guitar teacher and went for it. I was 21, and I’m so glad that I started when I did.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is still evolving. I honestly don’t feel like I’ve quite hit the sweet spot that feels the most authentic to me yet, but I know that I’m close. I started extremely pop then over corrected with raunchy rap and have been working my way back to something in between. I’d say trap-laced R&B is my ideal pocket.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I love a hot girl walk with my besties (friends, a joint, and a stroll around the neighborhood). I also love bike rides, listening to music headed to a cute cafe or the beach. I took up gardening not too long ago and get the greatest endorphin hits from transforming my balcony to a creative garden oasis. It’s been an ongoing process, slowly but surely making it more and more magical. I’m a big reader, so I’ll always have a book in my purse. All of those activities keep me connected to my playful inner child, and my creativity flows best when she’s being nurtured.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I LOVE Jessie Reyez, 6lack, and Olivia Dean. In my latest unreleased music, I strived for a sound that’s a musical fusion of the 3 of them.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with Jessie Reyez and 6lack. Every song they have together is peak in my opinion, and I’d love to be included in that magic. I’d love to drum with Travis Barker one day and have him give me pointers. I’d love to open for J. Cole and Kendrick. All of which is thoroughly detailed on my vision board. ✨
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
A really simple one that came early on was the first time Kyle’s seasoned musician friends saw me perform in San Francisco. Before then, they were aware that I made music, but I don’t think they took me seriously. That changed after they saw me on stage. I felt seen and respected after that night and went on to collaborate with several of them.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Nothing is a waste of time. Even when I spend weeks on something that I ultimately don’t end up releasing or I do release and it doesn’t perform in the way I’d hoped for, it’s not a loss. I grew as a person and an artist in the process of creating regardless of the outcome. Oftentimes, the effort pays off in future ways that I would’ve never predicted. God always has a plan, I can rarely see His vision until it alchemizes, and it’s ALWAYS better than what I’d initially hoped for. So keep creating. Don’t beat yourself up for “wasting time” on something that didn’t seem to pay off in the moment.
Now onto your release, “R.E.N.” What prompted you to self-title the single?
When I first started making music, I was extremely self-conscious introducing myself as “R.E.N,” my inner critic was playing all the imposter syndrome tapes: “you’re an amateur,” “who do you think you are,” etc., and I really needed that b*tch to shut up. So, I said: “I’m gonna make an anthem. It’s gonna be as bad*ss as I know I am and when doubt tries to creep in, I’m gonna play that sh*t like a theme song and say it with my chest.” So, that’s exactly what I did.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “R.E.N?”
The cover art is a shot of me at the end of the runway in The Blonds’ 2023 New York Fashion Week show. I consider that look, image, and show as one of the top highlights in my entire modeling career. It captured a moment I felt most confident and that confidence is exactly what I wanted to embody in “R.E.N.”
What was the creative process like when making “R.E.N?”
I started writing it in the car, where most of my song ideas are born. I made a rough version of the lyrics and brought them to my mentor, vocal coach, and co-writer Zenya, and we fleshed it out together (some of the hardest bars in the song are courtesy of that baddie). I’d sent a reference song to my producer roommate, Lektrique, who’s responsible for producing the majority of my bangers (luhh you boo), and he whipped up a track. We recorded it in his room in 2023, and I released it 3 years later.
How long did it take to complete “R.E.N?”
From conception to finshed product probably 2 weeks. It was one writing session with Zenya and one recording session with Vince. Now that I think about it, I was really sick when we recorded it. I remember constantly running to the bathroom, and I could hear him through the door adding tasty sound bites that make the track especially fire. After we laid down the vocals, I retreated to my bed and could hear him continuing to produce it out downstairs over the next couple days.
What is your favorite lyric in “R.E.N” and why?
Easy, “I ain’t a groupie, I’m a rockstar.” My boyfriend is a very established musician with GRAMMY nominations, Billboard awards, a Spotify Billions plaque, the works. So when we started dating (before that fateful show I told you about earlier), I felt categorized simply as “Kyle’s girlfriend,” but I’m more than that. I ain’t a groupie, I’m a fckn Rockstar.
What do you hope fans take away from “R.E.N” and your music in general?
I’m a child of the runway – I make stomp music. So when fans put on my music, I want them to feel so confident that they STRUT their way through life. The world is your runway, baby. Move through it with your head up, shoulders back, and confidence on 10.
What’s next? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Since taking up drumming 9 months ago, it’s all I’ve wanted to spend my days doing, so you can definitely look forward to more drumming content coming your way. With its official release date TBD, my single, “Down Doggy,” is up next before the end of the year, so stay tuned!
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/lo.forge
https://www.tiktok.com/@lo.forge
https://www.youtube.com/@loforge
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
