Lauren shares an apartment with my daughter J.Lucy in Eugene Oregon . They are perfect room mates. Dedicated to each other’s well-being and happiness, respectful of each other’s privacy. Packages of snack cakes, socks and various sundries I send my daughter always include something for Lauren. Lauren and J.Lucy are about to leave Oregon to launch the post college phase of their lives. They will be leaving school, but taking their deep abiding friendship with them.

Jill

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I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA by my single mother, a photographer. My father was trained in drumming by the famous Buddy Rich beginning at a young age, and later became talented at both the guitar and singing. Musical talent runs strongly in my blood on that side of my family. At the age of 6, I began piano lessons. Immediately discovering my ability to play by ear, I put my teachers under the impression that I knew how to read music. I began playing guitar, singing, and songwriting at age 13. During my first two years of college, at University of Oregon, I played keyboard and sang in a rock and roll garage band. Most recently, I studied guitar, singing, and piano in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 5 months. I now perform as a solo artist at local venues around Eugene. I was accepted into a prestigious music program in Los Angeles, and turned down the offer to work at a record label and pursue a music career with the tools I already have. My musical inspirations include Jack White, Karen O., Neil Young, Charlotte Gainsborough, The Black Keys and Adele.

There are two concepts, which guide my music-making process: accepting imperfections, and continually breaking down personal and societal boundaries. Asking for and accepting help is a skill that I have had to develop throughout my life because I have always been attracted to the idea of independence. While independence is vital to making decisions regarding my art, it is also important to have the humility to learn from others. By making consistent effort to stay open to constructive criticism, new ideas can percolate my shield of independence. Personal experience shows that vulnerability and imperfection are catalysts for growth. Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen says, “There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” In gaining acceptance around imperfection, it has come to play a quintessential role in my songwriting and performing.

A boundary represents that which prevents someone from growth. My experience shows that these boundaries, most often, take the form of fear. I strive to push myself through self-created boundaries. The result of continuing to challenge myself has been an immense rise in my self-esteem. When faced with decisions, in the medium of music, and life, I choose the path with unexplored territory (usually the one I am most scared of) because it always leads to growth. The first of these experiences were uncomfortable, however, I can see now that they created a blueprint for having the faith in myself to accomplish my goals. Upon moving back to Los Angeles, I will lead a rock and roll/ blues band, and dedicate my time to the music studio, so as to continue my work as a songwriter. Eventually, I plan to open a small record label.

www.laurenwalterrozells.com

Lauren Walter-Rozells

Lauren Walter-Rozells

J.Lucy at home