Get to know 2023 Jazz Album of the Year: Solo nominee, Lauren Falls in our “7 Questions With” series where we speak with first-time JUNO Award nominees from all genres.
Lauren Falls is a sought-after bassist, composer, and bandleader who over the last decade has been making her mark both on the Toronto and New York jazz scenes. Ms. Falls has an undeniably strong command of the bass and is in demand both as a sidewoman and bandleader. As a composer and arranger, she creates music that is melodically enticing and harmonically entrancing.
1. How does it feel to be nominated for a JUNO award?
It feels incredible to nominated. It’s definitely something I’ve always dreamt of happening. I’ve followed the Junos since I was a kid and to be nominated along side some of my favourite musicians is truly an honour.
2. Tell us a bit about your JUNO-nominated project.
The project that has been nominated is my second album as a bandleader. The title of the album is “A Little Louder Now.” It’s inspired by and based around the evolution and journey of becoming a more confident and courageous musician and person. The music is instrumental jazz written for quintet and the compositions are meant to emote the feeling of hope and inspiration, and hopefully bring comfort to those who are also on their own journey.
3. What has been the craziest moment of your music career to date?
Can I say being nominated for a JUNO? It is definitely up there!
4. What’s your favourite song from this project and why? What is the meaning behind it?
My favourite song from this project is “Jupiter.” It was the last song that was written for the album, about a week before we recorded it and was written in anticipation of my son being born. The vibe of the song is strong and determined just like him.
5. Which Canadian artist would you like to collaborate with and why?
I think a dream collaboration would be to collaborate with Joni Mitchell. I mean, she played with Charles Mingus in the 70’s so maybe she’d be into doing another jazz record with an upright bassist? Her music has been a huge inspiration and has kept me going as an artist for a long time.
6. What would you like music fans to know about you? How would you introduce your music to
new or soon-to-be fans?
I would let anyone interested in checking out my music know that I try my best to create jazz that doesn’t just appeal to jazz fans but lovers of all types of music. When writing music I’m constantly thinking about what feeling a song might evoke in a listener and my hope is that the music provides comfort, hope or whatever the listener is needing in that moment.
7. What’s next for you?
The next step for me is to start working on the next album! I’ve already started writing some new music and thinking of some overall themes. I’m hoping to get another record out in the next year or two. What’s next in the near future is just a lot of gigs and then summer jazz festivals.
Rewatch every performance and memorable moment from The 2023 JUNO Awards broadcast, on CBC Gem, CBCMusic.ca/junos and The JUNO Awards social channels.
