‘When The Night Kills The Day: The Lauren Pritchard Story'

Once upon a time there was a girl called Lauren. She lived in grassy, green Madison County, Tennessee where people are as sweet as the tea they make. She’d sing songs in her yard and run around with ballerinas, big kitty cats and her brothers all the livelong day.

One winter evening Lauren decided she wanted a change of scenery. She wanted to leave her comfortable grasslands and start a joyride. She traveled far to La La land and danced with the faeries in Beverly Hills, all the while humming along to Bob Marley and playing pianos.

Then Lauren ventured to Gotham City (out of a pure and deep love for Batman) to take to the stages of the great White Way as a long-haired bohemian.

Now 6 years, 9 tattoos, 4 electric tea kettles, 3 cities, 2 tours and 1 Nord keyboard later, she’s in the bushes with the shepherds of London, singing of her homeland with the Lolo Army ready for the next round of life attacks.

Lauren knows life is first-rate come what may. The End.

Well, not quite ... for Exclusive Magazine recently sat down with Lauren Pritchard and discussed her new debut album, the Tony-winning musical, Spring Awakening, and of course, ... Penguins!

Taking it from the top and how does a girl from a small US town make it all the way to now residing in the UK, playing festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude? Was it an easy path or were there speed bumps along the way? "Lots of speed bumps but getting to play legendary festival like Glastonbury is a once in a lifetime experience. Its such an amazing festival."

You've even opened up for Florence and The Machine - how was that and did you get to spend time with Florence Welch? "It was for the iTunes festival last summer and it was just one day so it wasn't too much time together. But it was a pleasure to open up for her and she's a babe."

Your debut album is entitled, 'Wasted In Jackson' - so, I was wondering, as there are ten (10) cities named Jackson in the US, not including towns and townships, which one was the reason for the title?! "Jackson, Tennessee zip code 38301 :)"

And, be honest now, have you ever been wasted in Jackson?! "Yes, yes I definitely have been a few times, both literally and metaphorically."

With regard your new album, today, which is your favorite song to listen to - and why? "Hmm.....if I had to pick I'd say 'Going Home.' There's a keyboard part played by a Roland Juno 6 keyboard, I love that bit!!"

The press has you nailed as a vocal mix of Adele, Norah Jones, and Joss Stone, but do you see yourself in a different songstress light, perhaps? "I agree with them a bit, but I think I'm a bit more bluesey as well - Dusty Springfield blues."

You originated the role of 'Ilse' in the Tony-winning musical, Spring Awakening - how much fun was that back then, and what one memory from it still resonates with you today? "It was such an incredible experience, a whirlwind at times but such an ace show to be a part of. The curtain rising up for the 2007 Tony Awards performance at Radio City Music Hall will always be unforgettable."

You will be here in Ann Arbor, MI on 04/11 playing The Ark - what kind of show can we expect from you that night, and (based on your album title) will you be wasted whilst performing?! "Definitely won't be wasted while performing!! We're doing an acoustic show for this US tour. It highlights the songs in a special way, people in other cities have been enjoying it. It's been exciting!!"

It's been said that you have multiple tattoos! If so, and as we're not called Exclusive Magazine for nothing, what are they of and where are they located?! "I've got 9 tattoos, they're all over...back, arms, ribs...lots of things to do with birds and God. Two things that are special to me."

Lastly, and throwing you a journalistic curve ball, Exclusive Magazine love penguins ... do you, perhaps? "Yes! And that film 'March of the Penguins' is in my top 10 for favorite films!!"

Interview: Russell A. Trunk

www.laurenpritchard.com

www.myspace.com/laurenpritchardmusic

www.facebook.com/laurenpritchardmusic

So, if you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of this new CD, and you think you know all there is to know about one of Lauren's influences, Dusty Springfield, just answer this easy question: Dusty was once ranked on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock 'N Roll ... but, what # was she ranked at?!