Q: What was your creative process in making “2 Is Company”?
LARAE: From the time I started making music, I have always done it in the comfort of my own bedroom, my sanctuary. For this song specifically, I made it on a drunken 2 am night in the living room after a long phone call with one my really good friends. I always like to tell stories, and with this I wanted to capture this messy era that I was in. The instrumentation of the song feels very luscious and sexy, a state of mind I was trying to convince myself I was in- that my life was together and that I was living this fast-paced, luxurious lifestyle of vices with no consequences. With the lyrics is where you find more emotional depth to the song where it is observed as a conversation between two lovers, where one strong yearns for something deeper, big rings and better things, while the other just likes how their body feels on them, laid up on a loveseat, a placeholder, if you will.
Q: Did any real-life events occur in your life that inspired this song?
LARAE: I was going through a really rough personal patch with myself and in my relationship with my partner, and I think this was my form of escapism. At the time, I was back in my hometown, Indianapolis, IN during New Year’s going into 2024 and I was honestly just kind of spiraling. I was very much using many things outside of myself as means to cope, whether it be sex, drugs, or alcohol. One thing that always called to me and only felt like the true key to start processing and healing was to hop back into the music mode. It has saved my life again and again and I can confidently say that a year later, everything in my life has changed for the better and I have finally found my brain, heart, and soul again.
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
LARAE: Oh absolutely, it was during the pandemic in 2020 that really caused me to sit down and reevaluate who and what I wanted to be. I was always told to choose one path and stick to it, but why can’t I do everything? Why can’t I BE everything? So I did, by any means necessary. I started making music in more bedroom and have not stopped since. It’s been a long and tough road as I produce, mix, and craft each vocal tediously. In the same breath though, it has been a very educational experience and one of the best journeys I have ever been on and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
LARAE: I would say my sound has shifted so much, I honestly feel that I make music in every genre, so it has always been hard to categorize myself. I think my music is definitely for those people that love do dance through their uncomfortability. A lot of it is very reminiscent of early 90’s RnB, while also having pop elements, DnB, and Afrobeat. I would say that I make music that is very healing, as that is what it has always done for me.
Q: What projects are currently in the works?
LARAE: I am currently in the process of releasing my third studio album by the same name, “2 Is Company”, which is set to release in the early summer. It was a two year long process, one in which I was not even sure if I was going to be making an album. I had so many ideas, from just a stream of singles, to an EP, until it finally clicked when I was listening over all of the material. I had slowly crafted something unlike my previous albums that were more intentional. I am excited as it also feels like a meshing of artistry from the previous works. I think it has the production value and cohesion of “A.D.O.N.I.S” while also still giving a blend of genres and “reckless” approach to my debut, “The Art Of Sex”. It truly has been a healing album and feels the most like the sonic vision that resonates with my spirit. I’m super excited for you guys to hear it.
Q: Any parting words to your fans?
LARAE: If there is anything you want to do in this life, know that you have the power to manifest and create anything that you want. Just also know that most things do not come easy and that it does require a lot of hard work, dedication, pushing yourself past your own limits, and knowing that every day is not sunny on whatever journey you are on, there will be rain. Believe in yourself and rely on your intuition, as there will be people that come along to try and deter you or tell you that what you’re doing is either too much, not enough, or just flat out wrong. Trust yourself and also trust that everything will always work out when you step forward with faith in something higher and allow grace for mistakes.
Interviewed by Taylor Berry
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