The Hype Magazine Interview with LS Lane
Taking her hustle mentality coupled
with real life adversities and pain, LS uses her pen as her magic wand and the
mic as her sword. Lois “LS” Lane is a reflection of her on stage transformation
which occurs in a matter of seconds. Her Superman simply forms in the image of
a handheld microphone where the dynamic virtue can not be ignored. With an undeniable
sex appeal and beauty, this gifted lyricist, SINGER, songwriter, producer,
model, & host is more than just a pretty face.
By the
age of 13, LS (originally presented as Lady Shaun) was performing in high
school talent shows working the crowd and spitting rhymes. With her love of
music and the arts, LS continued to hone her skills and craft by writing,
performing in showcases throughout her native Louisville, Kentucky community
and joining a local band. As time passed and her focused shifted, LS was
determined to take her career to the next level. With her no nonsense attitude,
motivation and desire to be the next platinum selling artist, LS relocated to
Atlanta WITH A DREAM.
Never
one to stay constant, LS emerged with a new swag and persona (LS: The Last
Standin'). In a city like Atlanta, there is no shortage of talent so LS had to
make her mark and she has done so by being versatile. On the musical side, LS
tours the Southeastern Regional markets doing shows and expanding her
ever-growing fan base. In addition, she has opened for such noted artists as
Teyana Taylor and Chrisette Michelle, MYA, EightBall & MJG, 112, Field
Mob, Da Brat, Ying Yang Twins, Crystal Waters, and Trina to name a few. LS
continues to challenge herself as an artist and performer as a front vocalist
with Hip Hop/R&B cover band Culture Sol, and background vocalist for
corporate cover band, Atlanta Rhythm & Groove. She has added performances
on the Carnival Cruise lines on her resume as well as performances at the
Atlanta and Nashville Gay Pride Festivals for the last five (6) years.
LS Lane is an American entertainer, songwriter, singer, lyricist, and television host born and raised in Louisville, KY. She discovered her love for the stage and performance at age 4 after she was entered into a local beauty pageant and won the title. She has been constant and accomplished in her achieving her dreams in arts and entertainment. LS moved to Atlanta, GA in 2000 to pursue her goals even further and it has been quite a ride. I am the oldest of six sisters and I have a great responsibility in being a little big sister and showing my sisters how to persevere and how not to let other people belittle them or make them feel less than what they know they are worth. I discovered my gift of songwriting and performing live at the age of 12 and I have been going every since. I am in the groove and loving it all. I obviously love it for me to still be here pushing as hard as I know how. I have toured, I have promoted, I have fought, cried, bled, and given so much towards what I believe in, and that is a dream of ultimate success. Since discovering my love of performance and art I have accomplished much and learned so much more at the same time and I hold it close to me and protect it with my heart. My most recent achievement is winning Atlanta's Search for the Coldest MC competition (hosted by #CoorsLight, Ice Cube, and DJ Drama) where I was challenged by a guy from NY. From the regional win I was flown off to NYC for the finals to compete against 8 other guys from other US cities, and I was humbled and proud to be titled as the runner-up in the entire competition!! I hate competitions and battles because that is not what I feel my purpose is, but taking chances is what I am in to, and look at the outcome. This was just motivation for me to go ahead and take my movement to the next level. I've been to NYC twice since to perform in the club scenes there. I am excited about tomorrow..
Who are your musical influences and why?
I have been influenced over time by a few acts and figures: Outkast, TLC (Left-Eye), Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Josephine Baker, Micheal Jackson & Prince, Busta Rhymes, John Lennon, President Obama, All of these influences have set outside the box and looked inward/upward. They were able to see the bigger picture and they set out to capture the world with their views, their inspirational music. They understand the people and what they want, and they have given much of themselves through what they love. It's not always about YOU and I can see through what these artist have created that they not only love themselves, but they LOVE. These are the footsteps that I want to follow in~ DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!
What prompted you to venture into Hip-Hop?
Well, I could say that it was by accident, but that would be a false statement. In my freshman year of high school I quickly gained popularity status through playing sports and being active in different events and clubs, and just being a clown, period. When it was time for the school talent show, of course I had to sign up just because there was a stage to showcase on. What I was going to do, I had no idea! Poetry seemed to be what everyone else was into, so why not play my hand.. Now during this time I had just started really listening to hip-hop and getting into the art of it, Da Brat, TLC, and West Cost rap were my top picks. Time came for me to write my poem and the first line went a little something like this: "I'm Boom-Boomin in my Jeep and I got the flava...". Hmmmm, poetry? I don't think so! It was very rhythmic and dying to bust out of the simple poetic format that I had created. "fuck it! this is rap, and I'm doing it". And that's all she wrote, talent show night came and that's the beginning of my musical history. So many encouraged me to continue and my delivery was perfect, people want ed me in their groups and I ate it all up. It has been all worth it.
If you could describe your style of music in one word, what would it be and why?
Transcending. Because there is a musical gap and I don't like it. I grew up listening to everything, as I said before I didn't really get into listening to real hip-hop until high school, and I didn't like that I was missing out on it either. There is a divide between the music substance and creativity. My driving force is to bring together the ages and the cultures. I love music, all of it, and I have the need to express that in what I write. Every time I perform, my goal is to bring everyone together - and I do. My job is to entertain, but what is it if I only half-step with it. To see the people, (all of them) come together with smiles and rhythm in their souls during my performances is what moves me. That is a wonderful feeling and almost brings me to tears at the same time. That's worth it!
What do you have as an artist that makes you stand out among the rest?
I am passionate, I deliver and charge like a roaring lion(ess). It goes beyond hip-hop, I am a seasoned entertainer who speaks of real life situations, not the streets or what this or that *igga did or that *igga said. I don't wait for anyone who says what they can do, to do anything for me and my movement. My motivation comes from deep within and I am not here to win anyone's approval to be accepted into their clicks or bands. I am a one woman show for the most part and everything I have accomplished is because I went out and got it just because I wanted to see if I could really do this. I have shocked and scared myself silly and it's become a habit that I can't quit. I have been told no and let down because I would not compromise what I know to be my self worth or moral value, and I am okay with that. It has made me stronger and pushed me to work harder.
What is your favorite part of performing?
LOL! When I go out, unless I'm with my "click", I'm usually really laid back, checking out the scene and not really saying much, just ready to perform so I can get out of there to move on to the next task. My favorite part of performing is when people misjudge you without knowing you or ever seeing you or your act before - the look on their faces. I think most expect me to be your typical female rapper, and that I am not. My show is action packed with great energy that I aim straight in the crowds face, my vocals and control is dynamic and I assume a lot of people in the underground arena aren't used to this. (and my good looks don't help much ;) lol) The faces - I love the faces of my people, especially the boys. They're usually front row within my view mouths open, head nodding, smirking. My ladies are all smiles, hands in the air, listening to catch on to the next hook and rocking with me, or either listening and watching with their heads slightly cocked to the side and arms folded taking me all in. At first, I didn't know how to take this and though it to be bad. But I love what I do too much to believe that it's nothing good. Even if it were a negative response, I'd make it into a positive. I love it too much and I am certain that it "shows"
What can your fans expect on the album you are currently pushing?
I don't know if many are ready for what I am going to release 1st Quarter 2013! I'll have to work my hardest once more to prepare them. I know who will expect it though and I am taking it directly to them, (not in the streets though.) "GET LIVE OR GET LOST" will stand strong to it's name. I will break it down, show-n-tell style on what it is to GET LIVE OR GET LOST!!! This will be an album for everyone one young and older. Were going to dance party, were going to sweat, were going to fight, make love, cry, scream, fly.. There is no limit to this journey were about to take. Universal Linguistics
What do you think of today's musical trends?
Music has just evolved as most things and trends do. As far as my hip-hop/rap culture, I do feel we could do a better in providing a better fulfilled music with substance for our upcoming generations. Still feel free to express ourselves through hip-hop, but the world is watching, the youth are listening and emulating or adult lives. Anybody can rhyme and out together a song, but where is the creativity, the thing that makes you last long in this industry. Push to be GREAT, there is too much room to be so. I do like how hip-hop/pop and dance culture are coming together to create these great dance songs and anthems, but at some point this will get old too because everyone is doing it. Set trends and margins for others to follow. I wish we could go back to the times where MTV would play all musical content. There is a difference in the generation that watched MTV, BET, VH1 during my time than there is now... The evil people of the world have forced a disconnect upon us and it is alive and seen very clearly amongst us all. Music bridges gaps, it brings all people together, I'd like to see more of my musicians and artist us this tool before we really destroy ourselves completely. There are no rules when it comes to musical creativity.
Any upcoming appearances?
I perform and travel weekly with my cover bands. I also have my own band "IN BETWEEN" and we have our first debut performance this Saturday, October 27 at The Basement in Atlanta, Ga! And another live performance at The Time 2 Shine event in November hosted by Mu Legend with guest performance by Ray Lavender. I am so eager to show everyone what I mean when I present my band. Stay Tuned for more details on this new wave!
Any advice for upcoming artists?
Know that what you see of these big named artist who have excelled, is not something that they have achieved overnight. Be willing to learn and know your craft throughout. A lot of upcoming artist seek fame, money, cars, girls; it's bigger than what you see. Be passionate and driven and don't let anyone sell you their dream. Follow your own way, and if you believe it - you can achieve it by staying true. There is no need to compromising your self worth, if it's in you and if it is for you - that is so. Short cuts and easily become a @#$ Up and I'd hate to know that my striving artist will allow themselves to get lost in the wild. It's very easy to get lost.. Stay Focused & Faithful, Stay Humble, Stay Active, and Stay True
Where can your fans find more info?
You can find more detail here: www.reverbnation.com/mynamisls or twitter @mynameisls @N_BETWEEN or www.facebook.com/loislanefanpage
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…
My craziest moments are all captured during my gigs out of town or my college gigs with my cover bands. I had never experienced streaking before until a gig at Princeton University about a year ago. Now we're in this huge frat house, (if you know how Princeton's infrastructure is built you could probably imagine the scene.) 3 stories, ancient, and a bit scary. There are a group of frat guys at the bottom of the stairs chugging and chanting their drunken chant after we just finished rocking the house. Out of no where this mixed Asian girl comes through streaking and screaming with joy, and the crowd goes wild. She runs up 1 level and runs through that floor, she re-appears to make her way up to the third level and back down to the ground level and disappeared. I was shocked, happy, and free all over again. Good for her. I don't care what they say about Princeton, they know how to have a good time and welcome you warmly. "I Love College"!!
#GETLIVEORGETLOST
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