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Lauren Briant Named March “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With Her Song “Sometimes”
By Dale Kawashima
Lauren Briant, a promising singer & songwriter based in
Los Angeles, CA, has won the March SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month”
Competition, for her performance of her song “Sometimes” (which was co-written
by Raab Stevenson and Veit Renn). This is one of 10 cuts included on her debut
CD Lauren Briant, which she released independently last month (Feb.
2006).
Lauren Briant
“Sometimes” is an elegant, pop/R&B/AC ballad, which
stylistically is a cross between the ballad styles of Mariah Carey and Celine
Dion. The recording provides an excellent showcase for Briant’s clear, soulful
vocals, and demonstrates her strong vocal range during the choruses.
“Sometimes” is skillfully produced by Raab Stevenson and Veit Renn (who is
known for his writing/producing work with *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys).
Briant grew up in Dallas, TX, where she began
singing at a very young age. She took vocal and piano lessons early on, and
when she was 12, she began performing in local, musical theatre shows. Then during
high school, Briant performed in productions of The King And I and Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat.
In the summer of 2003 (following high school), Briant moved
to Los Angeles to further her music and acting career. “I’ve always wanted to
do everything I could as a performer, and I knew moving to L.A. would provide
me with more opportunities,” explained Briant. Her vocal coach from Dallas, Tom
McKinney (whose clients include Mario and Ray J.), had referred her to the
L.A.-based agency, Meridian Artists, which has helped her land many gigs. In
L.A., Briant has performed in the musical Ernest In Love, and also in a
production of Sleeping Beauty.
The CD cover of Lauren Briant's new album.
It was in 2005 that she made another key connection, when she was introduced to writer/producers Stevenson and Renn. “I went to Orlando to write and record with Raab and Veit in April 2005,”
said Briant. “We first got together and wrote five songs, including
‘Sometimes.’ Then Raab and Veit Renn produced ‘Sometimes.’ And last December
(2005) I wrote another five songs with Raab for my CD.”
Now with the release of her CD, Briant is starting to attract
attention from major labels. She has been working with an independent A&R
rep, who has generated label interest. Briant is planning an artist showcase in
Atlanta in the coming months. In
addition, she is continuing to pursue work as an actress and musical theater
performer. “I’m doing everything I can to promote my CD, and to create the best
opportunities in all aspects of my career. A lot of things are happening - it’s
an exciting time.”
In addition, here are four, talented vocalists/artists who complete our Top Five Vocalists honorees list for this month's competition, with their credits, plus their e-mail and website links:
Mariama Whyte
"I Need You" (R&B/AC). Performed and written by Mariama Whyte of Shaker Heights, OH.