Lauren Gottshall is a “true Chicago girl at heart.” and knows the value of working hard to give back to the communities that made her the artist she is today. Her songs uniquely reflect her experiences and stories and she wants to find topics with every one she writes. She has dedicated her time and effort towards fights for literacy and cancer research and believes positivity is key to success.

Where are you from?
Glencoe, IL, a town 30 minutes north of Chicago

How has your hometown influenced you and your art?
My hometown has had a profound influence on me in many ways. I came from a small town outside of a big city, and I think that comes through in my music. The small-town drama does make for great songs! I love where I grew up and am a true Chicago girl at heart.

What inspired you to get into music?
When I was three, I went to pick up my older brother from piano lessons with my babysitter, and I fell in love with it. I told my mom that I needed to start taking piano lessons. The rest is history. I started guitar lessons at 11 and really got serious about songwriting when my parents got divorced. Music has always been very therapeutic for me.

How would you describe your sound/genre of music? What does country music mean to you?
I like to call my music Chicago Country. It is rooted in traditional country music with a modern edge. Why I fell in love with country music is because of the honest storytelling aspect of it. I love how you can write a whole story or capture an entire emotion in a 3-minute song.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations for your sound and storytelling?
Carrie Underwood is who made me fall in love with country music. I remember going to the Country Music Hall of Fame when I was little and seeing an exhibit of hers. I bought her “Carnival Ride” CD and made my family listen to it the entire eight-hour drive back to Chicago. In terms of songwriting, I have been deeply influenced by Taylor Swift. I also love Chris Stapleton and Megan Moroney’s songwriting, and I think Billy Joel is the greatest songwriter of all time and I feel so deeply inspired by him.

In your latest single, “Camouflage,” that dropped May 29, you sing, “I can’t get him to take it off, his camouflage.” What do these lyrics mean to you? Have you dealt with an emotionally closed-off partner previously?
I definitely was drawing from real-life inspiration for this song, and I almost always do. I think a lot of people can relate to the frustration of wishing someone would completely let you in. I try to write songs about feelings I wish I had a song for.

What advice do you have for listeners who may also feel like their partner isn't letting them in? How did you overcome that issue in your own relationship?
The biggest piece of advice I have is that you can’t change someone or make them who you want them to be. If you do not feel your needs are being met in a relationship and they will not change, it is best to walk away. Trust me!

You have performed charity concerts and worked hard for The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Why is this cause so meaningful to you?
I absolutely love LLS! My grandma was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma when I was in high school, and that is when I got involved with the association. I also had a friend pass away from cancer that deeply impacted me. I think everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, and any way I can help raise money or awareness — I will!

How do you encourage strength among those who are dealing with or know someone dealing with leukemia?
If you know someone battling cancer, one of the most important things you can do is simply show up for them. Every day, they’re being told to “stay strong” while navigating treatments and doctors’ appointments. Sometimes, the best way to support them is by giving them space to let that strength go. Be there for them to vent, scream, cry and feel everything they’re feeling. Allowing them to process those emotions is part of what strength really looks like.

You have worked with Bernie’s Book Drive in Chicago. Why is literacy such an important cause to fight for now more than ever?
I am a huge proponent of education in our youth. I was a journalism major in college and an English minor, so I am very passionate about literacy and children having access to it. Organizations like Bernie’s Book Drive give children books who might not have consistent access to them. Literacy also improves confidence and creativity, which is so important while we are shaping children who are the future of America.

In college, you volunteered at The Stewpot. What can you share about that experience and what it meant to you?
I have some of my fondest volunteer memories at The Stewpot in Dallas. I read a quote one time that said if you expect a village, you must show up as a villager, and that really stuck with me. Volunteering in your community can take just an hour of your day, but it can really change someone’s week. I met some amazing people there that really inspired me. I think the world can be a cruel and judgmental place, and it is important to give people grace and second chances.

It has been a crazy last few years, and we expect at least three more. How do you stay positive in general about the unknown and motivated as an artist?
Positive is my middle name because the alternative sounds like a miserable life. Yes, I for sure get down about certain situations or missed opportunities, but you could spend your whole life dreading over what went wrong or what could have been, when instead you can focus on what you can do to make your life better.

What can we expect next from you short term in your career?
Expect lots more music!

What is your motto in life?
People do not remember what you said, but they remember how you made them feel.

To learn more about Lauren Gottshall, please check out the links below:
Website: www.laurengottshall.com
Instagram: @lauren_gottshall
TikTok: @laurengottshall
YouTube: @laurengotshall

Photography Credit: Kenzie Maroney

"Chicago Country" Singer-Songwriter Lauren Gottshall Lifts Up Her Community