Breaking Free with Lorena Leigh: The Heart and Soul Behind ‘Aspirin
In the ever-evolving tapestry of music, where genres blend and personal stories resonate, Lorena Leigh emerges as a beacon of authenticity and innovation. As we sit down to discuss her latest endeavor, the release of her charismatic single “Aspirin,” it’s clear this isn’t just another track—it’s a declaration. “Aspirin” is more than a song; it’s an anthem for those yearning to liberate their true selves from the shackles of doubt.
As “Aspirin” sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating chapter in Lorena Leigh’s career, we delve into the essence of her music, her journey, and the message she hopes to convey to listeners around the globe.
Follow Lorena @thelorenaleigh
Hi Lorena, describe your sound in three words.
Cowgirl, Mermaid, Dance.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
Music that greatly influenced me growing up… Spice Girls, Tina Turner, 90s female country (Trisha
Yearwood, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Shania Twain) and just about any movie-musical that you can
think of!
I started writing music really young but didn’t realize that “writing music” / being an artist was a
career path option till my early 20s when I met a producer, Rene Veron, via Craigslist in NYC while
looking for wedding singer gigs. Rene introduced me to the world of jingles, writing topliner melodies
for sync, recording in the studio, and playing live… after I began to work with him is when I began
making music with a dedicated focus on recording, releasing, and shortly after built a band and
began gigging as much as I could in the tri-state area.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano, Ukulele, Guitar, and anything that makes a tinkering (fingernails, drinking glasses, forks, etc)
Do you ever get nervous?
I get nervous about a lot of things, but music isn’t really one of them. Music is grounding for me… and to play live and perform for people, I only get excited.
Tell us about your new single, “Aspirin.”
This song is a spiritual declaration – a rebuking of the darkness. My own mantra for clearing away demons and asserting the birthright of power that I have inside of me to live fearlessly and uninhibited by the confines of society; “Don’t Come For Me, No!” a warning, a challenge, staring down the fear and stopping it right in its tracks before it can take hold.
Growing up, I often received comments like, “You must be drunk!…you’re so high!…what’re you on drugs?!” in times that I’ve been completely sober. I think a person living life to the fullest can be perceived as a threat. It challenges others’ comfort zones, their judgment, the rules of how things “should” be and can subconsciously reveal how a person might be in their own mental prison. People are often scared to let themselves go and follow their joy for a moment because of the fear of what others might think. We all have the power within us to be free. Letting ourselves exist outside of our comfort zone, dancing in public, striking up conversation with a stranger, laughing so hard we cry despite looking crazy, or even saying “no” to something in order to prioritize our own joy, etc… that is communing with the spirit of life and it is much more high and freeing than any substance we could possibly consume. “There’s no way this was an aspirin”, it’s something better.
What’s the story behind the song?
In May 2021, I took my first big trip since COVID up to NYC to see my best friends & record with my producer, Ernesto Valenzuela. I spent most of 2019 on the road so when 2020 hit, being starkly back in my hometown, my career at a halt, and living with my parents was definitely a bit of a “dark deep night” (as I know it was for many). When I got to the studio in May 2021, Ernesto and I went through different ideas we had started and been working on– the beginning of this was an instrumental he had begun and I immediately had a top line for it. Road tripping again, seeing my friends & being back in the studio with people I loved… It was definitely a new breath of life force for me & I think this song directly reflects the hope we were holding on to in that moment; things get better life, love & the pursuit of fun always come back. The resiliency of the human spirit is more powerful & potent than any drug.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
It’s always different for me; sometimes it’s lyrics and a melody out of the blue that pop in my head,
and then I’m figuring out the chords to go along with it. Other times it’s a chord progression, a riff, a
beat. Inspiration is everywhere!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I love playing live because I love people and the human experience; being vulnerable on stage is
always massively rewarding when it resonates with others.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Not just for entrepreneurs, but really for anyone taking on a project, movement, and/or risk that
seems larger than themselves, I recommend… “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art
of Battling Giants” By Malcolm Gladwell.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
In 10 years, this [insert whatever small stressor is occurring] won’t really matter.
How would your best friend describe you?
Untamed.
What’s next for Lorena Leigh in 2024?
New music, new shows, touring, and synergizing.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Steak
And your favorite cheat food?
Break n Bake chocolate chip cookies.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Bright, summer colors, sparkle, fringe, retro, and funky western.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Laughter.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandfather– he died when I was 10 and I wish I could re-meet him now as an adult.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
A surf trip to Portugal!
Best advice ever given?
You only have yourself until you die.
Do you support any charities?
Fort Worth Animal Shelter and affiliated rescues and fosters who work tirelessly to give those
animals a new lease on life and help them find homes.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Viva La Vida by Coldplay 🙂
What do you think of social media?
I love YouTube.
Where can we follow you?
YouTube / Instagram / TikTok / FB / Website / Spotify
Book: Wise Child by Monica Furlong
Quote: “Do not run from a space where God has called you to break foundations &
rebuild it” -Adwoa Ramsay
Movie: Pitch Perfect
TV Series: Ted Lasso
Favorite Food: Eggs
Travel Destination: Somewhere with waves
Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys