Lauren Ruth Ward – The BIRN Interview

Lauren Ruth Ward is a massively talented singer from Baltimore who picked up and relocated to LA to pursue a career in the music business. When I say talented, I mean like Beth Hart talented. Her voice can stop you in your tracks. It is soulful, powerful and raw. But this story sounds familiar right? Here is where this story diverges from the thousands of others that start out the same way. In three short years, Lauren has put together a band and inked a record deal. The former hairdresser is currently on tour in support of her debut full-length record, Well, Helland you should go see her while you can still get close enough to see what color her eyes are.

Besides being a great vocalist, she is also grounded, savvy and real. A combination that makes fans and friends come easily. We were fortunate enough to do a quick phone chat with Lauren before her east coast swing and got the lowdown on everything from her writing process to her advice to those making the move to LA. Continue reading “Lauren Ruth Ward – The BIRN Interview”

Album Review: Goo Goo Dolls – You Should Be Happy

Review by Michelle Schantz

When a band has been as successful and enduring as the Goo Goo Dolls have been, sometimes that success is accompanied by a weight of expectations. Both the band and their fans can feel this weight. It brings to light the fact that change is inevitable, but growth is a choice. Time will continue to move forward, and it’s up to the band whether or not to move forward as artists. This is the realization that Goo Goo Dolls singer, guitarist, and frontman John Rzeznik brought into the creation of the band’s 11th studio album Boxes in 2016 and continues to carry into their newest 5 song EP, You Should Be Happy. Continue reading “Album Review: Goo Goo Dolls – You Should Be Happy”