Lara Oshon is multi-talented and multi-faceted. As a classically trained pianist, songwriter and beautiful singer (New single “Phoenix Rising” release on Nov. 7th.) Lara, while now recognized for her vocals, didn’t always envision her life this way. Her experiences have brought her to her authentic artistry with hints of everything from Pop to Indie. Let’s chat with her about her upcoming single, and her ever evolving past and present.
Tell us about your new single, “Phoenix Rising” and what the lyrics symbolize for you?
The lyrics symbolize metamorphosis and overcoming. Life is always handing us challenges and change, whether we like it or not, and when we’re at our growing edge it can feel painful. I wrote this song at the edge of myself, reaching for freedom but feeling trapped. When we’re in pain we sometimes feel powerless, and I needed to take my power back. The name of the song comes from the metaphor of the phoenix rising from the ashes, and the idea that we can always rise up from whatever pain or destruction we have been through. This song came to me as a powerful reminder and encouragement that the really hard stuff is just a natural part of life, and that I could use it as creative fuel. I can choose to light the match that burns down what limits me, and then rise up again even stronger.
You were born in Georgia but attended school in California. What was the hardest thing to get used to back then?
Finding my way around this sprawling new city. This was back before navigation systems and Google Maps on smartphones, so I literally had this huge map called The Thomas Guide with like 500 pages of maps of every part of Los Angeles. I was in grad school and had an internship that sent me to remote parts of LA County, so I lived with that map in my car!
Finish this sentence – “If you like______________, you will totally connect with my music.”
Extra dark chocolate
What is your most requested or popular song?
Shine! I have performed that song for babies to 100 yr olds, and it definitely seems to be a favorite with all ages. I love it when a song connects that fully.
Name an artist (or two) that you would love to work with.
Alicia Keys. She does it all – write, compose, sing, play piano, produce. She’s a powerful and passionate woman who speaks her truth, and I’d love to meet and work with her. Also Johnny Mathis – he just released an album at 82, and sounds just as good as he did when I listened to him as a child. I am very inspired by a career like that, and he is still vibrant and going strong!
What does Lara do in her downtime when not performing or creating new music?
I am a total nature girl, so I love going to the ocean, hiking, biking, just being outside and staying active. One of the things I love about Los Angeles is the year-round warm weather and incredible access to nature. I live as close as I can to the ocean. I also love painting, so I do that as often as possible. I tend to fill my downtime with creative projects, which isn’t exactly downtime, so I guess I should add catching up on sleep!
Lara has created the “Rise Up” T-Shirt as a call of action to her fans to Listen In, Speak Out and Rise Up. She wants each person to stay awake and be aware of what is going on in their own minds and with the people around them. She wants this T-Shirt to be a tangible reminder to do something small each day to be a beneficial presence in the world. 50% of proceeds will be donated to 5 non-profit campaigns that are actively working toward resolving external and internal issues, both in the U.S. and internationally.
What was your hardest or most memorable live performance and why?
My first performance was definitely both my hardest and most memorable. Because I never had any plans to write or perform music (underscore NEVER), putting together that first show was one of the bravest things I’ve done. It was a first for everything – singing with a microphone, singing solo in public, sharing my own original songs, singing and playing the piano at the same time. All the most basic aspects of performing were firsts for me. Thankfully I had an amazing support system of friends who helped me put it all together, and who then cheered me on wildly. It was actually a really beautiful night, and despite my sheer terror, I felt like I’d finally come home. Something new yet deeply natural came out of me that was life-changing. In the middle of that experience of performing my own songs I knew I had found my place.
Tell our readers where we can purchase the single and find out more information about you?
The single will be available on Nov 7 on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, all the digital outlets. The official video is being released on my Youtube Page https://www.youtube.com/user/theStudioSky. And of course your readers can always visit my website for the latest news and music: www.laraoshon.com
Get Connected with Lara !
FB- @LARAOSHON https://www.facebook.com/LARAOSHON/
IG -laraoshon https://www.instagram.com/ laraoshon/
Twitter- @LaraOshon https://twitter.com/LaraOshon
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/ theStudioSky
More info on Lara …
Lara is best known for her signature lush vocals and rhythmic piano stylings. Her poetic lyricism, soulful delivery and playful spunk is a modern cross between Sarah McLachlan and Sara Bareilles, uniquely combining elements of Pop, Soul, Folk and Indie. Her new single, With frequent comparisons to Karen Carpenter and Carole King, Lara’s music and voice are reminiscent of the golden era of 1970s singer-songwriters whose songs were thoughtful, classic and well-crafted. Her songs emanate a warm power that draws you inward toward them, compelling you to slow down and really listen.Lara’s authentic earthiness comes from her roots in Georgia, while her carefree spirit found its home in the California sunshine.
As a consummate artist with an eternally curious free spirit, Lara has also been a Spanish interpreter, a basketball player in Australia, an urban teaching assistant, a web designer, a communications consultant and a children’s adoption social worker.
