Pop-Culturalist.com

Loren Allred wowed audiences around the world with the smash hit, “Never Again,” from The Greatest Showman. Since its release in 2017, the single has been streamed over five hundred million times, reached number eighty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and opened several important doors for the gifted vocalist. This September, she reaches another career milestone with the release of her debut single, “This Summer.”

Pop Culturalist caught up with Loren to learn more about her, how The Greatest Showman changed her life, and chatted about her new single.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Loren: Initially, through my parents, who are both classical musicians. My mother is an operatic soprano and my father is a choral conductor and multi-instrumentalist. They opened my mind to music in general, but it wasn’t until I discovered powerhouse vocalists like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion that I realized what the voice was capable of doing. I started experimenting with my own voice and then realized that my dream was to be a professional singer.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Loren: The biggest influences on my career have been the songwriters of The Greatest Showman (Pasek and Paul), Michael Bublé, Hugh Jackman, and David Foster. They have all been fantastic mentors and have opened important doors for me.

PC: Tell us about your debut single, “This Summer.” What inspired the song?
Loren: “This Summer” is a song about nostalgia for the feelings that summer usually gives us: energy, vibrancy, human connection, and love. I felt like I wasn’t alone in feeling a longing for the way things used to be before the pandemic hit. I also experienced a romantic breakup when NYC went into lockdown and I was comparing the isolation and pain to the love I used to feel. I wanted to convey a sense of hope and urgency that it’s not too late to make the most of what we do have.

PC: What was the process like selecting what would be your first single?
Loren: Although I had written many other songs that were potential first singles, “This Summer” was written two weeks before we decided to release it. It was a song that came from my heart and I knew that as summer was coming to a close, a lot of people were feeling the loss of an entire season of fun and freedom. I wanted people to remember that it’s not too late to fall in love, and to at least enjoy the little things we do have.

PC: You made your Billboard debut with “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. What is it like now getting ready to release your own project?
Loren: It has been a lifelong dream of mine to release my own project. I am grateful for the doors that The Greatest Showman has opened for me and so excited that I get to share my original music with people now.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
Loren: So much more new music to come! I have songs that I love so much and am waiting with bated breath for everyone to hear. I really poured my soul into this project and I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the lyrics.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Loren: I listen to a lot of ’60s and ’70s folk music. Loving an artist named Jessica Pratt at the moment.

PC: First album you bought?
Loren: Britney Spears’ Oops I Did it Again.

PC: First concert you attended?
Loren: Rihanna with Kanye West.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Loren: Mariah Carey’s #1s album because it showed me what a song took to be moving and impressive at the same time.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Loren: Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Loren: Switchel—it’s my go-to drink onstage…and super soft socks for long international flights.

To keep up with Loren, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “This Summer” today.