Today marks the release of Wildfire by DMV native Lauren Calve. 

Calve evokes Patty Griffin’s dynamic voice, Bonnie Raitt’s smoky aura, and Ben Harper’s unique slide style. Her compositions find their ground in the sounds of blues and Americana, guitar and lap steel, but their strength lies in how they go beyond tradition into innovative melodies, structures and arrangements that define their originality.  

We had the opportunity to talk with this vibrant, emotive artist about what she has been up to over the last few months, how Maya Angelou influenced her songwriting, and latest past times during quarantine, as we anticipate her newest EP. 

 Hi Lauren, thank you so much for connecting with us! Tell me, what have you been up to these days, musically?

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat! Musically, I’ve been really busy despite most everything coming to a grinding halt because of the pandemic. In April, I released “Better Angels,” the first single off my forthcoming EP along with an accompanying lyric video. Now, I’m busy promoting the EP, Wildfire, which will be released on June 23.

I haven't heard of Franklin's but will definitely check it out next time I'm in Hyattsville! So while we are listing things, I am always curious to ask artists' I admire about books or songs or movies that changed the way they think. Especially someone like you with such deep lyrics and emotion in your songs. Can you share a few that inspire your songwriting?

As if I wasn't already excited to hear this EP, now I'm VERY curious. I am going to make sure I reread Maya Angelou's poem before listening to "Better Angels." I love how art inspires art and that you have woven in things as profound as that poem with modern day HBO shows into this work. 

So yes, we are in a strange time, tell me...what are you doing to take care of yourself these days?

We most definitely are. I just bought a fountain pen and a beautiful shade of ink, both of which were definitely “self-care” purchases. They make the simple act of writing luxurious. I’ve also recently discovered smokeless incense. I find it so relaxing and soothing to burn incense; I’ve found that my happiness is largely linked to how good my surroundings smell.

I love that. And have never heard of smokeless incense and am intrigued. 

It's always interesting to hear what people are doing these days to take care when there is so much hardship in the world right now. Sometimes there are silver linings, too. I have a feeling your EP will be one of the things for me. 

Last question: What part of staying home these days have you appreciated the most?

Staying at home has made me appreciate my cats more! I have four indoor cats and a colony of outdoor cats that I take care of thanks to a mom cat that decided to have three litters of kittens on my back deck. It may sound like a lot, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I know this makes me sound like a “crazy cat lady”, but they really are my best buddies!

I get it. My dog is my bestie and has meant to world to me these days. 

Lauren, thank you SO much for taking the time to connect today. I am really excited to hear your new work and will no doubt have it on repeat in my summer play list. You are a tremendous artist and such an asset to the DC scene.

Thank you so much, and thank you for taking the time, it's been great chatting with you!

For more information on Lauren's new album and social media pages, see below!

To learn more about Lauren Calve, please see the following web resources: