Lauren Sanderson has spent nearly a decade building a music career on her own terms. After stepping away from a major record label, the Indiana-born artist chose creative independence over industry expectations, developing a sound that combines pop, hip-hop, and increasingly aggressive rock influences. At Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026, she explains why trusting her instincts and taking risks have become essential to her career.

Recorded during ACL Fest 2026, this interview, conducted by TMN founder Pablo Herrera, explores Lauren's decision to leave the traditional record label system. After releasing two EPs with a label, she realized that the structure was limiting her creative freedom. She questions whether the music industry genuinely understands authenticity, particularly when artists have strong ideas that do not require external approval.

Lauren describes how learning to trust herself changed her professional trajectory. Rather than waiting for validation, she began making decisions based on her own intuition, even when the consequences were uncertain. As she puts it, “Sometimes you got to feel the fear and do it anyway.”

The conversation examines the meaning behind her self-titled album, Lauren Sanderson. Unlike previous releases shaped by uncertainty and experimentation, this record represents a moment when she felt she had finally identified her musical direction. She also talks about growing up in conservative Indiana, where her appearance, relationships, and individuality frequently attracted criticism. Those experiences contributed to her rebellious attitude and determination to build a life beyond the expectations of her hometown.

Looking ahead, Lauren explains why rock is becoming increasingly central to her music. With an upcoming performance opening for Limp Bizkit, she describes her interest in combining heavier guitars with hip-hop and rap, citing Limp Bizkit and Missy Elliott as two major inspirations. Her song “Come Say Some” represents this direction, bringing together musical elements she had previously explored separately.

Lauren also reveals that experimenting outside her comfort zone has led to the most successful year of her career. The Come Say Some tour became her strongest touring experience to date, reinforcing her decision to follow her instincts rather than established formulas.

Read the full interview with Lauren Sanderson on our blog.

📍 Recorded at ACL Fest 2026

🎙️ Interview by Pablo Herrera

✍🏼 Edited by Pablo Herrera

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