Groove Lab

Lauren Alexander

Lauren Alexander & Jeff Odom give you a behind the scenes look into the lives of the people that make up the music industry. From the artists and musicians, to the people working behind the scenes, Groove Lab will give you a chance to hear their stories, learn their secrets to success, and keep the world of music alive.

  1. 11/30/2022

    #49 - Leah Lawson

    Her songs are crafted with rich imagery and a hint of nostalgia. Her voice is moving and intense. Often standing alone on a large stage with just a baby blue telecaster and some nervous banter, Leah Lawson’s presence captivates. Growing up in Florida, Lawson was homeschooled throughout her formative years and raised in a sheltered, evangelical Christian home. Music became Lawson’s conduit to reckon with her religious trauma and faith deconstruction, in addition to the universal feelings of longing, loss, and love we all share. The raw, intimate, and candid way Lawson writes makes you feel like you’re overhearing an intimate conversation between close friends. With her delicate vocals accompanied by her folky guitar stylings Lawson transports the listener to a place of comfort; like a trusted confidant simply responding, “Me, too.” “I think when you grow up the way I did, immersed in the evangelical church, and then you decide to leave that life behind, it can feel really isolating and people may not understand,” says Lawson. “I want others to feel validated in that it’s okay to explore life beyond what you were taught and what you used to believe. I want people to know they aren’t alone and it’s okay to be honest with yourself.” After spending several years living in Nashville, TN, Lawson is currently residing in Asheville, NC, and preparing to release her debut album, Flood House. The album was recorded at Way Out Studios in Seattle, WA, and produced by Trevor Spencer. Flood House will be released on September 16, 2022, and available for streaming/download on all major music platforms. Follow @lllawson on social media for all of the most up-to-date info and latest releases!

    17 min
  2. 09/22/2022

    #44 - Bryard Huggins

    Bryard (bree-yard) Huggins is a composer, record producer, and contemporary jazz piano recording artist from Nashville, TN. He is also founder/CEO of Muse Entertainment, a music production company and indie record label. In addition, he tours with the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight as her featured guest artist. Bryard stumbled upon his God-given musical gift at the age of 4 and composed his first song at the age of 6. A former child prodigy with a gifted ear for music, now 27, he has released 5 studio jazz albums, 1 instrumental gospel album, and various singles. Through his company Muse Entertainment, Bryard composes and produces musical content for diverse clientele nationwide, in the styles of film/TV, commercials, music for podcasts, stage plays, and more. He also develops and mentors aspiring musical artists, helping them gain knowledge, the portfolio, and the experience of the recorded music industry. Bryard holds a bachelor’s degree in commercial music production from College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in music business from Frost School of Music, University of Miami. He is a member of Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music’s (NMAAM) emerging artists series and has performed as a featured artist at the Ryman Auditorium, the Walt Disney Theatre, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and more. Bryard is currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Website: www.bryardhuggins.com IG @bryardofficial

    39 min
  3. 09/07/2022

    #43 - SEASON 3! With Kaylee Steffel of Steffel Media

    With charisma to match the images she produces, Kaylee Steffel is on the rise as  one of the most in-demand photographers on the Nashville music scene. For Steffel, creativity has always been the outlet. However, she vividly remembers  the first show that sparked her interest in live photography. “Carrie Underwood.  The Play On Tour. She was circling the crowd in a blue truck, swinging on a swing.  It was magical,” the 27-year-old says. Cutting her teeth photographing intimate country shows as well as high-energy  festivals and artists in Ohio and surrounding states, she wanted more of those  moments. After university, she headed into the corporate world working for a Fortune 500  company, but didn’t see a lifetime career. “I knew I wouldn’t be happy without  giving it a shot at touring and creating in the music space full-time.” In November  2019, Steffel took the leap after years of waiting and relocated to Nashville, TN. By January 2020, she had a published photo of award-winning artist, Rhonda  Funk, in the Nugget Newspaper (Sisters, OR.) — a career first. Unfortunately as  her career was hitting a stride, the world shut down. Navigating this proved  difficult; however, she pivoted into portraiture and content creating for influence  marketers. Originally capturing Country artists exclusively, Steffel has expanded into a wide  array of genres including Rap and Pop-Rock. This proved fruitful for her as she  found her work getting placements in publications far and wide with Pop-Rock’s  Eddie and The Getaway and Pop singer-songwriter, Cassandra. Currently, the Nashville-based creative works as the live photographer for country  artist, Ashley Barron, as well as rapper, Hew G., along with creating for a variety of  artists across the music spectrum. Thank you to our Sponsor Kyser Musical Products

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Lauren Alexander & Jeff Odom give you a behind the scenes look into the lives of the people that make up the music industry. From the artists and musicians, to the people working behind the scenes, Groove Lab will give you a chance to hear their stories, learn their secrets to success, and keep the world of music alive.