The Journey of Lauren Watkins: From Nashville to Ole Miss and Back

Born and raised in the heart of Music City, Lauren Watkins has been living and breathing country music for as long as she can remember. The Nashville native spent her teenage years performing at hometown honky tonks and holes-in-the-wall, honing her skills as a vocalist and performer. This early exposure to the stage and the vibrant music scene of Nashville played a significant role in shaping Lauren's musical journey.

After high school, Lauren decided to step away from the Nashville music scene to pursue a degree in marketing at the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss. During her time at Ole Miss, Lauren fell in love with songwriting, using her experiences and observations to craft songs that were both personal and relatable. Her time at Ole Miss was not just about academics; it was a period of self-discovery and growth as an artist.

While at Ole Miss, Lauren found herself drawn to the sounds of indie country icons like Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow, as well as genre mainstays Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton. These artists, with their unique voices and storytelling abilities, inspired Lauren to develop her own voice as a songwriter. She began to write songs that were drenched in authenticity, with lyrics that were bold, relatable, and uniquely her own.

After graduating from Ole Miss, Lauren returned to Nashville to kickstart her career in country music. Her unique voice and sharp wit quickly caught the attention of Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate Nicolle Galyon, who signed Lauren to publishing and recording contracts with Songs & Daughters and Big Loud Records. This was a significant milestone in Lauren's career, marking the beginning of her professional journey in the music industry.

Lauren's debut EP, "Introducing: Lauren Watkins," is a testament to her journey so far. The seven-song teaser set showcases Lauren's unique take on country music, blending traditional country sounds with her own modern twist. The EP includes the hit single "Camel Blues," a song that perfectly encapsulates Lauren's unique blend of traditional and modern country music.

Lauren's journey from Nashville to Ole Miss and back has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and determination. Through her music, Lauren shares her experiences and insights, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level. As Lauren puts it, "My goal is to reach people by being completely myself. Whether it's how I present myself on stage, through the words I'm singing, or having the chance to meet people individually, I want everyone to feel like we really know each other."

As Lauren continues her journey in the music industry, she remains true to her roots, creating music that is authentic, relatable, and uniquely her own. With her debut EP out and a busy tour schedule ahead, Lauren Watkins is a name to watch in the country music scene.

Lauren's journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of staying true to oneself. It's a journey that has taken her from the honky tonks of Nashville to the halls of Ole Miss and back, and it's a journey that is just getting started. As Lauren continues to make her mark in the country music scene, one thing is certain: her journey is one worth following.

Note: All images are sourced from Lauren Watkins' official website