Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Cianci.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I came up with the name Broken Records when I was about 16 or 17. I realized that I wanted to go to college for music and eventually start a company/record label. The name has had sort of a double meaning for me. I grew up struggling with anxiety and overthinking, and my mom always used to tell me that my brain was stuck on a thought like a broken record. That has always stayed with me, and I decided to dedicate anything I created in life to helping mental health organizations. So with Broken Records, I want to eventually represent artists who may partner with mental health charities or advocate for mental health. I’m not sure how I’m going to incorporate it yet. Anyway, the other side of Broken Records is that I also eventually want to represent artists who will go on to break records and charts of their own!
After I graduated from Belmont University last May, I decided to start a Broken Records Instagram page where I post playlists of up-and-coming unsigned artists. There is a Breaking Records series that is my version of Spotify’s New Music Fridays, as well as unique categorical playlists. I also just started an artist spotlight series called For The Record, where I interview independent artists interested in and post them to the Broken Records website. For now, Broken Records is an artist discovery platform where avid listeners can find new music. I’m still building the brand/platform, but it’s been an enjoyable experience! I’ve gotten good at photoshop 🙂
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a difficult start. I struggled even to create the Instagram page because I was worried that I wouldn’t have the confidence to keep building. There were a lot of times when I would think about quitting right out of the gate. Still, I have had a phenomenal support system of my family and friends telling me that this is what I need to be doing, especially if I have this intense desire to turn it into something even bigger one day. I think that it is difficult for anyone to put themselves out there. Similar to songwriters and artists, there is a worry that people might not like what you create, post, or write about. Trying to tune out what other people think and just focus on what fuels my passion is something that I am still working on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always been a devoted music listener. I grew up listening to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Police, David Bowie, Dire Straits, Steely Dan, The Clash, and all the Dad-Rock stuff. My brother used to take me on drives after school, and we would listen to Springsteen’s Backstreets live from the Roxy in 1978. It’s a 13-minute song with a 4-minute monologue. We knew every word. When I was 9, I started playing piano and joined this program called The School of Rock with my brother and sister. After a few years of playing piano, I finally realized that I sucked at sports and should stick to music full time. I played pretty well and eventually went on tour with The School of Rock Allstars in high school. After my first tour with them, I realized I wanted to make music for the rest of my life. I continued playing piano throughout college and have been fortunate to perform with some talented artists. My connection to and appreciation of older music, coupled with my experience performing with diverse acts, has given me a good ear when listening to and discovering music. While I still love to play, I also love finding new artists, going to shows, listening to new music, and knowing that I am helping independent artists get their foot in the door. I’m grateful for all that music has given me, and I think that through these experiences, I’ve developed a unique and special perspective. With Broken Records, I hope to show that perspective and make my mark in the industry while also doing good for others.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to expanding Broken Records into NYC and building its reputation. My brother, Nick, is also a songwriter in the New York indie rock scene and has been a huge help to me, especially regarding the site’s visual appeal and Instagram. I’ll send him a photoshop graphic design idea, and he’ll either say “no, keep going” or “yes, you’re getting there like writing a song. Each version gets better”. We also go back and forth, sending each other new music. It’s encouraged bouncing ideas off of him and going to him for advice. I plan to continue expanding and working on these artist spotlights. While I want to continue the playlists, I also want to highlight individual artists who I think could make good changes in the music industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brokenrecordsmusic.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brknrecordsmusic/
Image Credits
Lily Nelson
