Dubbed "Lady Willpower" early on in her career by 'Relix Magazine', Lauren Murphy's fortitude shines through not only in her life, but especially in her music. Born in Baton Rouge, La., Murphy is best known for her background vocals with the San Francisco based band Zero (Steve Kimock, Robert Hunter, Judge Murphy), and as band leader/main composer of Lansdale Station(2005-2013), the award winning act she established with her late husband legendary vocalist, The Judge. A classically trained musician who studied at LSU, Lauren has primarily worked in California's rock and roll arena, but has recently turned back to the warm toned acoustic music she began her career with over 15 years ago. Her latest Album, "El Dorado" highlights some of the best compositions in her career, receiving solid nationwide reviews & airplay. 'No Depression Magazine' states, "Every song hits in places that everyone who ever draws breath is likely to feel: a sudden flush of the cheeks, a tightening of the muscles that control laughter or tears, or maybe in the pit of the stomach. Emotional Honesty, The Real Deal, these songs of strength are delivered by Lauren's signature smoky vocals, and just enough less detachment to make damned sure that when the lyrics make her bleed, you're going to bleed too." Widowed in 2013, Murphy poured herself into "El Dorado". Set in Ca's Gold Country, this record catalogs the human journey thru illness & loss, and ultimately into hope & redemption. Grammy Nominated Producer, Mooka Rennick has called "El Dorado" a female empowerment record, but it's fundamental message of love & survival touch men, woman, and children of all ages. Released in 2015, it's a fine calling card, showing Murphy's versatile writing style that ranges from folk, to western, roots, americana, jazz, and rock.
Murphy is a highly respected Iconic singer throughout Northern & Central California and on into the South East. She's shared stages with the cream of the crop from coast to coast including Wavy Gravy, Steve Kimock, Carlos Reyes, Mark Karan(Rat Dog), Will Kimbrough(AMA Multi-Instrumentalist Emmylou Harris/Rodney Crowell), The Jerry Garcia Band, members of the Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Lisa Loeb, Grayson Capps(Love Song for Bobby Long, Treme), and many more. Relocating to the artistic hamlet of Fairhope, Alabama in 2015, Lauren has been shaking up the Gulf Coast with her new band "The Psychedelics". Playing heavily on the jazz-rock-electric style of the mid 1960's, Murphy's soulful pipes and appreciation for 'the song', lead this hot new act in artistic improv that is grounded in 'the story.' As a live performer she's been described as brassy bawdy and graceful. In 2015 Lauren was a guest Lecturer on The Craft of Southern Songwriting at "Millsaps College Art & Lecture Series"(Jackson, Ms.). She has been a featured artist at the esteemed 'Frog Pond Sunday Social" (Silverhill, Al.) for 4 years running. Her songs can be heard on mainstream radio stations coast to coast. When asked, what do you do, Murphy describes herself as having two distinct sounds; Acoustically based Americana or Full Throttled Rock and Roll. With either, the audience is guaranteed a solid soulful connection that only a true artist can deliver.
Compared to Grace Slick, EmmyLou Harris, & Linda Ronstadt, with the passion of Janis Joplin, Murphy is completely unique in her vocal stylings. Sensitive powerful & dynamic, she captivates her audience with finely crafted tales that span the gambit of the human condition.
"Excellent" ~ WWOZ Jazz & Heritage Radio, New Orleans, La.
"Finely crafted tunes from the heart that sweep you off your feet" ~ Jambase.
"Talent Like this may never pass this way again" ~ Haight Street Music News
"A musical direct hit" ~ IndieMusic.com
Artistic Instruction/Credentials/Awards: Andrei' Codresc (NPR/Famed Poet), Maya Angelou, Barry Kyle (London Shakespeare Theatre/Swine Palace LSU), Choreographer/Dancer Barry Lather (Usher/Beyonce) & Choreographer/Dancer Joe Tremaine(Zero Mostel/Jackie Gleason), John Rutter Composer, Carnegie Hall/ Mormon Tabernacle Choir guest appearances, American All Star Dance Tours to Bermuda and Hawaii,Garry Allen's Nashville Song Award 2010, Best Unsigned Act 2010 ABC ...and many many more.