A Star On The Rise: Lauren Jauregui Covers ‘Nylon,’ Talks Her Debut Album

Mike Nied | September 4, 2018 3:23 pm

Lauren Jauregui is poised for big things. The former Fifth Harmony member follows in the footsteps of her bandmates including Camila Cabello and Normani as she readies the release of her debut album. Today (September 4), she took the next step on the path toward solo stardom – posing for her first solo cover. The 22-year-old graced Nylon with a striking shoot. On the cover she serves serious looks posing in a suit in front of a smoky background. The remaining photos are equally memorable. Dressed in chic outfits and delivering fierce poses, it is clear that photographer Lindsey Byrnes captured the rising star in her element.

In the accompanying feature, she is profiled by close friend Jill Gutowitz and speaks about her journey to the release of new music. Although she had previously linked up with Steve Aoki and Marian Hill on standalone singles, she remembers opening for Halsey’s Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Tour as a particularly important moment in her development. She commemorated her first date on the tour – “6.6.18″ – with a tattoo to remember “the first time I performed solo-solo was this day.” And there is no denying that the “Work From Home” siren made use of the opportunity. While on tour, she live-premiered several new tracks that are likely to end up on her album.

As her LP comes together, the hitmaker revealed that freedom has been essential to her development. However, she did not turn her back on her roots. “Every single ounce of what I went through in Fifth Harmony prepared me for this moment, to be this person I am now, to have the career opportunities I do now, to have creative freedom,” she explained. The process has also reaffirmed for the singer that this is where she belongs. “I was able to prove to myself throughout this whole process that I am the person that I say that I am,” she admitted. “Even if nobody else recognizes it.”

Drawing comparisons to Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, the collection is also said to pay tribute to Lauren’s Latin roots. Having written on every song, the LP is described as a direct reflection on her and is said to cover a variety of topics. “I touch upon so many different topics,” she explained. “But I explore them all from my own experience or what I think of it, so that way it doesn’t really infringe on anybody and I’m not really telling anybody what to do with their lives.” Although the queer siren admitted that she sings about both boys and girls romantically, she added that the person’s gender was less essential than the tracks’ meanings.

“Most of the songs actually don’t even allude to boy or girl, they’re just you that I’m talking to,” she claimed. “Because it doesn’t matter. Especially when it comes to love, it really doesn’t fucking matter.” Considering the star-studded lineup of producers and writers involved with the project, it seems safe to expect it will be a massive success. Lauren listed off the likes of Illangelo, Jeremy Lloyd of Marian Hill, and King Henry. Others attached to the project include Ilsey Juber and Alex Hope.

Although she has yet to confirm a release date, the hitmaker is clearly ready for the next step. Looking back, Lauren made sure to vocalize her appreciation for the steps that she has taken. “It all mattered,” she explained. “It all brought me to where I am. It all made me exactly who I am, and I’m so excited to do this now and, like… be me.” Click through the pictures from her gorgeous shoot up top and read the rest of her feature here!

“Every single ounce of what I went through in Fifth Harmony prepared me for this moment, to be this person I am now, to have the opportunities I do now, to have creative freedom. Most people have to compromise a lot, and I haven’t compromised once.” • After six years with one of the most popular girl groups since the Spice Girls (nbd), @LaurenJauregui is far from finished. She’s finally got total artistic autonomy, and her voice is louder than ever. Find out our September cover star’s unfiltered take on gender fluidity, conquering self-doubt, and seizing your creative power at the link in bio. • photo: @lindseybyrnes / producer: @maura_gaughan / video: @daniokon / styling: @mexco__style / hair: @clydehairgod / makeup: @carlenekmakeup / nails: @glamsquad

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