Laine Lonero’s Latest, “How Far”
Born and raised in The Pelican state of Louisiana, singer-songwriter Laine Lonero earned accolades for her performances in musical theater and opera from an early age. She penned her first song at 13 and went on to win a song-writing contest in Nashville.
In 2016, Lonero was featured on four KIDZ BOP CD’s and has continued to write and perform throughout her home state and in Nashville, Tennessee.
Grateful. You shared that the quarantine forced you to slow down, which in turn taught you to appreciate the little things. Can you share some of your best family time memories from the past year?
It sounds simple, but I really enjoyed my schedule slowing down. Prior to Covid, I was either at school, dance practice, theater practice, voice, piano. For the first time in a long time I was able to sit down and have dinner with my parents. The weather was great during this time and we would eat dinner on the patio at night. I think it’s the first time I have really relaxed in years.
“My first big performance was singing the National Anthem which I still do.” You are scheduled to sing the Anthem before the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds on March 13. Can you describe what it was like to sing the Anthem that very first time?
Actually, I think my mom was more terrified than I was! I was 9 and I was determined to do it. My mom thought we were going to walk into the guy’s office and he took us out to the baseball field with mic and made me sing on home plate. My mom was pacing around, but I did it!
#Beatlesvibe “I have to say I have always wanted to have an English accent.” Which song by the Fab Four is your favorite to cover and why?
My Dad is a huge Beatles fan. He always wanted me to cover the them in my sets. I started covering “Come Together” and “Yesterday.” I really like doing both of those.
“How Far,” your new song co-written with Karianne Jean, is one that “is actually a true story about myself and an experience I had not too long ago. Writing about a situation is my way of processing what happened so I can move on.” You shared that when songs are very personal you like to write by yourself. How did this one, describing the feeling of never having the chance to love fully, come to be a co-write?
It was actually a subject I planned to write on my own and had started jotting thoughts and lyrics down. I had the opportunity, when in Nashville, to write with Karianne Jean and we talked about it and jumped in. She really got what I was trying to portray in the song!
What was it like working with producer Bill McDermott (George Strait, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, Brett Eldredge) at Omni Studios?
Bill is great! He is so easy-going and definitely easy to work with. He is also so very talented as a producer and musician. The band that played on the song were also pretty darn talented and have worked with some amazing artists. I was definitely in great company.
#SUPERPOWERS What is your answer to #HowFar would you go to have a superpower, and which one would it be?
In what I do in my life, which has always been surrounded by music, there have been quite a few challenging moments. I have competed in dance, theater and music since I was very young and have learned to take criticism and not let it slow me down too much. A big letdown usually takes me about a day to get over and by the next day I am ready to move on and usually learn a few lessons from what happened — no matter what the circumstance. As far as a superpower, I think I would like to have the power of mind control. Without being specific, there have been quite a few times that this would have come in handy. Flying would also be pretty awesome. I could go to do gigs in Nashville whenever I needed to.
Confucius says, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” Being a part of this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS), a radio and music industry business professionals’ event, which showcases new and emerging artists. What were some key takeaways for you from the event?
The radio industry is so key to what I do. Landing on Radio Disney Country was an absolute blessing for me, knowing the difficulties of getting on radio. I definitely realize the importance of the industry and respect it. It was just a great feeling having people interested in my story. I also learned that there is a lot more to learn to succeed in this area. I am just going to keep trudging along until I get there!
Moving to Nashville this fall to start at Belmont University in the Mike Curb School of Music and Entertainment. Being a trendsetter in Gen Z pop country music. Besides the TikTok effect, what trends do you see in country music today?
TikTok is definitely the trend and not that easy to break into. I also think collabs are big right now. I would love to do a duet with someone and record it. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. Would love to get to work with some talented artist out there!