Lauren Mayberry, most recognisable for her work in synth-pop band Chvrches, has begun to embrace her career as a solo artist as she kicked off her UK and Europe tour on 5th October. With a debut album in the works, Mayberry has so far released “Are You Awake?,” her first ever solo single and “Shame,” set for release on 10 October.
“Shame” is out 10/10.
Pre-save it here: https://t.co/hWgTWQeBeF pic.twitter.com/raTupS98Ea
— Lauren Mayberry (@laurenevemay) October 4, 2023
Mayberry announced initial details of her solo project back in July, promising that it would be an eclectic mix of emotions and musical styles. Now, Mayberry has had the chance to introduce fans to her new material after completing a tour in the United States, before hitting the road again in the UK and Europe.
Speaking to NME about taking the leap into the uncertain and often times nerve-wracking solo world, Mayberry said, “there’s always nervousness. For any front-person in a band, but especially a woman, as soon as you say the words ‘solo material’ people get very upset with you. I feel like every second sentence is, ‘I’m not breaking up the band, guys, however…’ But we’re lucky enough to have fans that care so much that they don’t want it to break up. I feel grateful, but I’m trying to be reassuring to them – ‘just give us a couple more years guys, it’s going to be fine’.”
Mayberry has stated that bringing her ideas and concepts to life as a solo artist has allowed her to explore female specific experiences that may not have been easy or a right fit for Chvrches. Sharing an artistic direction with two men in the band, Mayberry worried that her unique perspective on themes or directions would not necessarily resonate with them.
She added, “there are a lot of specific things about the female experience that won’t apply to Iain and Martin. Obviously they have been very supportive of some of that making its way into Chvrches’ music, but sometimes I don’t want to sing about certain things or perform in a certain way when I’m on stage with men – if that doesn’t sound terrible. They’re the nicest men, but sometimes it’s not a conversation that I’m comfortable having fully in that context.”
So far, Mayberry has been buoyed by the response that her new material has received from live audiences and, as her UK and European leg gets underway, she is hoping that the new songs continue to ring true for her scores of fans spread across the continent. As for Chvrches, the band is set to release a 10th anniversary edition of The Bones Of What You Believe later this month, although any imminent projects are not foreseen by Mayberry at this time.
Lauren Mayberry Tour:
06/10/2023 – )2 Institute 3 – Birmingham
08/10 – Gorilla – Manchester
09/10 – Scala – London
11/10 – Melkweg Oz – Amsterdam, Netherlands
12/10 – Lido – Berlin, Germany
13/10 – Strom – Munich, Germany
15/10 – La Maroquinerie – Paris, France
16/10 – Luxor – Cologne, Germany
17/10 – Rock Cafe – Prague, Czech Republic
19/10 – Flex – Vienna, Austria
21/10 – Bogen F – Zurich, Switzerland
22/10 – Magnolia – Milan, Italy
24/10 – La Nau – Barcelona, Spain
25/10 – Sala Capernico – Madrid, Spain
