Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Lauren was introduced to music as a young girl by her father, Don, who played harmonica around the house and jammed with friends. She grew up with him listening and appreciating lots of classic rock and jazz. Some of Lauren's fondest memories as a kid, which also had a huge influence on her interest in music, was him taking her to concerts and, particularly, to see the Grateful Dead.
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For fun, Lauren likes to sing karaoke and listen to live music of all genres. This love of music and her impeccable karaoke performances is what caught the attention of other band members and led her to be a part of The One-Eyed Kats as the lead vocalist.