NEW YORK – The emergence of Lauren Mayberry as a solo artist can certainly be likened to the sound of a wolf howling. This distinctive howling is emblematic of her debut album, particularly highlighted in the track “Crocodile Tears,” where she expresses herself while addressing a past relationship. Mayberry states, “At this point in my life, it’s completely acceptable for me to howl like a wolf in my music if I wish to, and I don’t have to feel awkward about it.”
At 37, Mayberry is relishing the creative freedom that comes with stepping away from the electronic sound of Chvrches, the Scottish pop band she joined in her early twenties. She describes her artistic journey as a “mission statement of all the things she enjoys,” where writing songs reflects the feelings of the moment, which she finds liberating.
Her upcoming album, “Vicious Creature,” set to release on December 6 through Island Records, contains 12 tracks that span various styles, from the indie folk vibe of “Anywhere But Dancing” to the energetic punk of “Punch Drunk,” as well as dance-pop in “Change Shapes” and a glam-inspired sound in “Sorry, Etc.” Unlike her previous work with Chvrches, where the focus typically starts with melodies and production, Mayberry’s new approach emphasizes storytelling right from the initial songwriting phase.
“I wanted to center the album around the narrative,” she explains. “It was refreshing to enter the studio with a title or a concept and then develop the song based on that.” Influenced by artists such as Sinead O’Connor, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Annie Lennox, she credits her vocal style, particularly the yodel-like quality, to heavy listening of Alanis Morissette. “Those influences are what I aimed to incorporate more in my personal work,” she notes, acknowledging the irony of having been associated predominantly with synth-pop despite those influences being quite different.
Throughout the creation of her new album, Mayberry collaborated with various producers, including Greg Kurstin and Tobias Jesso Jr. She commenced the writing process in spring 2022, fitting studio sessions in alongside her touring commitments with Chvrches. Collaborator Dan McDougall expressed a shared desire to explore new directions without confinement to a specific genre, stating, “We didn’t set out with a single genre in mind. Our exploration led us to a different sound.”
One notable track, “Sunday Best,” takes inspiration from Talking Heads’ “Once In a Lifetime” as well as personal reflections related to her mother’s illness. She reflects, “I initially thought I was writing a hopeful and uplifting song, but the underlying theme is still about death,” she chuckles, adding, “Perhaps it’s just a Scottish trait to have that morose edge.”
Mayberry’s lyrical content addresses themes like mortality, nostalgia, societal pressures, and her past relationships, encapsulated in her poignant lyric, “I killed myself to be one of the boys.” She states, “The lyrics that resonate the least with me are those that feel inauthentic. You can often detect, through an artist’s tone, whether the sentiment is genuine or not, which is why my guiding principle is to avoid anything that feels disingenuous.”
Regardless of critical reception or chart performance, Mayberry expresses pride in the release of her album, viewing it as a testament to her artistry and a declaration that she is capable of crafting meaningful music independently. “No matter the outcome of this record, it was primarily about proving to myself that I could take this risk. If you don’t try, you’ll never discover your potential.”
The album concludes with the reflective track “Are You Awake?”, where Mayberry assesses her life’s direction, contrasting her own choices with those of her peers who have settled into traditional paths. She lyrically conveys, “They’ve been counting their babies and their diamond wedding rings,” while wrestling with the weight of her own ambitions: “Being the hometown hero is a tricky ambition,” she sings.
In closing, she remarks on the unease surrounding her future, stating the song leaves listeners with a question mark, mirroring her feelings about what lies ahead. While uncertain about the next steps for Chvrches, she acknowledges that all members are currently pursuing individual projects, though she remains hopeful for future collaboration. “Once you’ve experienced the exhilaration of freedom, it’s hard not to cherish that,” she reflects. “However, I believe our unique experiences away from the band will enrich our future songwriting sessions together.”
