Philadelphia knows her as the girl who sings the National Anthem for the Philadelphia Flyers but did you also know that she does much more than that? She plays the guitar, she writes the lyrics to her songs, she produces and plays the piano. And I am pretty sure that she can kick some butt in ice hockey as well. And now Lauren Hart has a new CD , "Painted Bride". But it didn't come so easy!
Many people would think that Lauren Hart has not had a hard life at all because she is the daughter of Gene Hart, who was the T.V. announcer for the Philadelphia Flyers and now announces for the Philadelphia Phantoms and because many people in her family have been in show business. But trust me Lauren has had her share of ups and downs. "No one was banging down the door to produce the next Lauren Hart album" (Lauren Hart Songwriter's Monthly February 1999) Before making her cd "Painted Bride", she needed to make money and keep the artist inside alive so she took odd jobs like handing out raisins on Seventeenth and Market in Philadelphia,being the Sega Genesis girl teaching kids to play the games in the store, writing jingles for commercials, singing in a musical. She kept on singing as well opening for Joe Cocker, Anne Willson of Heart, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Lisa Loeb, the Allman Brothers, The Human League, Gypsy Kings, James Brown, Jill Sobule and many other acts.
Last year, Lauren was just minutes away from having her major label debut. But due to unfortunate circumstances and the untimely firing of her talent scout at the label ultimately canceled the release! "I sensed that something wasn't right. I just didn't feel like I was a part of what was going on around me."(Lauren Hart Breakaway Delaware Valley Hockey Magazine) Lauren was not about to give up so easily. "From my father, I learned about being an individual and following your passion." said Lauren. "He is one of the few people in this world to achieve greatness, and he got there by keeping going through life's ups and downs." "There was never a time that I wanted to do anything else." (Lauren Hart Breakaway Delaware Valley Hockey Magazine Vol. 2, No 1) So feeling like she didn't have much of anything she decided to produce her own record and "Painted Bride" was born.
After traveling around the world the likes of which have included Italy, Hawaii, Arizona and Monte Carlo to just name a few, and experiencing different cultures Lauren came back to Philadelphia and created "Painted Bride" which she co-produced with Chris Zurzolo and George Deal, and mixed with the help of Phil Nicolo and Phil Nowlan. Lending their talents also, Philadelphia's Rob Hyman and Eric Bazillian (The Hooters), Ritchie Rubini (The Caufields), Mike Brenner (The Low Road), and Tony Reyes (Sass Jordan). They all got together to help Lauren bring her vision into reality. And what a reality it has turned out to be. Every song on the CD, has a unique flair that only Lauren Hart can create! "Songwriting is a part of me that people want to deny because I am female and have a distinctive voice. I had to find a way to reveal that side. When I am alone or in the throes of some deep emotion, the songs come to me. I think of songs when I am driving. There is a kind of solitude and freedom in my car which allows me to think. It is an escape watching the changing surroundings." (Lauren Hart-Songwriter's Monthly February, 1999)
Look for "Painted Bride" on GYPSY GIRL Records in your local stores. To order by phone call 215-732-9518.
When I recently sat down with Lauren I asked her many questions and here is what she had to say.
RP "Explain how you decided to write "Painted Bride" the song".
LH " I would just sit alone in my apartment and look out my window which overlooked the painting. The painting is symbolic of life.
RP " What was it like growing up?"
LH " I hated being a teenager! Although I was popular because of who my dad is I felt out of place. I was very nerdy. I was very shy. Though being nerdy and shy made me want to become something more.
RP "Do you have any superstitions?"
LH "I always wear my dad's necklace when I sing."
RP " What is a typical day like for you?"
LH "All of my days are so different. Some days I have to be creative. Some days I do absolutely nothing and some days are just too hectic I have no time for myself.
RP "Who do you admire?"
LH "My mother. She has so much patience. She has balance. She does not let things get her down. She has such great generosity. I would like to be more like my mom!"
RP " What are your favorite qualities in a person?"
LH " Honesty/Conviction. I like a person who would stand up for other people who live what they believe in. I love a person who can make me laugh!"
RP " What do you want people to know about Lauren Hart?"
LH " Just that I love making music and I have worked really hard at it! I feel that is is a gift to be able to perform!"
RP " What are your favorite things to do not related to your profession?"
LH " I love skiing, snow boarding, scuba diving, roller blading and sports!"
RP " What is your favorite color?"
LH " Blue and purple."
