P&P Spotlight: Frawley (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

The incredibly versatile Frawley is no stranger to the music industry, although as a solo artist, she's just getting started. After entering the spotlight with the self-written "No One Can Fix Me" in 2021, her artistry has only continued to grow. Along the way, she has built an impressive resume of collaborations in multiple genres - including pop, alternative, hip-hop, and more. Even before her own breakthrough, "stupid," which she wrote with Tate McRae, earned Frawley her first ever Gold record.

Earlier this summer, "Crying My Eyes Out" helped Frawley cement her status as the next Sad Girl Hours queen. A follow-up, "Figure You Out," arrived August 25th, and it falls in the same vein as much of her earlier work. All of us here at Playlists & Polaroids are proud to call ourselves day one fans - her live performance at UMG's March 2023 showcase, as well as this unique glimpse into her creative mind, captivated us unlike anything else. Read our full interview with her below!

Image credit: Universal Music Group, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

YOU'LL LOVE FRAWLEY IF YOU LISTEN TO: Taylor Swift, Tate McRae, John Legend, Lauren Spencer Smith, Lewis Capaldi, Hunter Hayes

Let's start with the stage name! What made you want to go by your surname as an artist?

Since I started doing sessions in NYC when I was 15, I was told Lauren Frawley as a stage name just wasn't going to cut it. I remember looking for inspiration in hilarious places, like those online baby name generators, or trying to remember funny nicknames my family used to give me as a kid, but nothing felt right. The artist Ashe was actually the first person to ever suggest that I use my last name as my stage name. I was hesitant and not completely sold on it until I signed my publishing deal, and all of the other writers I would collaborate with started calling me by my last name! It’s been Frawley ever since.

How did you first fall in love with music and songwriting? At what moment did you realize that you wanted to turn it into a career?

I started singing the summer going into kindergarten with my school’s music teacher at the time, Mrs. Carol Kenny. I fell in love with singing instantly. There was never a defining moment where I realized that I wanted to turn it into a career, because I just thought I was working towards it the entire time!

How has New Jersey shaped your creative and personal journey?

Growing up in New Jersey was amazing, especially where I’m from in Bergen County because I lived so close to New York City. I grew up spending my weekends in the city at acting/singing/dance camps on Chelsea Pier and popping in during the week after school for auditions and more classes. There was always something happening–constantly inspired.

Image credit: Universal Music Group

What made you decide to relocate to LA?

I moved to LA in 2022, but I go back to New Jersey more than I should lol so I’d like to say im bi-costal now. I ultimately made the jump because the music industry shifted a lot during the pandemic. I found myself making trips to LA more and more frequently to write, so it only made sense to make the move.

You have an impressive list of collaborations under your belt - all the way from Metro Boomin, to Bebe Rexha, to Tate McRae. Do you have a favorite one that you've been a part of?

Writing with Metro Boomin and John Legend was definitely one for the books. I found out I would be working with them while I was on my way to a different session. I had worked with John the day before and it went so well. The song actually came out earlier this year on his album. I got a call from my manager telling me that plans had changed and that I’d be going in with John for day two, and with Metro. The session was unreal. Everyone was such a great vibe and he even gave me a bottle of his sparkling wine as I was leaving. It was a win-win.

When you write for other artists, do you take a different approach than when you write for yourself? If so, how?

100%! When I’m writing for myself I notice I’m in my head a lot. I catch myself overthinking my melody choices, or even the title of the song, in an effort to make sure the story feels like it's being told the best way possible. When it comes to writing for other artists, since it’s not my story and not always something I’ve been through, I don’t tend to overthink it. I just kind of go into the room with the artist, get to know them, and work with them to create the best song possible that feels close to them!

Whether people realize it or not, they've probably already heard your work - especially Tate McRae fans, because you wrote "stupid"! What inspired you to write this song, and what made you decide to give it to Tate? How do you feel the song fits her?

I co-wrote "stupid" back in 2019 with a few other writers and producers as well as Tate. Tate and I started off the session talking about life, what she was currently up to and of course… boy drama. We bonded and related to each other over the fact that boys drive us crazy and have our heads all over the place… then "stupid" was born.

What inspired you to write "Crying My Eyes Out"? Is it based on real-life events?

My friends dragged me for a girls night because I was trying to get over a guy. Cut to us at the bar watching the guy I’m trying to get over dancing with someone else right in front of me. A nightmare. The following week I went into the studio–it took me 5 days to write.

Lyrically, I definitely see parallels between "Crying My Eyes Out" and the song "Dancing On My Own." Was this something you had in mind when writing it?

That’s so funny. I didn't realize the parallels until I started posting it on Tiktok and saw comments saying that the song felt like a modern day "Dancing On My Own," which is a massive compliment because that song is so timeless.

After "Crying My Eyes Out" and "Figure You Out," what should fans be on the lookout for next? Is anything you're releasing now planned to precede a larger project?

There is so much new music on the way! I’ve been working on the next few songs for over a year now, so I’m really excited for them to finally be out in the world.

How was your experience opening for (one of our favorites) Hunter Hayes? What are some of the most important things you've learned from touring, and performing live that often?

It was an incredible experience getting to open for Hunter. I helped write two songs off his last album [Red Sky], so when he asked me to play a few shows with him, I was ELATED. It was [my] first time playing in proper venues, something I had been wanting and looking forward to for such a long time. Fans of mine even showed up with signs and ‘Crying My Eyes Out’ inspired makeup, which was amazing. The whole experience was 10/10.

What's your favorite song to play live and why?

I love performing "No One Can Fix Me." Melodically, it’s so fun to sing, but also the music is so dramatic and makes it really fun to sing live.

And finally, the P&P classic: Tell us your favorite lyric from "Crying My Eyes Out," and walk us through your thought process while writing it! How do you personally resonate with it?

“The best night of her life is the worst of mine” - hands down my favorite line. The idea of her night being so good because she got the guy (the same guy I want) is the reason that this is the worst night of my life. It’s dramatic, but explains exactly how I felt at that moment. My loss was her gain. That stings!

We're all extremely lucky to be witnessing the rise of Frawley. Over the past couple of years, she has checked off so many milestones - including numerous single releases, some TikTok viral moments, award-winning collaborations, and even her first opening stint for a bigger artist. As we can't get enough of "Crying My Eyes Out" and "Figure You Out," this is the perfect time to dive deeper into her discography. Here's a playlist we've curated to help you get started!