Pitiful Bitch is out now!
Image: Billy Zammit.
Sydney-based singer-songwriter LAU has unveiled her new single, Pitiful Bitch. We caught up with the singer to chat about the release, her experiences in the industry, what the future holds and so much more!
Serving as the ultimate revenge track, Pitiful Bitch finds the singer taking an empowering stance to leave behind toxic relationships and assert her worth. Existing within a dark alt-pop sonic realm, LAU's mesmerising vocals float above atmospheric production led by a bubbling melody that builds towards the songs magnetic chorus.
Could you tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey, and your background in music?
Music has always been a way to express how I am feeling. I was always surrounded by music growing up, I remember listening to Kelly Clarkson and Miley Cyrus CD’s and replaying each song until i had learned all the lyrics to pretend to sing on stage in my room. This was something I'd do until high school when every afternoon I went into my bathroom to sing for hours. I can’t say what it is exactly that made me fall in love with music all i can say is that when I sing whether that be in the studio or on stage I feel understood and at home.
Your new single Pitiful Bitch is out in the world! Tell us a bit about the thematic exploration of the track and what prompted you to delve into this on the track?
I had a person in my life who had a lot of issues which they refused to deal with or seek help for and ultimately the way I was treated at the time was what started the idea for the song. This person constantly belittled my existence, told me I wasn't good enough and acted out of jealousy and spite. All of this coming from someone you trust makes you question yourself and I’d have to compensate by changing who I was around them and I started compartmentalising my life. But I decided I don't need to waste my time with that Broken Pitiful Bitch anymore xo.
What’s one line from the song you find at times could be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
The line that hooks me is “I labeled all your shit Broken Pitiful Bitch” it's funny it's definitely a little petty. Musically, I love how the lyrics fall into the melody and the accented syllables just brings home the rhythm.
How did you craft the dark alt-pop sonic realm the track exists within?
I went into the studio to play with the idea for Pitiful Bitch, all my songs need to sit in a world that is me. It can be really easy to make this type of music generic or rip an idea from others so we worked really hard on crafting a sound based around my voice and samples of me singing. This meant we could make something very unique to me. For example, the bass line is made up from my voice with added effects.Which will always be unique to me. The lyric and production feels a little psycho and like your constantly on edge. Thats ideally how I wanted the song to make you feel.The situation its written about was chaotic and I felt I was walking on eggshells with someone. I’m super stoked that we were able to capture everything I envisioned.
What messages do you hope listeners take away from the song?
Theres a lot of people in unfortunate situation-ships with toxic partners or friends, I have definitely been there and been at my lowest. This song was cathartic for me and made me feel empowered and in control of my situation- it gave me a way to finally speak my mind. I hope it does the same for others and makes them feel understood.
Could you walk us through your creative process when writing and recording your music?
It can start in many ways but for me I'll start with melodies and then lyrics. I often have phrases that I've heard and the vibe will initially be created around whatever the topic is. With Pitiful Bitch It started with my mood same with Dead To Me I felt I was in my villain era. Lately I've been caught up in my feels… so lets see how that one goes haha.
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts we should all be listening to?
ASHWARYA is so dope and i'm absolutely loving her tracks. Mia Rodriguez is major vibes. A producer I’m also loving is KITO but who doesn't love KITO.
People may know you from your appearance on The Voice Australia. How do you think that experience shaped your view and approach to navigating the music industry?
Something that I learned from being on a TV Show is how fleeting things can be and if you don't continue to work hard for what you want to achieve, it's not going to come to you by chance. My approach with the music industry is just that, continue to work hard for what I want to achieve and less for what others want. I guess a lot of these shows can put artists into cookie cutter boxes that can be easily marketed.so its important for me to make sure that the music I release is 100% me and what I want. I went on the show knowing the artist I am today and the type of music I wanted to create. I'm super stoked and grateful for my time on the show.
Australia fell in love with your live performances on the show. Will you be hitting the road for some live shows of your own any time soon? And what can audiences expect for one of your shows?
I have a show coming up which i’ll be announcing soon you’ll have to jump across to my socials if you want an update. But mainly i'll be in the studio lining up my next releases for 2023. The audience can expect cool slay outfits and slay energy.
What do you have in store for 2023? Will we be seeing an album or EP, and if so what can listeners expect from it?
Yeah a bunch of songs are coming out. Im looking at finishing my first project but what the track list is I'm not too sure yet. But we’ll keep the the hits rolling.
GET TO KNOW LAU
Biggest influences?
Sabrina Carpenter, Tate Mcrae, Mimi Webb, Ariana Grande.
Dream collaboration?
Anne Marie and Ariana Grande.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Ariana Grande'S thank u, next came out at a time when I needed to be in my feels but also have fun.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Bad Bitch Pop.
Best song of 2022 so far?
Ava Max - Million Dollar Baby.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Probably an action movie but I can't think of one right now.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley Cyrus.
What was the first song you loved to sing/play?
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star but it was microtonal with 3 key changes.
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Toxic - Britney Spears but a dark alt pop version.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
The Beatles - Hard Days Night and Harry Styles' Harry’s House.
First concert you went to?
Literally I was six and it was the Hooley Dooleys they slapped.
Best concert you have been to?
Again the Hooley Dooleys slapped jks… Tate Mcrae!!!!
First album you ever bought?
The Beatles.
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Im a Spice Girl for sure.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Lau and Order.
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Every show is memorable for me because I'm doing something I love.
Go-to karaoke song?
I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston.
Guilty music pleasure?
Jazz fusion and Jacob Collier. I honestly just wanna sit in silence with wine and listen to calming music.
If you tour with any other artist, who would it be?
Oliver Tree and Lil Nas X.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
I cant pick one, all of the greats set up the music industry and paved the way for what we have today. I think in todays society we all influence each other but obviously theres ones that sit above the crowd.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Its all a process trust it, don't panic, take deeps breathes and keeping being a bad bitch.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
I was five and my mum and I were driving and she was singing, I interrupted her and said “no mummy not like that”.
Pitiful Bitch is out now!