Lauren Sanderson | Queen Bee Review

By Elberton Cisnero

Lauren Sanderson is an LA-via-Indiana singer/songwriter that released her debut album in 2020, Midwest Kids Can Make It Big. The high-energy Sanderson is now kicking down the door to announce her single “Queen Bee.” The song was produced by Keith Varon (Machine Gun Kelly, The Aces); the track is from her forthcoming self-released EP and marks yet another career highlight for Sanderson. She first started to gain the attention of music fans and industry tastemakers in 2019, when she opened for FINNEAS. Since then, Sanderson has built a cult following thanks to her no-holds-barred honesty, relentless DIY work ethic, and electric persona. MTV, Billboard, Zane Lowe’s Beats 1, Alternative Press, and Spotify’s New Music Friday have all signed on in support of her swirling, intoxicating blend of rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B – imbued with the same charisma and conviction that made her a YouTube presence and even earned her a TED Talk at age 19 in 2015. When speaking about her latest single, “Queen Bee,” Sanderson says, “I don’t want to play the underdog anymore,” she declares. “I know what I’m capable of, and I’m ready to bring the star power.”

“Queen Bee” opens with a low-fi vocal sound. When the verse arrives, Sanderson’s warm sensual vocal sound expands and fills the airwaves. With a steady rock beat and elements of electronica, “Queen Bee” will have cross-genre appeal. Sanderson’s gravelly tone in the bridge is a pleasant texture change.

“Queen Bee” is the third single for Sanderson leading up to her new EP release. Her process is entirely satisfying, with the song having a lot going for it in terms of melody and Sanderson’s excellent singing. Together Sanderson and Varon make good use of the many sounds at their disposal to create various uncluttered soundscapes. The instruments are clearly distinguishable and complement one another to allow Sanderson’s vocals to be in the spotlight. Sanderson is one to watch!

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Elberton Cisnero

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