Between her music career and her acting career (where you may know her best as Dina Fox from the hit show, Superstore), Canadian artist Lauren Ash is a force to be reckoned with, taking over your screens and speakers. She has just released her sixth single, “Cool Story, Bro”- a pop-punk breakup song with an all-too-relatable message, alongside a video featuring her Superstore castmates. We caught up with Lauren to chat about the new song, what it’s like to juggle acting and music, and her advice for anyone chasing dreams.
From The Strait: Tell us about the single, “Cool Story, Bro”.
Lauren Ash: “Cool Story Bro” was written when I was going through a really devastating break up last year. I wanted to capture those relatable times in the thick of a breakup when you find yourself completely lost. The first verse is 2 weeks out. You’re desperate to get the person back. You’ll say and do anything. It’s sad and almost pathetic but we’ve all been there at some point. The second verse is 2 months out. You’re starting to come back to reality and realize “hey, that breakup was pretty messed up…” The choruses are just, well, the pettiest things I could ever imagine saying to someone. I would never actually say these things to someone but I sure have written those letters and just never sent them.
From The Strait: Every artist has their own way of creating songs – what is your usual songwriting process?
Lauren Ash: I’m lucky enough to have had 2 amazing collaborators on this song: Aaron Verdonk and Jesse Colburn. We actually wrote my entire album together which is dropping in September. Sometimes I would bring them an idea, sometimes they would bring one to me. With Cool Story Bro, I brought the idea of the letters that you write to an ex that you never actually send to them. We went back and forth with the lyrical idea and then I believe Aaron came up with an idea for music and it just grew from there. I love when you get into the zone creating something with other people and it just starts to organically grow on its own. It’s really satisfying as an artist.
From The Strait: Jumping from successful comedic actress to living your rockstar dream – how different are the two jobs, and has it been hard to juggle both?
Lauren Ash: While there is definitely some crossover, the two things are quite different. I have worked full time in tv/film for the past 15 years. Which has been amazing! But you are performing in small, 3-4 minute spurts throughout the day with no live feedback from an audience. Getting to perform live concerts with my band is a dream come true. Getting the immediate energetic feedback from a crowd is something I didn’t realize I wanted so badly. It takes me back to my Second City days when I was performing live sketch comedy and improv 6 nights a week. But there is something way more fun about music over comedy to me. Instead of me standing and entertaining people, music is an energetic exchange between myself and the crowd. We’re all experiencing the music together in the moment. I find it really fulfilling. And honestly, when I see people singing my songs along with me, word for word? That’s just the coolest thing I could ever experience.
From The Strait: As a fellow Ontario-born woman of the same age, you and I grew up in an era when it was rare to see a woman (especially a Canadian woman) find success at home and beyond in acting OR music, nevermind both. What advice do you have for other women pushing to achieve their dreams right now?
Lauren Ash: I would say that there is nothing more important as an artist than sticking to what feels most authentic to you. No one else has the unique voice and talents that you do. So never lose sight of what you have to offer even if people don’t get it right away. And life is also too short not to try to make your dreams come true! I started pursuing music at 40 because it’s the thing that brings me the most joy in life. I just wish I had started sooner! So don’t put it off like I did. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, do it! The only person who is going to make opportunities for you, is you!
From The Strait: What are some bands or artists you’re listening to most lately?
Lauren Ash: Ecca Vandal, Lola Young, Olivia Rodrigo, Yungblud, The Beaches, Hotel Mira, the list goes on and on! I honestly think it’s such a cool time in music. Most of the new music I discover is on Tik Tok. I think I literally discovered all of these artists on Tik Tok. That algorithm is working well for me. haha
From The Strait: If you were a superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
Lauren Ash: Listen, as far as I’m concerned I played a superhero on TV for 6 years and her name was Dina Fox.
—-
Check out the new single from Lauren Ash, “Cool Story, Bro”!
–
Follow Lauren Ash on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
—
, Canadian artist Lauren Ash is a force to be reckoned with, taking over your screens and speakers. She has just released her sixth single, "Cool Story, Bro"- a pop-punk breakup song with an all-too-relatable message, alongside a video featuring her Superstore castmates. We caught up with Lauren to chat about the new song, what it's like to juggle acting and music, and her advice for anyone chasing dreams.){kind=link}