HERE COMES LAVRENCE
His name isn’t the only queer thing about Lavrence! (Yes, that’s the correct spelling.) He’s here, queer and ready to ride the next great wave of LGBT+ pop stars.
His name isn’t the only queer thing about this new pop star on the rise.
DNA: You’re a star in the making. Lavrence: Thank you! To me a star is someone with a singular vision, usually attached to some kind of movement – consciously or unconsciously.
Why one name like Cher, Madonna and Rihanna?
I love the simplicity of a one-name moniker. It’s a statement without feeling the need to explain itself. Lawrence is my middle name and also my grandfather’s name.
Why the interesting spelling?
My mum calls me by my birth name, but you do pronounce the ‘v’ in LAVRENCE. To be honest, Lawrence was already taken – happy it was. [Laughs.)
How do you identity and which pronouns do you prefer?
I identify as queer. My pronouns are he/him and although I identify as male being a man means something completely different to me than what we’re taught.
What was your coming out like?
Oh, my goodness… The first person I came out to was my twin brother. He actually approached me after seeing my MySpace account. I had a glittery pink background and had written “cOm3 gEt mE bOiiz” in the bio. He asked me if I was gay and when I said yes. He just said he loved me and gave me a hug. I was pretty unapologetically myself as a child, so when I started doing the rounds it wasn’t exactly met with shock.
What made you decide you wanted to be a pop diva?
A healthy diet of the Spice Girls. [Laughs.] I used to race home after school and dress up as either Ginger or Posh and spend my evenings pretending to be on stage performing. Hence the lack of shock factor when coming out. You’ve released three singles so far – Radio Man, My Space and Shine. How did they come about? I was taking a break from making music a few years ago, dealing with my mental health. A friend of mine had released a song produced by Sydney DJ/ Producer Bobby Gray. When I heard it, I knew I needed to work with him and we did. I was also going through a liberation of sorts, feeling empowered and healthy. That’s why the music is the way it is.
Your music has a very ’80s DIY electro-pop sensibility. Is that a fair assessment? Yes, and I love that you picked up on the DIY aspect. You’ve played numerous gigs – what have been some of the most memorable? The biggest show I’ve played so far was Heaps Gay’s Pari Gras (as part of Sydney Mardi Gras) this year. It was an incredible experience. We put together a 20-minute show choreographed from start to finish. I love performing in small queer spaces. I love the intimacy and feeling connected to the community. How naked do you actually get on stage? I do like to expose my body on stage – I feel liberated when I perform and the outfits are reflective of that.
Are you romantically attached?
I’ll just say that for now that I’m quite satisfied! [Laughs.]
You’ve been described as a “queen”. What does that word mean to you?
It’s the highest compliment. A queen, to me, is someone who stands in their power – not relying on the validation or opinion of others. Growing up as a gay child you’re constantly bombarded with the heterosexual narrative – magazines, TV shows, films, songs, books, etc. Magazines like DNA are so important in giving our community a voice and place where we can reflect on our own experience. I remember seeing DNA on the stands growing up and feeling that little bit safer.
What are the issues closest to your heart? I’ve always been super concerned with how we’re all so controlled by shame, guilt and fear. I want more people to liberate themselves and I know it’s not easy – especially without certain privileges. I guess mental health is an issue close to my heart – that, and trying to understand how dogma works.
What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
When I’m not working I like to relax – meditate, spend time in nature and spend time with the people I love. I also frequent queer events and spaces. There’s so much amazing talent in the Sydney queer community.
Your best beachwear choice?
I’m an ’80s shorty-shorts-at-the-beach kinda guy! [Laughs.]
My MySpace account had a glittery pink background and ‘cOm3 gEt mE bOiiz’ in the bio.
MORE: Lavrence’s music is available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, iTunes and all other major platforms. Find him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.