Lauretta Records is a fresh independent music label bringing a creative and inclusive approach to supporting musicians. The black-owned, female-led label champions the stories of their artists’ music, but also specially works to bring their songs to the entertainment screen. With over 50 song placements in films, television, and commercials, Lauretta is setting the speed for artists and brands to break into music licensing.
At the head of the company is Katrina Frye, founder and CEO, who carries 10 years of music industry expertise and a vision of opportunity and education for artists. Standing beside Frye is Gabrielle Veneracion, the creative director of Lauretta Records with a keen business acumen. A self-identified creative, Veneracion has worked in consulting and non-profits, right alongside her passion for music. Whether it is helping share their artists’ talents, helping them make their own income, or educating them about music laws, Frye and the Lauretta Records team are striving to create a sustainable ecosystem for performers.
The small, but growing roster of artists signed under Lauretta Records feature a diverse and charming list of faces. They aim to uplift underrepresented communities including people of color, women-identified, and LGBTQ+ artists. Three performers from the label are featured amongst other guest artists at the Lauretta Records & Friends Night:
Jordan Frye
Born in Ventura, California Jordan Frye was immersed in music at a young age and began writing his own songs when he was 10 years old. He has five years of songwriting for Capitol Records under his belt. Frye’s songwriting belongs to a tradition of storytelling-rich lyricists like Sufjan Stevens but is infused with the energy of indie-alt pop experimenters like Shawn Mendes or Ed Sheeran.
He is set to release his first full-length album in 2022 reflecting, meditating, and vocalizing on life’s big questions – is this all destiny or chaos? Are we ever free? If we are lost can we be found?
Kesha Shantrell
Kesha Shantrell has been waiting for her chance to be seen and heard by the world. Blending her years of background singing for artists like Leona Lewis, Andy Grammer, and Kanye West – together with her authentic lyrical charm, Kesha has a voice you can’t forget.
She recently released her debut EP Phase in August 2021, showcasing the range and depth of her artistry.
Revel Day
Revel’s music has a feel-good “Alternative Soul” vibe, with lyrics that can alleviate your pain and medicate your soul. California-born and raised, Revel Day has been singing and performing professionally from the young age of 12. As a background vocalist, he’s worked with Pharrell, Vance Joy, Kirk Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and more. After his debut album, Church Boy, received rave reviews, he shared the stage with artists such as Andy Mineo, Avalon Young, and Xavier Omar.
Lauretta Records & Friends Night will be presented at the Live Arts Exchange (LAX) Festival in partnership with the Los Angeles Performance Practice on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Tickets and more information is available here. *Note that the Festival Pass does not include admission to the Lauretta Records & Friends Night.
Elaine Nguyen is a recent graduate of USC with a focus in public relations and marketing. She is currently the 2021 Development Intern at Los Angeles Performance Practice.
