Lauren Ruth Ward
Filmmaker Series • E3
Lauren Ruth Ward is a musician, stylist, photographer, and more than the sum of her parts, seeking ways to connect without in-person shows.
Rock and roll songstress Lauren Ruth Ward released her album, Vol. II, right as the US went into lockdown in March. But that hasn’t stopped Ward from cultivating community, made of fans and fellow musicians, through her work. Featuring gritty, vulnerable lyrics and a old-school rock sensibility, Ward’s music draws in admirers from near (like L.A., her current home base) and far.Photos by Ali Roberto

“I hope my music creates a safe place for everyone to feel fully with no shame attached... We’re all humans, we’re all allowed to feel every feeling, shamelessly...”

“My fans are beautiful. They are a huge reason why I am feeling so good these days... Everything I do online is aimed towards connecting with those who understand and support me.”

Episodes
1. Ali Roberto
Director Alison Roberto takes a dive into the grit and passion of the LA music scene with her films, the product of a lifelong vision.
2. Gabriel Gomez
NY Filmmaker Gabriel Gomez uses these unprecedented times to hone in on what matters to him and the musicians in his community.
3. Lauren Ruth Ward
Lauren Ruth Ward is a musician, stylist, photographer, and more than the sum of her parts, seeking ways to connect without in-person shows.
4. Rosehardt
Caleb Eberhardt has always used his music to connect with others. Now, he's working to use his platform and leave a legacy of social change.
5. Tolliver
Los Angeles artist Tolliver uses his music to reconcile who he is today with his Baptist upbringing and childhood.
6. Cautious Clay
Music is the most natural form of expression for musician/producer Cautious Clay, who is using his art to navigate the turbulence of 2020.
7. Blimes & Gab
Blimes & Gab blended their unique styles to create Talk About It. Now, they're braving the highs and lows of releasing an album mid-pandemic.
8. Sunflower Bean
Lifelong musicians and members of Sunflower Bean are leaning on each other, their music, and the politics of their art to continue creating.
9. NEZ
NEZ, Los Angeles-based music artist and producer, focuses on cultivating a creative space where he can express himself in the truest form possible.
10. Orion Sun
Despite the dark early days of lockdown, singer, producer, and songwriter Orion Sun is finding the light by learning to live on her own terms.
11. The Regrettes
The Regrettes are looking within for inspiration and learning to let go as their non-stop touring lifestyle slows in the midst of lockdown.
12. Stuyedeyed
NYC band Stuyedeyed is focusing on what they can control: creating music they believe in, and through that, inciting change.
13. duendita
Brooklyn-based artist duendita uses her time in lockdown to find well-deserved rest and focuses on expressing her deepest self through her music.
14. Frankie and the Witch Fingers
newPowered by the explosive energy they usually channel onstage, Los Angeles band Frankie and the Witch Fingers uses art to engage their community.