The Breakout Star

In today’s time, those who can harness the power of social media stupendously shoot to fame. Singer, influencer and model, Loren Gray exemplifies this as she basks in the glory of fame. Starting her career in her teenage days, she saw a meteoric rise in her popularity when she became a Tik-Tok star with her entertaining videos that caught the attention of millions. Today, the 18-year-old has defeated some of the biggest stars in the world of glitz and glamour with enviable numbers! With 21 million followers on Instagram, 51 million on Tik-Tok, more than 2 million subscribers on Youtube and over 1.5 million followers on Twitter, this young star has seen a meteoric rise in fame. Besides her Tik-Tok videos, it's her talent for dancing and singing that has bagged her collaborations with international artists and their companies. From Ido Zmishlany producing some of her albums to teaming up with Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Saweetie and getting a feature in Taylor Swift’s video, Loren Gray is carving a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. In a tête a tête she shares her most entertaining social media gigs, inspirations, the weight of being a social media star and why she calls her fans ‘angel squad’.

You have grabbed headlines being a Tik-Tok star, beauty mogul, singer and fashion influencer, which work you enjoyed the most and why?

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I love all of them! I am so thankful to my followers who have always given me the opportunity to pursue all my passions.

Your singing, lip-syncing and dancing videos got you discovered at Tik-Tok and you became the most followed influencer on that social media app between 2019-2020. What are your favourite social media gigs that never fail to impress?

Being yourself never goes out of style. As long as you are being true to yourself, you’re doing the right thing.

You are available on every social media platform with a huge following. How has it empowered you? Were there also instances where social media felt like a burden.

Of course, there have been instances where having a social media following was really hard because there's a lot of pressure in the virtual realm. No human is perfect, and when I make mistakes like a normal 19-year-old girl, it is seen by all as I do it with millions of followers. However, having this space is worth to me despite the pressures. Having this platform is rare and special so I don’t take it for granted.

At the mere age of 19, you have worked with many other stars. From collaborating with Saweetie and even getting a feat in one of Taylor Swift’s music videos. How did such exposure help you evolve as an artist?

Getting to meet strong women in the music industry is always a dream. Taylor Swift has been my #1 for years, I’m such a fan of hers. Watching the way she is a musician and businesswoman today, really informed and inspired me in my career.

One of your most popular album ‘Queen’ has over 17 million views on Youtube. It is flaring with passion and has upbeat music. What went into the making of this bewitching album?

Writing Queen was so fun - I wanted to create a song and video that is really empowering to women, all over the world! The fact that I’m even talking to a magazine in India about the song makes me so happy because it means I’ve achieved that goal.

You have a special connection with fans calling them ‘angels.’ How important are they to you?

They are EVERYTHING to me! My angels have had my back at every turn. Having a whopping internet following also surrounds you with a lot of troll comments and not so nice things. At such times having a group of people who always support me is so special and endearing.

You just left your record label. How has the experience been?

I’m completely independent now to make the music I want to make and be the artist I want to be. It’s scary but so exciting. The sky is the limit.

Does such massive fame come with a responsibility to entertain or you just follow your heart and go with the wind?

I feel like I have a huge responsibility to, not only entertain, but feel like a kind of role model for others, that I would have wanted when I was younger.

Who are your biggest inspirations in music and why?

Well, Taylor Swift for one! I also love Eminem, he was my favourite in my growing up years.

Tell us about your most cherishable achievement and why was it special?

Being able to buy a house and move out on my own was really special to me. I don’t look at my career like, achievements. Once you get caught in that, you’re always comparing yourself. I try to live in the moment and believe the best is yet to come!