X Factor 2015 runner-up Lauren Murray wants her listeners to believe that anything they want to do, they can do it. That’s the message she hopes to convey with her music. “Don’t let anyone tell you can’t because you can”, she says.

And her new EP which details the singer’s musical journey, comes with exactly that message. Lauren’s debut EP ‘Worth It’ has been released via the F.R.O.D MUSIC label. She released her first single ‘Boss Girl’ in the Spring which had a positive response from old and new fans alike and the track was added to the Spotify ‘This Is How We Do’ playlist with the likes of Mabel, Raye, and Stefflon Don . ‘Worth It’ consists of five bold and honest tracks.

Lauren says, “It’s not even just about music. It can also be interpreted in other ways; like boosting your self-esteem. And thinking, yeah, we’re all worth it. So that’s why I thought it was the right title for the EP.” Lauren’s own personal favourite from the 5-track EP, she says, is 90s R&B influenced song ‘No More’; the kind of sound that Lauren herself grew up listening to. The title track ‘Worth It’ also means a lot to Lauren Murray as she sings about her deep emotional challenges as a person and as an artist. She knows her fans have stuck with her all these years and supported her in times when she was close to giving up on her dreams. Lauren feels it’s important to send a message through her music that people should never give up despite facing setbacks, self-doubts, and challenges. And that you should always believe in yourself.

Speaking further on the aspect of journeys, she explains that since the X Factor days the hardest part was finding her own musical direction. She goes on, “You don’t want to sound like anyone else, but still play to your strengths”.

Delving into influences and inspirations she tells me she’s all about the girl power; from Adele –  who she gushes about –  to every other female artist killing it out there including Anne Marie and Mabel.

Lauren also mentions a memorable moment in her career, which involves Adele, when she met and received support from the acclaimed singer during her time on the X Factor. Another highlight she mentions is more recent when her EP went onto number 7 on the Pop iTunes chart on the night of release. She commented prior to the release date, “I actually can’t put into words how excited I am to finally release my first EP into the world. To think that my songs, my music, my lyrics will be out there as an artist is the best feeling ever. I am sure many of you that have been with me from the beginning will know how long I have waited for this moment, and I hope you all know how much I appreciate all the patience you’ve had with me on this crazy, crazy ride. It’s true what they say hard work pays off, and I hope you all love my music just as much as I do“.

Lauren’s EP shows how versatile she is as an artist. It contains a combination of piano-laced ballads, upbeat afrobeats, catchy pop, and sultry R&B. What really stands out are the infectious beats and Lauren’s powerful vocals – her personality really shines through every song.

Finally, we move onto the future, as Lauren tells me her plans which involves more shows and reconnecting with fans. Of course, the talented and vivacious singer is all about “having some fun” as well.