Being the offspring of two celebrity parents often warrants a free pass to international stardom, and in most cases without even a twinkle of talent or skill required. But this certainly isn’t the case when it comes to 18-year-old celeb-baby Charlotte Lawrence. The youngest daughter of actress Christa Miller (Seinfeld, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and showrunner/producer Bill Lawrence (who was literally the creator of Scrubs), Lawrence is staying in showbiz but moving away from the family business of film.

Since the age of five, the LA-based singer-songwriter has been developing her musical prowess. She’s had a penchant for piano playing for as long as she can remember, and despite her parents having no music skills of their own, she cites her dad’s impressive music taste as one of the influences that cemented her love of music making. Although she’s still not released a full body of work, Lawrence has clocked up an impressive two million monthly listens on Spotify and solidified herself as one of the industry’s most promising new talents, with her shimmery pop tracks “Sleep Talking” and “Psychopath” certified viral hits.

Thankfully, she’ll unveil her first full EP “Younger” at the end of June, with a second EP penned in for the end of summer. With contributions from Britney collaborator Jesse Saint John and Joe London, who has produced for Jason Derulo, Fifth Harmony and Lizzo, it’s certain to be a banger-packed release. We spoke to Lawrence about her rapid rise, the influence her parents have had on her craft and how King Princess is just one of her many dream collaborators.

How did you first become interested in music?

I’ve been playing piano and singing since I was five years-old! I’ve always loved music. It’s funny to my whole family though because neither of my parents can sing or play instruments. However, my father is the most incredible writer I know and my mother has an INSANE music taste. So I grew up around amazing music and writing but I’m the only one in my family who can sing!

Who were your musical icons when you were growing up?

There are so many that it’s hard to pick. But, off the top of my mind, I would say Damien Rice, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, and Bon Iver for starters.

Big feelings in there. When you’re writing music, where do your ideas come from?

Every single time I write anything, no matter what it is, it has to be authentic and important to me. Sometimes I’ll write about specific incidents, like with a boy or a friend, but a lot of times I’ll write an entire song about a feeling. I’ll create a story from that particular feeling whether I’m sad or angry or happy. But again, no matter what, everything I write and sing has to be special and honest to me.

You’ve had several singles released so far, what has the response to those been like?

The response has been amazing. I am truly grateful for my fans and all the love they show — it’s the best feeling in the entire world.

Are you working on anything else? When can we hear more music?

Yes! I’m releasing my EP “Young” on 22 June, and then following with another EP called “Reckless” in late summer! So excited.

Can you tell us about the people you’ve been working with?

I’ve been working with some of the most talented, incredible people and could not feel more lucky. A few of my all time favourite writers and producers I’ve been working with are: Mag, Joe London, Jesse Thomas, Hayley Gene Penner, Leona Naess, Jesse Saint John, and Blake Slatkin. There are many others, but without these people, my music would not be half as good as it is. Funny story about Blake Slatkin, he’s been one of my closest friends since we were little children. When I was 12 years-old my first ever song-writing session was with him. We wrote the shittiest song but obviously thought it was the best song in the world. Fast forward six years, we wrote a song together with Jesse Thomas called “Wait Up” that’s gonna be a single on my EP. It’s one of my all time favourite songs. I’m obsessed with it and with him, and it’s so cool to me that everything came together full circle.

What is the one song in the world that really resonates with you, and why?

That’s the hardest question because I am such a music geek I have five new favorite songs every day. But, if I had to choose an album that influenced me to write and to sing that still inspires me, it would probably be Bon Iver’s albums For Emma, Forever Ago and Bon Iver, Bon Iver.

Your parents are both part of the entertainment industry, what tips and tricks did you learn from them?

My mother is an actress and my father is a show-runner, writer and producer extraordinaire. Both have such a passion for their jobs, and they both work very, very hard on what they love. It’s so inspiring to me. Their work ethics are insane and it’s cool to have parents who are so artistic, special and passionate in their careers. I definitely learned to never stop working my ass off for my dream and to never stop believing that you can achieve that dream!

How supportive have they been about you pursuing a career in music?

They have not only been the most supportive, encouraging parents but they also are my biggest fans and my backbone. I could not have asked for better parents. They inspire me daily.

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Another super difficult question because I’ve collaborated with some of my favourite artists, and I also have so many more dream collaborations, but off the top of my mind, probably Damien Rice, Bon Iver, King Princess, or Childish Gambino. I think those artists are geniuses.

Finally, what have you got lined up for the summer?

I’m releasing a lot of new music and I’m touring!! In June I have shows in LA, NYC, San Francisco, and Chicago, and in October I’m going on a huge 25 city tour with Lauv! So excited!

Taken from the Summer 2018 Issue; out now and available to buy here.