Lawrence Hayward, known mononymously as Lawrence, is a celebrated English singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose innovative contributions to the indie pop scene have left an indelible mark. He first gained prominence as the frontman of Felt, a band he formed in 1979. Over the course of a decade, Felt released ten influential albums, showcasing Lawrence’s unique lyrical style and collaborative songwriting with lead guitarist Maurice Deebank. Their work during the 1980s, particularly albums like “Crumbling the Antiseptic Beauty” and “Ignite the Seven Cannons,” solidified Lawrence’s reputation as a visionary artist in the indie music landscape.
Following the dissolution of Felt in 1989, Lawrence founded Denim, a project that drew inspiration from his 1970s upbringing and the glam rock era. Denim produced two albums in the 1990s, including “Back in Denim,” which highlighted Lawrence’s knack for catchy melodies and clever lyrics. Despite facing challenges in achieving mainstream success, Lawrence’s influence continued to resonate, as evidenced by his co-writing of Shampoo’s hit single “Blisters and Bruises.”
In 1999, Lawrence launched Go-Kart Mozart, further showcasing his creative evolution. The project released several albums, including “Instant Wigwam and Igloo Mixture” and the critically acclaimed “On the Hot Dog Streets.” His work with Go-Kart Mozart reflects his enduring commitment to artistic expression, even as he humorously commented on his commercial struggles.
Lawrence’s artistic journey has also been documented in the film “Lawrence of Belgravia,” which premiered at the London Film Festival, and his upcoming book, “Street Level Superstar: A Year With Lawrence,” promises to offer further insights into his life and work. With accolades such as the Maverick of the Year award at the Q Awards and a recent exhibition of a marble bust in his honor, Lawrence continues to be a significant figure in contemporary music.