Lawrence

Biography

Lawrence is an eight-piece soul-pop band formed by siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence in New York City. From a young age, the two were immersed in music, listening to records by Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman, and Aretha Franklin in their family’s apartment. Their early musical development was shaped by writing songs together and performing with friends from childhood and college, eventually solidifying into the current lineup of Lawrence, which features a dynamic, keyboard-driven sound, punchy horn section, and powerful vocals.[3][5]

The band debuted with the album 'Breakfast' in 2016, produced by Grammy-winner Eric Krasno and featuring guest performances from NYC soul/funk mainstays. Their sophomore album 'Living Room' (2018) reached #2 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart and led to their late-night television debut. In 2019, Lawrence became the first band signed to Beautiful Mind Records, the label of Grammy-winning producer Jon Bellion, and supported Bellion on his Glory Sound Prep Tour. Their music blends classic soul and funk influences with contemporary pop energy, earning them a devoted following and critical acclaim for their high-energy live performances.[1][2][3][4][5]

In 2024, Lawrence released their fourth studio album, 'Family Business,' whose opening track 'Whatcha Want' broke into the US Pop Top 40. The band has performed at major venues and festivals worldwide, including Radio City Music Hall, The Wiltern, and North Sea Jazz Festival, and appeared on national TV programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Lawrence’s legacy is marked by their infectious joy, musicianship, and ability to blend old-school soul with modern pop sensibilities.[3][5]

Fun Facts

• Lawrence is led by siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, who started writing songs together as children in their New York City apartment.[1][3][5]
• Their debut album 'Breakfast' received praise from NPR and NBA star Steph Curry on social media.[4]
• Clyde Lawrence has written songs and scores for films and television, while Gracie Lawrence is also an accomplished actress.[1]
• Lawrence was the first band signed to Jon Bellion’s Beautiful Mind Records label.[1][3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Stevie Wonder - Major stylistic influence; formative listening in childhood (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Childhood to present]
• Randy Newman - Inspirational songwriter; formative listening (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Childhood to present]
• Aretha Franklin - Vocal and stylistic influence; formative listening (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Childhood to present]

Key Collaborators

• Eric Krasno - Producer of debut album 'Breakfast' (Breakfast (2016)) [2016]
• Jon Bellion - Label head (Beautiful Mind Records), producer, tour partner (Single 'Casualty', Glory Sound Prep Tour) [2019]
• Eli Crews - Co-producer of 'Living Room' (Living Room (2018)) [2018]
• Adam Deitch - Guest performer on 'Breakfast' (Breakfast (2016)) [2016]
• Cory Henry - Guest performer on 'Breakfast' (Breakfast (2016)) [2016]
• Maurice 'Mobetta' Brown - Guest performer on 'Breakfast' (Breakfast (2016)) [2016]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging soul-pop artists - Lawrence’s blend of retro soul and contemporary pop has inspired younger musicians in the genre, though specific names are not cited in available sources. (General influence through performances and recordings) [2016–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Whatcha Want (Family Business)
2. Do You Wanna Do Nothing with Me? (Breakfast)
3. Wherever I Go (feat. Lawrence & Michael McDonald) (Djesse Vol. 4)
4. Guy I Used To Be (Family Business)
5. Don't Lose Sight (Hotel TV)
6. Crushin' (feat. Lawrence) (Timeless)
7. i'm confident that i'm insecure (Family Business)
8. Something In The Water (Family Business)
9. False Alarms (with Jon Bellion) (Hotel TV)
10. Do (Family Business)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia