Music
Rom Lawrell knew from the age of four that he wanted to be an artist.
“It's all the little kid in me that's screaming out to be seen and be heard,” he says in reference to his art.
Every decision he’s made in his life has led him to follow and study his musical inspirations, all of whom challenge the norm of what an artist should be: Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, Beyoncé.
Lawrell studied music theory in high school while participating in school theater productions and choir. He joined dance companies like Full Effect Entertainment Theatrical Dance Company and Empire Dance Company to work on his performance and stamina.
Now, there’s one thing he wants: your attention.
Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Lawrell has overcome adversity to pursue his career in the arts. For Lawrell, the arts may also be what saved him.
“You are forced to be tough,” Lawrell says about growing up on the city’s South Side. “Growing up was not easy for me, but I engulfed myself in the arts, dance, music, and that was my way to breathe and find myself.”
Lawrell has been a student of music nearly his entire life, but he’s been professionally focusing on a music career for the past eight years, he says.
Now based in Los Angeles, he’s collaborated with writers who have taught him how to structure a song. He’s also worked with writers who have taken full control of his creative output.
That's when Lawrell decided to take his autonomy back.
“I'm going to make the music that I want to make, and it's going to sound how I want it to sound,” Lawrell says. “I'm not going to ask anybody their opinions. I'm not going to send it to anybody. I'm just going to make it and put it out. And the people who love it will gravitate towards it.”
Lawrell’s willingness to stand up for his craft extends beyond himself. He says he wants to champion people who don’t have their voices heard.
“If I can touch people around the world, then I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and living out my purpose and being a vessel for creativity,” he says.
That creativity shows itself in his visuals as much as his music.
“The visuals always come when I'm in the studio. I know exactly how I want it to look,” Lawrell says.
The music video for his song “Attention” shows Lawrell in a striking oversized red double-breasted, big shoulder blazer. Drag queen Hershii LiqCour-Jeté, who appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race, helped Lawrell with glam as he stepped into drag wearing a leopard print bodysuit.
Much of what he does is for his childhood self.
Lawrell puts it plainly: “Fuck the norms, fuck the system, fuck what people think I'm supposed to be doing. I'm going to show you, and you're going to pay attention.”
Hollywood Rebound is an independent journalism publication that celebrates the art behind entertainment. Support the work with a one-time contribution, or share this story with someone who may enjoy it.