We first met Lauren Zoeller in Detroit during our auditions for the parts of Gertrude and Grace. Dave Ziozios (drums), Eric Scott Baker (The Bully), and Tom Libertiny (writer) immediately agreed that she was the one to play Gertrude. She clearly embodied everything that was Gertrude as both an actor and singer. More importantly, she was and remains–authentic.
All of our characters have depth. But how do you find someone who can portray Gertrude–a character who is a little naïve, timid, down-to-earth, harbors a dark secret, and then finds the courage within herself to fundamentally change? And also, the vocal style and range needed to perform songs like Addiction and Tomorrow? Through talent and hard work, Lauren is that actor and singer. And, she owns the stage during our live performances.
Since she’s been part of Null Paradox, we’ve also had the benefit of her insights into making our live performances better, actor/singer selections, music and a whole lot of other things. In 2017 she recorded our Love or Destiny album in Nashville’s Dark Horse Studios which was produced by John “JR” Robinson. That’s her singing Tomorrow, A Moment, Addiction, and Nervy. And live, Lauren sounds exactly the same, with an added dose of attitude.
Yes, we’re fortunate to have her as part of Null Paradox. But at the end of the day, she’s simply everything you’d want in a friend. Please welcome back Lauren to the role of Gertrude!
Interview with Lauren Zoeller
Question~ What personality traits do you share with the Null Paradox character Gertrude?
Lauren~
Gertrude is strong-willed and spirited in her beliefs and passions. She is quiet in nature but is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to living her life from an authentic place. When I step into the character of Gertrude, I am called to channel the art of knowing EXACTLY what I want and how I am going to get it. Gertrude is strong, and in real life, so am I. That is my favorite personality trait of Gertrude.
Question~ When did you decide that acting was one of your passions?
Lauren~
Honestly, acting is fairly new to me. Growing up, I attended a performing arts high school and majored in dance with a minor in musical theatre, so I had a tiny bit of acting exposure then, but it wasn’t until later in life that I found my love for acting. As a matter of fact, I went to college to pursue a dance degree and then my sophomore year I switched to voice. I guess you can say I found singing AND acting later in life. Still waiting on Tom to incorporate a dance sequence into the show 😉
Question~ If you had to make a choice, which do you prefer—acting or singing?
Lauren~
Singing, definitely! Don’t get me wrong, I love acting, but my voice is something that comes much more natural to me than acting.
Question~ Which other artistic forms do you enjoy?
Lauren~
Anything involved with the arts, count me in. Dance is my love language so I can sit and watch the ballet or attend a contemporary performance all day and be moved. However, I am intrigued and fascinated by any art form. Take me to an art gallery, a musical, the symphony, a dive bar with a killer songwriter… Any and every form of art is an expression of love and the creator’s inner voice, and if you know me, that’s what I’m all about.
Question~ When we last interviewed you, you were getting involved with Baptiste Yoga. How have you evolved with Yoga?
Lauren~
Wow. So much has evolved with Yoga since we last spoke! I no longer teach strict Baptiste yoga anymore. As a matter of fact, I just opened a yoga studio in Nashville… so that keeps me very busy. I have also transitioned full time into my career as a Whole Living Life Coach. This was a career path I recently dove into the last time we spoke. I guide individuals in a variety of practices to feel good in their bodies, believe in themselves and live out their intentions, and yoga is definitely a big piece of that puzzle.
Question~ Who are your biggest music influence(s) and why?
Lauren~
Ahh this is hard one. I have so many artists that have influenced the way I approach music. However, I would have to say my biggest influence is Susan Tedeschi. She is the reason I fell in love with music. Her musicality, vocal approach and the way she carries herself on stage is my main inspiration. I also pull inspiration from others like Jason Isbell, John Mayer, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, and Ella Fitzgerald. All of them are uniquely different in their own way but share the common theme of true artistry in their field.
Question~ What’s your favorite live musical or play performance?
Lauren~
My favorite live musical is Aida. There is something about that show, the music and message are so powerful. Gets me every time.