Lauren Munroe’s story is a journey shaped by grit, resilience, and an unshakable love for music. From singing in the church pews of Philadelphia to shaping platinum sounds at Sony Music Publishing, her career is one of growth, connection, and purpose. With each step, from humble beginnings to industry success, Lauren has built her career on faith and a genuine desire to make an impact in music.
The Philadelphia Roots and LA Grind
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Lauren’s love for music began in the church, where she first found her voice. After graduating from Temple University with a degree in mass media communications and audio production certification, Lauren faced the challenge of breaking into the competitive music industry.
In 2018, she made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles. By January 2019, she had landed her first industry job at William Morris Endeavor (WME) in the touring department. While touring wasn’t the right fit for her, Lauren gained valuable lessons in resilience and how to create opportunities from nothing.
Her next move was a game-changer. She leveraged a temp agency to secure a position at Sony/ATV, which would later become Sony Music Publishing. Starting as an admin assistant and eventually working as an executive assistant to Walter Jones, Lauren’s potential didn’t go unnoticed. Walter promoted her to A&R, and now, as a Senior Manager, she’s been with Sony ever since.
Creative Energy: The Studio is Home
Though Lauren loves to sing, she never saw herself as an artist. Instead, she craved a career where she could work with music every day while maintaining stability. She found that space in the studio, connecting talented producers and songwriters to craft magic. Her energy is rooted in collaboration, and she shines when bringing others together to create something lasting.
A standout moment in her career came when she was involved in Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” project, particularly the song “Luther.” A collaboration between songwriter Ink and producer Soundwave, “Luther” spent 13 weeks at number one. For Lauren, that session was a testament to her ability to foster incredible creative partnerships.
A Day in the Life at Sony Music Publishing
A typical week as Senior Manager of A&R at Sony Music Publishing is a whirlwind of activity. Mondays begin with company meetings and research, followed by connecting with writers, producers, and artists. Lauren spends her days building relationships and ensuring her roster has what they need to succeed. It’s not a 9-to-5 job—her commitment goes well beyond office hours, as she’s always looking for ways to support her team.
Discovering new talent is a mix of social media scouting, recommendations from her network, and face-to-face meetings. Lauren values authenticity and work ethic above all, wanting to know if the artist is ready to build a career that will last.
Explaining Publishing Deals with Clarity
One thing Lauren noticed early on is that most creatives don’t fully understand the details of a publishing deal. She takes the time to explain it in simple terms: a contract, recouping money, and sharing a piece of the copyright in exchange for support in making more music. She believes it’s important to ensure that everyone knows exactly what they’re signing up for, especially when it comes to something as significant as a publishing deal.
The Power of Humility in the Music Industry
Despite working with major artists and being in a high-pressure environment, Lauren maintains a humble and authentic presence. Her success is built not only on talent but on the genuine connections she forms with others. In an industry where egos often drive the conversation, Lauren’s sincerity has been a powerful tool in her career.
“I want people to remember me for how I made them feel,” she says. “It’s about being real and caring for others.”
The Importance of a Strong Community
Moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles was a significant adjustment for Lauren. While LA offers countless opportunities, she struggled initially to find a sense of community. However, she found strength in connecting with other Black creatives in the industry, a tribe that helped her feel supported and less alone in a city that can sometimes feel isolating.
Black Culture in the Industry: More Work to Do
Though there’s a growing presence of Black professionals behind the scenes in music, Lauren believes there’s still work to be done. She’s passionate about amplifying the voices of Black creatives, ensuring their stories are told, and making sure their contributions to the industry are recognized.
Looking to the Future: Legacy Over Fame
Even after five years at Sony, Lauren remains focused on helping others reach their full potential rather than chasing fame. “I don’t care about fame,” she says. “I want my work to speak for itself and leave a real impact.”
Her roster, which includes artists like Lotto, Jalen Josie, and Ink, is just one part of the exciting journey ahead. As Lauren continues to foster talent and grow with Sony, one thing is clear: her story is far from over, and it’s one that’s already leaving a powerful mark on the music industry.