Executive Interview: Six Questions in Sixty Seconds with Lauren Hillman!

Photo Credit: Bobby Prom

Lauren Hillman, or Kotomi, is a Los Angeles-based composer, artist, and producer. Her musical discography ranges from Kotomi’s ethereal pop to scores composed for film, television, cartoons, and advertisements.

Interviewer: When did your love for music begin?

Hillman: According to my mom, I went nuts for “We Are The World,” which I can only vaguely remember. My love for Michael Jackson was really strong as a kid, and I also played the piano, and fell in love with Chopin, so it was kind of a mix between classical music and 80s pop.

Interviewer: What made you want to compose music for cartoons? Do you have a favorite song you’ve composed?

Hillman: I love writing music for cartoons because it can be whimsical and fun, and taps in to the kid-like part of my brain! As far as cartoon songs go, I wrote a song that was pitched for a Disney show called Miles from Tomorrowland, and even though it didn’t get selected, it was a blast to make because I hired my brother as the singer, and we had so much fun making it! We still listen to it and dance around.

Interviewer: Which artists influenced the music you create under the Kotomi moniker?

Hillman: I try to be listening all the time to the world around me, and I like to listen to new artists a lot. But I love the vibes and the melodies of Grizzly Bear, I think they do really interesting stuff. I love the sounds of Washed Out and Tame Impala. Mura Masa is a really great producer. I love the creativity of Radiohead. I think mainstream pop music has some really amazing stuff going on too, like Sia, Ariana Grande, and I actually loved a couple of the recent Bieber tracks. “Sorry” is my jam! Honestly, Chopin has instilled this desire in me to try to make beautiful melodies—his chord progressions and melodies are like no one else’s.

Photo Credit: Bobby Prom

Interviewer: Which one of your songs is your favorite?

Hillman: “Swimming.” I wrote and recorded most of it in one night and I wasn’t thinking too hard—it just flowed out very naturally, which was nice. I have some new ones coming out that I’m pretty excited about too.

Interviewer: Which bands/singers are your favorite?

Hillman: Aside from some of the ones I mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of The Police, and I love classic soul singers like Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to young musicians?

Hillman: Do what you love, and do a lot of it! If you go down the road of trying to make a living with music, then be prepared to work really hard. It doesn’t really feel like work if you love it, but it’s not an easy path. It’s a combination of listening to what successful artists/composers are doing, and finding ways you can improve your producing, mixing, or songwriting skills, and on the flip side, not listening to anyone but yourself, and letting your unique voice shine through.