Sometimes the difficult thing is the thing that will pay off the most, and that can be especially true when it comes to relationships. LACES explores that idea in a lush pop-rock soundscape on “Hard Work,” an anthem about the importance of vulnerability and overcoming difficult times with a partner. Throughout the song, Jessica Vaughn comes to various realizations about the state of modern relationships and how we’re taught to play things cool when we should really be giving everything we have to finding solutions with the right person. She chooses to grow and put in the “Hard Work” necessary, then put a little extra hard work into making a shimmering, universally relatable track we can all learn something from.
“I think anything can be hard work if you make it that way,” LACES tells TREMG. “To me, hard work is the idea of rolling up your sleeves, getting dirty, and dedicating yourself with as much effort and passion the task is going to require.”
For anyone whose New Year’s resolution involves putting the “Hard Work” in to make your goals a reality, LACES is the perfect inspiration. She makes music under several stage names (including LACES and JPOLND), owns her own Head B*tch Music company, and serves as the VP of Creative Sync Sales at Raedio, proving her passion and drive. Billboard even celebrated her as one of the music industry’s top LGBTQ+ professionals for her hard work!
“I try to live by the three Ds – Do it, Dump it, or Delegate it – but honestly, I just try to do my best,” she explains. “I believe they all feed into each other but deserve dedicated attention. Basically, I work 7 days a week!”
You can find “Hard Work” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know LACES on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and her official website! Keep reading for more from our Q&A with this hard-working talent.
Hi LACES, congratulations on the release of “Hard Work!” How does it feel to let the song out into the world and see how fans are reacting?
It’s always nerve-wracking but exciting to share your work with the rest of the world. For so long, you have this special solo relationship with your art but art is meant to be shared! That being said, I try not to get carried away with people’s opinions – I just feel lucky that anyone listens and relates.
What does “Hard Work” mean to you?
I think anything can be hard work if you make it that way. To me, hard work is the idea of rolling up your sleeves, getting dirty, and dedicating yourself with as much effort and passion the task is going to require.
There are so many thought-provoking lyrics on “Hard Work,” with one of our favorites being “the meanest thing we’ll do, pretend that we don’t care when we know we do.” Is there a certain line you’re especially proud of?
Ooh – that’s one of my favorites too because it hurts my feelings in the best way – ha! I think you already stole my favorite line from the song, but I think the verses are my favorite because they tell a real story that I think most people can relate to.
You’ve had so many great career accomplishments – thinking back, what’s one moment where you really felt like your “Hard Work” paid off?
My husband always says “Do the work and stay out of the results,” and I truly try to live that. I think when my songs “moved” & “worship” started to trend from syncs in my favorite show at the time – Lucifer – that felt like hard work paying off, but it’s all so subjective. I think art is the hard work. 😉
From your music career, to being the VP of Creative Sync Sales at Raedio, to serving as the president of your own Head B*tch Music company, you truly do it all! How do you balance your various projects?
I try to live by the three Ds – Do it, Dump it, or Delegate it – but honestly, I just try to do my best. I believe they all feed into each other but deserve dedicated attention. Basically, I work 7 days a week!
What can your fans look forward to in 2025?
A new album!! <3
By Madison Murray
Featured Image: Sterling Pierce Taylor, Courtesy of Present PR