Using music as an outlet for her depression, sophomore Lauren Mattson spends her time writing to share events that have happened in her life.  

Mattson first started by writing songs in fourth grade, and when she became a freshman she learned to play the ukulele.

“My grandparents taught me to play the ukulele,” Mattson said. “There are two types but I play the regular one because it’s easier and lighter.”

Mattson felt as though something was missing when it came to the lyrics she wrote and believed the guitar was the solution.

“I’ve always wanted to play the guitar and I needed a rhythm for my lyrics,” Mattson said. “My songs were like poetry without rhythm and I needed the guitar to complete it.”

She began to teach herself to play the guitar by using the ukulele and later progressed to the guitar.

“The guitar and ukulele are similar,” Mattson said. “I used chord charts and found songs to transition and eventually began taking lessons at Music & Arts.”

After learning to play the guitar, Mattson began showcasing her talents at church and social events.

“I play at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I’ve played at the Saint Patrick’s parade, a haunted house called Dark Hour and the House of Blues,” Mattson said.

Mattson uses music to help her get through her depression.

“I was diagnosed with chronic depression in the fourth grade but it got worse in middle school,” Mattson said. “Music helped me express words I couldn’t say and help people to understand me.”

She keeps in mind singer/songwriter Elliott Smith when making music.

“He’s amazing,” Mattson said. “He never wanted to be famous and wrote about personal trials but his words and lyrics are honest. I want to be a superb as him.”

Like Smith, her dream is not to become famous, but to have her music heard.

“It’s a dream of mine but I don’t care if anyone knows who I am, I just want them to hear my music,” Mattson said. “I play for anyone willing to listen and write about my struggles and what’s corrupt in the world. I write honest lyrics not just what people want to hear.”

Even though Mattson loves playing music, she’s aware there are some downsides.

“I don’t know where to start,” Mattson said. “I want people to hear my music but it’s a competitive field. It’s also an expensive hobby and sometimes it shreds up my fingers when learning a new bar chord.”

Mattson accomplished getting onto a list to push her closer to her dream.

“Before I left Music & Arts [in November], I made it on this thing called the Dean’s List and it’s the best thing for your music career,” Mattson said. “You get better and more gigs and scouts from the music industry come to see you play.”    

Mattson commits herself to being a musician by devoting time to practice.

“I practice everyday, usually at night for an hour or two,” Mattson said. “It’s better for me to do it at night because I’m not thinking about school and I can think about ideas for my next song.”

Mattson plans to give music lessons to children who have the same aspirations as her.

“I want to give lessons during the summer for beginners,” Mattson said. “My mom gives piano lessons and I want to do the same [with the guitar].”

Mattson seeks support from family members when it comes to music.

“This sounds cheesy but my mom is the one I get support from,” Mattson said. “She’s the one that bought me my first guitar and I always share my music with her first.”

Mattson’s music is driven by the events that have happened in her life.

“Sometimes I can’t find the right way to talk about what happens,” Mattson said. “So instead I make it a song to express myself.”