If you’re not familiar with Lauren Auder’s music, you likely know her face. The singer-songwriter has already attracted the attention of fashion designers Hedi Slimane and Alessandro Michele, starring in a Celine campaign in 2018 and walking the runway for Gucci.

While her look is undeniably alluring, the musician’s voice is even more magnetic. With the release of her third EP, 5 Songs for the Dysphoric, Auden solidifies her place as a rising artist to watch with her most mature work to date. The work explores identity, intimacy, and innocence through Auden’s lens as a trans woman. Her haunting melodies, deep tone, and complex lyricism layered over intricate musical arrangements will stick with you long after listening.

Read more with the musician below.

What’s your earliest music memory?

Hmmm, I think probably tuning in to scuzz TV, a (most likely defunct?) metal TV channel in the UK. I used to watch music videos for hours on there.

Who are some of the artists you look up to?

Broadly, those who have the uncanny ability to make something deeply idiosyncratic relatable…more specifically in music, the likes of Scott Walker, Stina Nordenstam and David Sylvian, Xiu Xiu, the Blue Nile. It varies all the time.

What do you want listeners to take away from your music?

I’d say this, I would hope people come away feeling a little held by the stories I try and tell. Maybe less alone. It’s quite a big ask actually but it’s what I’d hope.

How would you describe your personal style?

Would be classy if not so disheveled.

How does fashion inform or play a role in your work?

I think it’s always played a role so far as fashion can help you to incarnate a larger than life persona – a heightened version of you and your taste that sometimes feels like a truer reflection of your inner world…especially on stage or in the context of artwork etc.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Off the top of my head, Oliver Theyskens, Romeo Gigli, Miguel Adrover… and in more contemporary stuff, I really love what Vaquera is doing, and I like this brand Lourdes. I also really liked the last Celine show.

You’ve also had the opportunity to work with fashion heavyweights, such as Hedi Slimane and Alessandro Michele. What was your experience like working with such established fashion houses?

I’ve been fortunate enough to be approached through my work so there’s always been this interesting mutual respect for my aesthetic approach and taste. It’s always been very positive. It’s a side of my career I’m interested in exploring more, maybe helping soundtrack some work I’m involved in something like that.

What’s one item or piece you couldn’t live without?

I get very attached to little accessories or pieces for a while and imagine myself unable to live without them. But I was prone to losing things on tour and eventually learn to transfer my love to other object! I have a beautiful pair of silk and leather boots by these shoe makers Atelier Inscrire that I care about very much.

Listen to 5 Songs for the Dysphoric, and watch the ‘Heathen’  and ‘Small Ghosts’ video out now.