What makes a professional footballer tick? Well, for England and Chelsea superstar Lauren James, music is an essential cog in her ever-turning climb to legacy. The London-born 22-year-old is one of the pinnacle ballers in the country: a World Cup finalist, a three-time WSL winner, her team’s Player of the Season for the 2023-24 outing, and an unstoppable striking force at the top of her game.
James is one of the leading representatives in the latest campaign from music mega-conglomerate, Spotify. Based around one of their most exciting new ventures and their biggest so far this year, ‘My Spotify’ revolves around giving listeners a unique and personal relationship with Spotify, listeners will find personalised banners and cards in-app revealing their own listening habits with individualised features like Daylist, Daily Mix and DJ.
Eager to find out more about Lauren’s own taste and relationship with Spotify, we connected with the footballer to reflect on the season, find out her song of the summer, and answer the big question – who controls the aux: her or Reece.
Check out the campaign video here.
Read the full interview…
How did you feel the season went for you and Chelsea?
All in all, a good season for me and a good season for the team. It’s always good to finish with a trophy. Obviously, there were some ups and downs. We went from competing on four fronts to only ending with one trophy, but a third WSL title for me and a fifth straight title for Emma and the team was definitely rewarding.
What are you most looking forward to for next season?
I just like playing football, scoring goals and winning trophies. It will be different for us at Chelsea with a new manager, but change is exciting and we have to go again. It’s also a big year with the Women’s Euros – if we qualify and I’m selected – so I’m looking forward to being part of another major tournament with the Lionesses if I can be.
What music did you grow up surrounded by? Do you still listen to the same stuff today?
Dancehall. Sometimes, it really depends on what mood I’m in.
When you open Spotify, what’s your go to? Your own playlists? Daily mixes? Straight into an album?
Straight to liked songs but also the New Music Friday playlist and Monday’s Discover Weekly playlist.
How do you get in the right frame of mind for a game? Does music play a part? If so, what kind of tunes?
Music is so important for me pre-game. You’ll always see me with my headphones on before a match. It really varies though in what I choose to listen to. Just what mood I’m in at the time.
Similarly, how do you swift off post-match?
Again, music is a big part of that. It can help me to relax just as much as it can help me get in the zone for a game. I also like to go for food with friends or family.
What’s your song of the summer?
“Tiffany” by Gunna
What are your three favourite albums of the year so far?
I’ve only got two – Wun of One by Gunna and Born in the Wild by Tems.
To you, what is the relationship between music and football, and how do the two reflect upon wider culture?
They’re both obviously huge in terms of connecting people and bringing them together. For me and lots of other players, music is a really important part of our lives – both on the pitch and off it.
Who controls the aux – you or Reece?
Definitely me.
What does the future hold for Lauren James?
More goals, more trophies, more vibes.
Find out more about the new campaign here.