Upcoming EP Release

Before presenting this interview, I have to share a personal note: Lori Garrote isn’t just a talented artist — she’s also a friend, and I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with her, watching her raw energy and versatility from behind my drum kit. Lori’s presence is magnetic, both on and off the stage, and her music is an extension of that force. Back in 2015, she released her debut EP Subject to Change, a powerful collection of four grunge-infused tracks that are intimate, personal, and unapologetically real.

Subject to Change isn’t just a record — it’s a statement. It captures Lori playing Lori’s music, no filters, no compromises. In this interview, we talk about her evolution as an artist, her decision to move from South Florida to L.A., and what’s coming next in her musical journey. Stay tuned until the end — I’ll be sharing a link to her Spotify so you can experience her sound for yourself.

Here is the interview:

Echoes: Before we dive into your journey from South Florida to L.A., can you tell us a bit about who you are and what your music represents?

Lori: I like to describe myself as a singer-songwriter, musician, and guitarist. My music is open to interpretation. It can represent whatever the listener needs it to be. But for me, it’s a reflection of my life; basically, the soundtrack of my life.

Echoes: Are you saying that it’s a way to share your experiences through music?

Lori: Yes, exactly. But at the same time, I want listeners to use my music in the way they need it. I want it to remain open to interpretation, that’s what I mean.

Photo provided by the artist; credit to: Joshua Harris; edition by: Echoes Of South Florida

Echoes: What motivated your move to Los Angeles?

Lori: So… My move to L.A. was actually for personal reasons, not career driven. A lot of people assume I moved here to pursue music, but that’s not true. However, I did discover a lot of diversity in the music scene here, and there’s an amazing community. It’s really inspiring and refreshing.

Echoes: Fun fact: You partly asked my next question. I was about to ask you to describe the main differences between the music scenes in South Florida and Los Angeles.

Lori: Well, yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve been in Miami, and unfortunately, a lot of amazing venues have closed down. But the Miami community is incredible; it’s small, but tight-knit. Everyone looks out for each other. In L.A., it’s similar in spirit, but the scale is different. There are a lot more musicians and people in general. While everyone wants to support each other, it’s harder to maintain long-term collaborations because so many musicians here juggle multiple projects. In Miami, people tend to stick with musicians they’re comfortable with. In L.A., it’s more like trying out different things until something clicks. That’s just my take.

Another difference is the cultural vibe. South Florida has more of a party atmosphere and a strong dance culture. L.A. has its own party scene too, but it also has a broader mix, from underground to mainstream. There are endless opportunities to collaborate in all genres. The sky’s the limit here, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Echoes: It’s sad to think about the iconic places we’ve lost here in South Florida, like Tobacco Road and Churchill’s. Do you remember those spots?

Lori: Of course, of course. Tobacco Road was a staple. When it closed, it was heartbreaking. Not just for musicians, but for the locals, too. People would stop by after work, grab a beer, and listen to live music. It was such a vibe. I don’t know why it closed, but it hit everyone hard. And Churchill’s… don’t even get me started.

Echoes: I still remember when you handed me a copy of your first vinyl EP, “Subject to Change.” Since then, how has relocating to L.A. impacted your evolution and career as a musician?

Lori: Since then? Wow, so much has happened. I think I’ve realized that I just want to make music that people can connect with. I wish I had a more exciting answer. People always ask, “What’s next?” or “What are you working on?” But the truth is, there’s no race. I’m not rushing toward a finish line. I’m just enjoying the process. And hopefully, listeners can grow with the music, the way I have. It’s therapeutic for me, a way to document what’s going on in my life. I sometimes forget how much I need music. I’m just grateful I still have the opportunity to express myself. It’s still a beautiful journey.

Photo: Provided by the artist; credit to: Rich Hayden; edition by: Echoes Of South Florida

Echoes: What can fans anticipate from Lori Garrote regarding new releases and upcoming shows?

Lori: I’m thrilled to finally share that my upcoming EP, which has been years in the making, is on the way! Like I said, there’s no finish line. I’m not rushing anything. And yeah, I get frustrated that it’s taken this long, but the timing just wasn’t right until now. That said, I’m beyond grateful to be working with one of my favorite producers, the legendary Ed Stasium. I truly believe everything aligned the way it did so that I could collaborate with him.

As for shows, yes! I’ll definitely be doing an EP release show in L.A., and I’m hoping to come back to Miami to play some shows, too. I don’t have exact dates yet, but I’d love to make it happen sooner rather than later. Miami is always on my mind. It’s my hometown and I’d love to reconnect with everyone there.

Echoes: That would be awesome! Please let us know, and we will document your presentations. Thank you for being so kind and answering our questions.

Lori: Thank you to Echoes of South Florida for having me.

Here is a link to Lori’s Spotify, enjoy!

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Main photo provided by the artist; credit to: Deb Frazin; edition by: Echoes Of South Florida