Lakelin Lemmings Unpacks The Dreams, Faith And Stories That Make Up Her Self-Titled Debut Album [Exclusive]

At just 20 years old, Lakelin Lemmings has a clear sense of who she is and the kind of artist she wants to be. The West Tennessee native has spent years finding her sound and writing songs true to her, all of which has led up to the release of her self-titled debut album, available now via Quartz Hill Records.

Lemmings proudly tells Country Now that this 16-song tracklist serves as the best introduction to both her music and the person behind it. Rather than naming the album after one of its songs, she chose to make it self-titled because each track represents a different piece of her story.

“I felt like this album really just lays out who I am and what I’m about. And there’s so many different songs that I just feel like self-titling the album just really puts the cherry on top. If you want to know who I am and you want to know what I’m about, listen to this album,” she stated.

That sentiment carries throughout the record, which touches on everything from love and heartbreak to faith, family, friendship and chasing dreams. Each subject gives fans a glimpse into a moment of Lemmings young adult life, but her hope is that the songs will resonate with listeners no matter where they are in life.

“I think I want people to take away the most that I’m real and I’m authentic and vulnerable in my songwriting, but I’m just a girl that has a dream that she’s chasing and is doing her best. And with this album, I mean, I feel like there really is a song for everybody.”

The West Tennessee native co-wrote 15 of the album’s 16 songs and built out the project alongside producer Ash Bowers. Between her trips to Nashville and time spent back home, she carefully narrowed hundreds of songs down to the final track list, some of which date back to when she was just 16 years old before she acquired her publishing deal.

“This album’s literally been like four years in the making, but it’s been super fun to write these songs and to pour my heart into this project and for it to finally be coming out is so crazy for everyone to hear. And I’m super happy about it,” she shared.

To Lemmings, each song earned its place on the album and serve their own purpose. She knew that these 16 were the ones meant to tell her story, including the one outside cut, “Keep The Faith.” It was her producer Bowers that encouraged Lemmings to record the powerful ballad, written by Lori McKenna, Jaren Boyer and Phil Barton, even though she initially questioned whether she could do the song justice.

“He sent it to me and he was like, ‘Hey, I know we’ve been writing for the album and songwriting is important.’ He’s like, ‘But I really just feel like you would kill the song.’ And I remember when I heard it, I was like, ‘Whoa,’” she recalled. “I was kind of intimidated at first because this song has such an important message and it’s this amazing power ballad. And I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’ll do it justice and I just want to give it a good home.’ And Ash encouraged me. He’s like, ‘No, I think it’s perfect. I think you’ll do great.’ And so we went in, cut it, and now it speaks to so many people.”

The up-and-coming artist has already seen firsthand the impact the song’s message of hope can have on those who need it most, as she reminds listeners to hold onto their faith and trust that better days are ahead.

“I was singing in Vegas and it wasn’t in my set, but after the show, a fan came up to me and they were like, ‘Oh, I loved your show, but I was really hoping you’d sing ‘Keep the Faith.’ And I was like, ‘Who would’ve thought people want to keep the faith in Sin City?’ But it was so much fun just to see that it does resonate with people.”

Before the full project arrived, Lakelin gave fans the chance to get to know her through a series of early releases that showcased the many sides of her artistry, including “Keep The Faith,” “Life of Mine,” “Parking Lot,” “What Are We Doing,” “19 & Single,” “He Ain’t Coming Back,” her current single, “Get Around Boy” and her first song released as a signed artist, “American Dreamin’.”

The past year since signing that record deal has felt “crazy” and “surreal” for Lemmings. Her days have been filled with photo shoots and content and shows and writing and recording and more recently a radio tour that ran from February until last month.

“It’s been a whirlwind and it’s been wild, but it’s been so much fun and it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of and I’m just so happy and blessed and fortunate to be where I am,” said Lemmings.

As her first release under Quartz Hill Records, “American Dreamin’” served as the perfect introduction to Lemmings, as it finds her reflecting on her small-town upbringing, the family and faith that grounded her, and the lifelong dream that’s now turning into reality.

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Also in that time, her current radio single became one of country radio’s most-added songs during its launch week. Watching the song find an audience has been just another one of her dreams that have been years in the making.

“I was on radio tour I think for like 15 weeks or something like that. And just to know that all the hard work is now paying off and I’m getting new fans and friends from it being on radio and reaching a whole new audience is crazy. I mean, I’ve always dreamed about being on country radio. And obviously growing up in the early 2000s and stuff, we would get in the car and turn on our local station. And I was like, ‘One day I’m going to have a song on there and they’re going to play it.’ And now they are. So it’s so surreal and just so happy.”

From growing up surrounded by music to signing her first Nashville publishing deal at 17, Lakelin has spent her life building the foundation for the artist she is today. Influenced by country icons including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, and Lee Ann Womack, as well as modern trailblazers Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, she blends the timeless storytelling of these icons with a fresh perspective that’s all her own.

Throughout the self-titled album, fans hear Lakelin Lemmings brings those influences to life through heartfelt lyrics and relatable stories that show where she came from while also demonstrating her confidence as she establishes herself as a rising force in the genre.

With her debut project out into the world, Lemmings is eager for the next chapter. She shared her hope to soon hit the road on tour, share her songs with audiences across the country and most importantly, come face-to-face with the fans who support her dreams.