Lawrence: Broadway’s All Out & Just in Time, GRAMMYs for Arrangement, 1st Sibling Interview w Linus #98
On this very special episode of Go With Elmo, host Elmo Lovano sits down with all three Lawrence siblings—Gracie Lawrence, Clyde Lawrence, and for the first time ever, their younger brother Linus Lawrence. Fans of the band Lawrence know Clyde and Gracie as the powerhouse musical siblings behind the group, but Linus steps into the spotlight after co-arranging the band’s Grammy-nominated version of “Something in the Water.” The result is a candid, energetic, and heartwarming family conversation brimming with insight into music, Broadway, sibling dynamics, and the evolving state of live bands today.
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Meet the Guests: The Lawrence Siblings
Lawrence is more than just a band name—it’s a true family affair. Led by siblings Clyde Lawrence and Gracie Lawrence, the group’s blend of soul, pop, and infectious showmanship has been making waves for over a decade. Joining them in this episode is Linus Lawrence, an accomplished arranger (and the youngest sibling), whose creative contributions have just earned him a Grammy nomination alongside his older siblings, a first for all three. Together, they bring decades of musical upbringing, creative synergy, and sibling humor to this dynamic conversation.
Key Highlights from Episode 98
1. A Grammy-Nominated Family Moment
The major catalyst for this episode’s sibling reunion is the recent Grammy nomination for the arrangement of Lawrence’s “Something in the Water (Acoustic-ish Version).” While Clyde and Gracie have long been the faces of the band, Linus’s behind-the-scenes vocal arranging brought a fresh dynamic—and ultimately, the honor of sharing their first Grammy nod as a family.
Linus humorously notes this is literally his only creative credit with Lawrence so far, making the experience especially surreal and rewarding. The siblings reflect on how their “acoustic-ish” arrangements, now a signature for the group, grew from playful, not-so-acoustic live sessions to artistically ambitious projects involving a range of friends and guest singers.
2. Sibling Dynamics: Collaboration Over Competition
Fans might expect tension, but as the episode reveals, the Lawrence siblings don’t see each other as competitors. The family’s dynamic is rooted in mutual respect, different personalities, and unique strengths. Gracie Lawrence shares that each sibling occupies a distinct space—whether as a performer, creative director, or vocal arranger—leading to creative collaboration rather than rivalry.
Still, as with any siblings, friendly competition emerges (“Clyde and I are pretty competitive about Sporkle,” Linus quips), but it’s always channeled into board games, puzzles, and obscure trivia rather than music. Their supportive environment, cultivated from childhood and shaped by their creative parents—a filmmaker dad and dancer mom—fostered individuality, curiosity, and appreciation for each other’s talents.
3. The Lawrence Scene: Musicianship and Musical Trends
A fascinating thread through the episode is the reflection on how “musicality”—live instrumentation, real vocal arrangements, honest songwriting—has ebbed and flowed in popularity. A decade ago, as Clyde Lawrence notes, industry insiders dismissed the style as “14-year-old Randy Newman” for which there was “no market.” But sticking to their vision paid off, and now, with peers like Jacob Collier and Vulfpeck, the Lawrence siblings find themselves at the center of a movement rejuvenating musicianship and live performance.
The conversation underscores how trends are cyclical, but the best path is always authenticity—making the music you believe in, regardless of whether it’s in vogue. Clyde, Gracie, and Linus all advocate for finding fulfillment in your chosen genre, rather than chasing trends, a message echoed throughout their music and career choices.
4. Broadway, Family Business, and the Work-Life Blend
Beyond the band, Gracie’s own star has risen on Broadway. She recently earned a second Grammy nomination for her role in “Just In Time: The Musical” (and a Tony nomination for good measure). The episode delves into the unique grind of Broadway—long rehearsal days, high-stakes previews, and the special stress and thrill of adapting rapidly before a live audience.
Even so, both Gracie and Clyde agree touring as an indie band was, in many ways, even tougher (“nothing compares to living in a van playing shows every night!”). The Broadway stage, by contrast, is almost “a life luxury”—you get to set up shop, decorate your dressing room, and work from the same theater every night.
The current Lawrence-Broadway hybrid project, “All Out,” brings their family business theme full circle. Mixing original music from their Family Business album with comedic storytelling (featuring rotating stars like Jon Stewart and Abby Jacobson), the show blurs the line between comedy, concert, and theatrical experience.
5. Holiday Traditions, Movie Soundtracks, and Musical Roots
The episode closes on a warm note, with the siblings sharing their family’s holiday rituals—a blend of Hanukkah, New York winter walks, Chinese food on Christmas, and, inevitably, spontaneous singing around the guitar.
And for listeners looking for a holiday music fix, check out the “Noel” soundtrack, a Disney Christmas film scored by Clyde, featuring both Gracie and Linus on vocals—a true Lawrence family project. Linus even brings in a fascinating tidbit: many classic Christmas songs were written by Jewish songwriters, an insight stemming from his college research, and an anecdote about how even cultural traditions can find new meaning through music.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Family and Music
This episode is a joyful reminder of how family, art, and authenticity can combine to create something lasting and meaningful. Whether they’re performing for tens of thousands on tour, harmonizing at home over the holidays, or making history as Grammy nominees, the Lawrence siblings exemplify the best of what creative collaboration can be.
As Elmo Lovano notes, “you’re part of a scene inspiring so many musicians.” Their story isn’t just about awards or accolades, but a blueprint for passion, perseverance, and friendship both on and off stage.
Be sure to check out Lawrence’s music, catch Gracie on Broadway, and revisit this episode of Go With Elmo for a family-driven deep dive you won’t want to miss!
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