BIO

Lauren Kop, also known as mini bear, is a Los Angeles-based producer, DJ, vocalist, and songwriter who crafts emotive dance music with pop influences. Since 2012, they have developed a distinctive sound that blends captivating melodies, shimmering synth textures, and infectious rhythms, creating music that resonates emotionally and moves the body.

mini bear has performed at KCRW Summer Nights, LA Pride, and venues such as Exchange, The Echo, and Moroccan Lounge, and is also featured on LP Giobbi x Insomniac Records Presents FEMME HOUSE Vol 2 compilation. With a background in both live performance and DJing, they bring an emotive energy to the stage that connects deeply with their audience.

Beyond their work as an artist, Lauren is passionate about fostering a more inclusive and diverse music community. As the Chief Education Officer at FEMME HOUSE, they empower underrepresented producers by leading workshops and creating accessible learning opportunities. They also teach music production at UCLA and Occidental College, helping to shape the next generation of music creators.

A dedicated Ableton Live user and synth enthusiast, Lauren has collaborated with brands such as Moog, Ableton, Apogee, and BandLab. They have been featured in Patch & Tweak with Moog, contributed sample packs for BandLab and Splice's Creator Class, and created the "Juicy Tuesday" demo set for the Ableton Note app.

For over a decade, mini bear has been crafting immersive, emotive music while also working to create a more inclusive and diverse music community.

Contact Info: minibearmusic@gmail.com

PRESS

Meet the Splice Creator Class of ‘22

mini bear interview with AIAIAI - Splice Creator Camp 2022 - “Collaboration is such a gift because it facilitates learning and creating something you may not have dreamed of creating on your own.”

Grammy Awards by Ana Monroy Yglesias - “One of the reasons I decided to teach music production is because I knew how important it was to create safe and supportive learning environments for people who haven't traditionally had spaces where they can take up space and wholly be themselves," Femme House Lead Educator Mini Bear told GRAMMY.com in 2024. "I want to create the kind of space I wish existed when I was starting out, and to uplift those who have been underrepresented and shut out."

Billboard by Ana Monroy Yglesias - In addition to Spalding and Mini Bear, the small but mighty Femme House team consists of Brand Marketing Manager Sofia LeBlanc, and Tory Pittarelli and Hilary Gleason, consultants from the philanthropic consulting firm Level. A central tenant the team always considers is “How are we lifting as we’re climbing?”

LA Weekly by Falling James - “Visibility is so important — it’s important to see someone doing that. That made me want to inspire others. This year, I decided I wanted to start teaching music production for people who might not have the tools to create. How do we level the field and [increase] the visibility of non-cis males as engineers and producers? “

Grimy Goods - “Running through all the anxious and bitter revelations that come with engaging in “swipe culture,” Kop’s cries escalate until they’re left darting between the tangle of dance-pop glam and you’re left with its incessant hooks in your head. “

Buzzbands - “Mini Bear is the name for the analog adventures of dance-pop siren Lauren Kop, who sings about contemporary issues with the je ne sais quoi of the ’80s. “

Pop Bollocks -” mini bear Talks Songwriting, Synth-Based Pop, And The Importance Of Keeping It Kitsch”

SPECIWOMEN - “I want to be able to connect to people through my music, and to help build a community that empowers womxn as producers,engineers”

Impose Magazine- “Pixelated like old video games, geometric features enhance the synth pop design of the song itself.”

Grimy Goods - “Clique” sounds as though it came straight out of an underground English disco (circa 1983). It has the ability to sound nostalgic, whilst effervescing with a sharp futuristic tone.”

Featured in Playlists by Madame Gandhi and Hype Machine.

PHOTOS

VIDEO