Rhythm Cafe MKE | Lainey Lou | Meet the Artist

Send us a text

Lainey Lou, the stage name of Alaina Bechard, is a Wisconsin-born singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in the storytelling tradition of folk and Americana. Hailing from the small town of Nekoosa, she brings the grounded warmth of small-town life into every note and lyric she writes. The name “Laney Lou” is a heartfelt nod to her father, who lovingly called her “Lainey Lou” growing up — a reminder of home, family, and the early spark of creativity that’s stayed with her ever since.

Lainey’s musical journey began with dancing in the kitchen and singing at school like so many of us, but it deepened at the age of five with her first piano lesson. Since then, music has been a constant — evolving alongside her as she studied voice, piano, and guitar, earning a degree in music from UW-Milwaukee's Peck School of the Arts.

Her sound defies strict labels. It lives somewhere between folk, Americana, and acoustic storytelling, shaped by a deep appreciation for everything from classical to jazz. As she puts it, “my style changes as I change,” and that fluidity is reflected in songs that are personal, sincere, and refreshingly unpretentious.

But Lainey Lou isn’t here to force profound revelations. Her goal is simpler and arguably more powerful: to help people feel seen, to offer them a space to unwind, listen, laugh, and maybe remember they’re not alone. Whether she's swapping stories on stage or connecting with fellow musicians in Milwaukee’s tight-knit, collaborative music scene, Lainey’s passion lies in the everyday — the kind of moments that feel small but hold the most meaning.

Lainey Lou doesn’t just write songs — she offers you a seat at the table, a story to share, and a reminder that there's beauty in the ordinary.

Find more programs at https://www.milwaukeepbs.org/stream