INTERVIEW: LAOISE — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: www.ethanhartphoto.com

LAOISE

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IT is exciting discovering an artist who seems so natural…

that the music they produce sound effortless and pure. There is a personal – and stressful – origin to new single, Rich, that Galway-based LAOISE discusses with me. It is from her forthcoming E.P. (that follows the Halfway E.P.) and sees a new direction and impetus derive from the talented songwriter. Her upcoming E.P. is due in the spring so I ask her about future plans and what we can expect from her; what the music scene is like is Galway – and what kind of sounds she was brought up on.

A busy summer and gig experience means LAOISE’s new material is bolder and more intent than anything she has ever produced. I learn more about a sensational artist who has a very bright and promising future.

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Hi, LAOISE. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I’m great, thank you.

My week has been fantastic. I’m just starting to wind down after Hard Working Class Heroes Festival here in Dublin.

Had so much fun.

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?

I am LAOISE; a twenty-year-old Electro-Pop artist from Galway, Ireland.

Rich is your new single. What can you tell me about its origins and inspiration?

Rich is a track I co-wrote with Seán Behan of A Place Called Kai Studios.

It’s about an old relationship that was supported by glitz and glamour and ended up turning nastily sour. I’ve said before that I don’t deal well with being screwed over - so the song has helped me to deal with poisonous people that are luckily no longer in my life.

It is taken from your forthcoming E.P. – out next spring. Can you reveal any of the songs or ideas that will appear on the E.P.?

Yes, for sure.

Over the past year or so, I’ve found myself delving deeper and deeper into my own emotions and the different perspectives that come with them. I’ve stopped being so afraid of expressing the finer details in songs that could possibly get me in trouble with old friends. Haha.

But it’s taking my new music to higher and bigger places.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Smith

I believe your new material is a step-up from your debut E.P., Halfway. What was the decision behind the transformation?

Yes, definitely. I guess when I was writing and recording the Halfway E.P., I was still newly experimenting with electronic instruments and sounds. Now that I’ve become more familiar with them, there’s a sense of confidence and courage in my new music that I’m very excited about. If I feel like being brash, I’ll be brash. If I want to be a bit more abstruse, I can be abstruse.

I’m just learning to let myself go - and I’m basking in its ratification.

This summer, you have been busy gigging and not had much time to settle. Would you say this never-stop-rush has ensured your music has few compromises and time for reservation?

I’ve actually found that being away touring or playing festivals has given my creative side a little rest – that, when I came back into the studio to write and record, new ideas started pouring out of me. I guess because I had to keep a lid on that area on my work for a bit; I had gained some new experience I felt the need to write again.

PHOTO CREDIT: Lucy Foster

Will you get any time to calm before the year’s end – or are things pretty manic?!

Haha, yes and no.

I always make sure to take some time to myself if it’s necessary. Of course, music is my escape and I feel it always will be - but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a lot of work and energy. Like most, I go through bouts of writer’s block; so, if I’m not feeling a song, I’m not feeling it - I won’t force it. Mostly though, I’m just having fun!

I wouldn’t be an artist if I wasn’t…so I’m very lucky.

Galway is your home. What is the music scene like in that part of Ireland?

Galway is such a beautiful county to grow up in.

I’m so glad I got to experience its music scene when learning music, especially during my teens. I played traditional Irish music with my parents all the time and I taught myself guitar and Folk songs so I could sing during sessions. It’s always gladdening to go home to see that it’s the same; welcoming-as-ever a scene to be in.

Do you remember the artists that inspired you to take up music? Which albums were familiar to your young ears?

My father was fantastic for showing me incredible artists and bands like Joan Baez, Pink Floyd; Joni Mitchell…the list is endless. He played the guitar and sang – and, I think, I would’ve been too shy to do the same if it wasn’t for him. I still remember being seven or eight; the first time I heard Little Lies from Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night album - and wanting to learn all the harmonies.

What tour dates do you have approaching? Where can we see you play?

I’m heading on tour with the divine Ailbhe Reddy this month! We’re playing Galway, Cork and Dublin - and I’m itching to get back out on the road. There are a few tickets left for anyone that wants to come along!

Are you coming to the U.K. at all?

I hope to get back to the U.K. very soon, yes! I don’t have any set date at the moment but I’m definitely going to be back very soon…

PHOTO CREDIT: Lucy Foster

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Ooh, tough question...

But, I’d have to (predictably) say Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

Just because of how much it reminds me of my childhood - and because Stevie Nicks is a QUEEN.

Second would be Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love

I’ll never get over her otherworldly creativity: the way she blends vision with sound will forever inspire me.

Thirdly; Warpaint’s self-titled (2013) album changed the way I perceive music completely

Each song on this album explodes with a certain raw energy I like to draw from, particularly when recording. It’s a breath of fresh air.

PHOTO CREDIT: Lucy Foster

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

My advice to new artists would be to spend a lot of time on your own sound: don’t be afraid to try something a little outside of the box because that’s what’s going to set you apart from so many other artists. Seeking advice and feedback as much as you can is always great - be it with your songs, artwork; live shows etc.

Just keep finding ways to develop and progress.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

YES! I’m loving Glory by Dermot Kennedy. He’s insanely good.