Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Born in Aberdare, South Wales, Nashville-loving, Welsh-rooted, soul-fuelled Laura Evans has just released her instantly-addictive single, ‘Running Back to You’. The track is the first single to drop from Laura’s EP, which will be released on Friday 31st July. With tales of her musical upbringing, as well as songwriting visits to Music City, here’s an introduction to Laura Evans.
What are your musical origins? How long have you been performing?
I was brought up in quite a musical family in Wales, my Aunt and Uncle were singers so I’ve been singing & performing since I was very small.
What should people expect when they check you out? How would you describe yourself?
This single definitely has a soulful vintage vibe to it. If I had to describe myself it would lean towards a rootsy soul fuelled artist with a touch of Nashville.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
As soon as I could speak, pretty much I could sing and I sang a lot, BUT it was when I wrote my first song when I was 13 and I remember singing it for the first time to my friends & family – and I just thought then, I don’t want to sing other people’s music I want sing my own songs and tell my story.
Country music can be quite polarising, but if you dig deeper than the multi-platinum bro-country, the original Country artists were the “punks” of their generation..
Yea everyone seems to have an opinion on what country music should be – but it’s a melting pot! For me people like Willie Nelson & Dolly Parton were just amazing songwriters who paved the way for us all and are still so inspirational and seem like really cool people!
How was the Nashville songwriting experience for you? And did you stray far from the stereotypical Country tropes of “mama, trains, trucks, prison or gettin’ drunk”?
For me Nashville is just a magical place where I feel super inspired to write & create with like-minded songwriters and artists! The great thing about writing rooms in Nashville is that writers there are so in tune & so versatile, they can do it all! They can write about a truck one day and then bring you to your knees with a profound ballad the next. I guess that’s the beautiful art of songwriting! I always choose to write about what’s important to me and it’s always worked out so well with my creative co-writers there!
There is a huge crossover at the minute between Country and Rock IE The Cadillac Three at Country 2 Country, Outlaw Country stage at Ramblin’ Man Fair, why do you think that they go together so well?
Well I guess there’s a fine line between Rock & Country & Blues – I don’t know ha! If I had my way there would be no genres it would just be classed as great songs & great musicians and great artistry! I love The Cadillac Three! they are the perfect example of how Nashville breeds great writers. The lead singer in the band (Jaren Johnston) has written hits for tons of stars in Nashville! He can write everything from pop country to rock! And then he does his own thing with his own band! Genius, he gets to do it all!
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that an artist has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
I think you have to have great songs, be able to sing well & put on exciting live performances and do something a little different to the rest while being true to yourself at the same time. It’s also important to have people around you who believe in your vision.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I’ll be recording and releasing an acoustic version of the single which will be everywhere soon! In the next week or so. Also I have more new music coming out In June!
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
That might be a long list! Ha but I would love to open up for artists/bands like…. Larkin Poe, James Bay, Brandi Carlile, Jack Savoretti, Chris Stapelton, Lucie Silvas, Maren Morris, Fleetwood Mac..
Who do you feel is the next band or artist to break out of the UK?
Am allowed to say myself?! Ha! There’s so many great artists out there at the moment! It’s very inspiring.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I saw Foy Vance perform at a sold out show in LA last October! Just him solo on his guitar & his piano! He was AMAZING. I was so moved.
The album that you have in your album collection/spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
DRAKE – ‘If you’re reading this it’s too late’
The lockdown has brought a whole raft of internet cover versions, some good, some not-so, which song or band should you never cover?
Haha I think if people are getting creative during this crazy time, no cover is out of bounds!
What are your plans for 2020?
New music! 3 new singles and an EP dropping end of July! And plans in motion to tour early 2021.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Facebook & instagram FB – Laura Evans music @lauraevansuk
Photo credit – Sonya Jasinski
