UPDATE: Laura Jean Anderson announces new LA Tour dates, as well as a live video of an in-studio recording of her new song, 'Done Ain't Done.' Scroll down to watch. Indie + Alternative culture appreciates new rising artists that create diversity and new insights within their respective genres. We constantly feature notable indie and alternative artists on the verge of success. Meet this week’s featured artist in an exclusive interview. Introducing You To Your Next Favorite Artist: the acclaimed Laura Jean Anderson. |
We recently talked with Laura Jean about her take on alternative culture. Read on to find out more about your next favorite artist.
Comments From The Curating-Editor
Bob Dylan- “Blood On the Tracks”
The Ronettes- "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes feat. Veronica
What are your fondest musical memories?
- I will never forget the first time I heard Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush.” Rainy night in Olympia, Washington when I was 16. I’ve heard that record at least 1000 times since and that feeling stays true.
- Road trips as a kid to Idaho in the snowy wintertime listening to early Jackson Brown.
- The first moment I wrote a song
- Bus rides as a teenager listening to Joanna Newsom’s “Milk Eyed Mender.”
Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?
Lately I’ve been really drawn to 60s motown, particularly out of Detroit as well as the great Muscle Shoals 60s era with Aretha, Percy Sledge, etc. And I still find myself drawn to 1920s and 30s barrel house recordings like Victoria Spivey, Lil’ Johnson, Bessie Smith, etc.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach the writing process?
For me, writing is a lifestyle. Music is life. Depending on how you look at it, you can draw inspiration from nearly every moment if you’re open to it but Im also a believer that every single day I have a responsibility to myself to work on my craft. I don’t have one way of writing, the song kind of dictates that but I do everything I can to make that song come out.
As an indie artist in the digital age, social media and streaming are essential tools for marketing and promotion. What do you think about online music sharing, both as a music fan and as a musician? How do you think social media/music streaming services impacts the rising musician?
Even as old school as I am, I have come to terms that I think its important to accept that social media and free music sharing is apart of our world right now and realize that’s how people are digesting art and to use it as a tool for good and as a part of our creative process. I see it as a double-edged sword: We have entered an era where artists aren't making money off of record sales but we are also a part of a time where free streaming and social media has leveled the playing field because anyone can self release music. It let's the music and the creation be the voice that’s being heard.
What is your dream collaboration and why?
1999 Tom Waits and producer Kathleen Brennan via the “Mule Variations” era.
What are you currently working on? Any new projects?
I am about to release an EP March 4th and am in the writing process to make a full length record.
June 10th @ The Bootleg Theater
June 11th @ Make Music Pasadena
June 12th @ The Echo
June 23rd @ The Resident
June 30th @ The Troubadour