LAUREL on PALPITATIONS
Words by Graciella Clark
In the ever-evolving and adapting music world, LAUREL stands out as a beacon of authenticity and innovation. As she shares her journey, from merging music and fashion to crafting her unique sound, LAUREL offers invaluable insights into staying true to oneself while adapting to industry trends. Pleaser had the opportunity to chat, so join us as we delve into the creative mind of LAUREL, exploring her inspirations, aspirations, and the heartfelt message behind her highly anticipated upcoming album, “PALPITATIONS”.
Pleaser Australia: In today’s rapidly changing music landscape, How do you stay true to your artistic vision while also adapting to new trends and industry demands?
LAUREL: I think the two often meld well together, or at least for me. If you’re online in any capacity and in any sort of music scene you’re absorbed in the current culture. Your tastes and artistic vision often bloom from that. But I find solitude is helpful to make sure that each decision I make is rooted in LAUREL, not rooted in others' tastes. One thing that I’ve challenged myself with is to go with my own instinct on creative choices rather than be led by people that are more experienced than me. There’re things that I think you have to work harder on staying true to yourself with. There's often a lot of people involved in the creative of an album, so many opinions and ideas, all usually great ones too!
PA: Branded “the new face of British alt-pop” by Vogue, You’ve collaborated with renowned fashion brands including Ganni, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Isabel Marant. Is the collaboration of music and fashion important to you?
L: Yes, I have a big passion for both. Clothes and fashion are another extension of me expressing myself, like I do with my music. It's exciting doing something where my two biggest loves are able to co-exist together.
PA: Your visuals and music videos consistently complement your songs beautifully. Including your two new Singles, “Wild Things” and “Burning Up”. What was the creative process behind filming these?
L: I actually watched a tonne of music videos and realised my favourite videos were everybody's first videos. I loved the DIY, making-things-happen energy. Sometimes it seemed that when these artists had bigger budgets it actually restricted them creatively, as they had to do things in a more ‘professional’ way. I wanted to challenge this in my own work - I had experienced both sides of this and felt my DIY work always had a lot more magic.
So, my fiancé and I decided to co-direct the videos. We bought a camcorder and some clothes and travelled to some amazing locations and made the videos in a run-and-gun style.
PA: Your music is renowned for blending elements from multiple genres, specifically, indie, pop, and electronic. How do you approach crafting your unique sound, and what influences have shaped your music?
L: Honestly, I love so many genres. I find it hard to be rooted in one and I think that's why there are so many influences - it's also why I’ve made a rock-pop album, a piano ballad EP, a synthwave record, etc. I’m now finding a style which I feel like melds them all together which is a really exciting place to be. It's hard to reflect on your own music and have perspective - often you can't have it until after you’ve made a record - but I’m writing now for my 3rd album and it's helped to go into the process with more of a vision, a moodboard and concept than I have in the past.
In the past the records were led purely by emotion and songs - I feel like the sound was always second - but I think that's changing.
PA: Do you have any advice for any aspiring musicians trying to break into the industry?
L: Be indefatigable, have grit. It’s the single most important thing in the industry. Or at least that's what I believe. You're going to have to get knocked down A LOT. What makes success is whether you can get back up and keep going again. Every time that people tell you no, you have to be screaming 'YES' inside.
PA: How do you stay inspired and motivated creatively?
L: Take breaks, make time to live, surround yourself with other people that are creative and ambitious. Occasionally, if I’m bit worn out, I like to be in nature. That's why I love it in California - I can go on a road trip and rejuvenate.
PA: Is there a particular message or theme you’re aiming to convey in your upcoming second album “PALPITATIONS”?
L: It’s an album of the heart. Every song is a different emotion - I like to say a different palpitation. I want everyone to really feel it when they listen.
PA: Lastly, what's something about you that your fans might be surprised to learn?
L: I am really into war movies - I’ve practically seen all of them.
