Idiosyncratic singer-songwriter Laura Elvin is preparing to bewilder and enlighten with the release of her forthcoming single Wonder, out on September 15th (2017).
The overall theme is one of empowerment. Wonder questions whether, as we grow, we have left behind our imaginative nature and how Laura’s imagination was re-inspired. Performed on a custom built music box, Elvin’s haunting, operatic vocal takes centre stage from the offset, sounding akin to the likes of Florence Welch or Kate Bush’s powerful, unique tone. The use of the music box introduces a intricate simplicity to the song, allowing Elvin to create something truly spellbinding.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Laura about influences, her new project, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I think the opportunity to be poetic and metaphorical against this particular musical backdrop. Musically and lyrically the two tie together to allow me to fully flourish creatively.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
A chance meeting with a stranger on the street and an encouraging friend. I feel like I’ve grown as an artist as much as I can without exposing myself, after all a flower can’t grow in the shadow.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Yes definitely, my tastes have matured. I also get bored pretty easily and this has increased, why my music has to be interesting to me apon many many repeat listens when I’m producing.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project?
Yes, normally my sound is really big. I wanted to strip it back and really expose the vocal. I also wanted to have a play with this idea of childhood fantasy and restrict myself to the very narrow constraints that the home-made music box gave me as a setting for the song.
What was the last song you listened to?
Just listened to Incantation by Moses Sumney whilst walking down the canal. It was lovely.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I do love the character to Vinyl, but then as a producer, I am grateful for the consistency of sound quality that you get from mp3’s these days. My wish is for people to be listening to my music on excellent speakers as my full productions have a lot of detail that I put a lot of time into!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is cool, but I will always have big love for soundcloud. Why, is because you’re able to discover emerging artists and music there first, it typically precedes Spotify. I have found new artists there that went on to blow up and grow but here you’ll hear their first demos.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I don’t necessarily think the digital era is completely a hindrance, there’s an abundance of music but that only pushes you to raise your own standard and it provides a way to connect directly to fans. Up till now my problem was knowing the people you needed to connect you to them. Now it’s not needed, I feel I can connect with them myself.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Instagram, I share one off musical performances on there too. I respond to all my messages personally, I’ve had meaningful conversations with complete strangers and made friends on there I’ve ended up meeting in real life!
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Thank you! ☺
