Laura Elliott
Laura Elliott. What a stunning storyteller. What an artist. What a vocalist. I’m amazed by her new single “Better Off Alone”. It’s soothing, comforting, emotional, soulful. Those guitar chords are brilliant. Laura’s vocals are out of this world. “Better Off Alone” is incredible.
I think Laura Elliott is one of the best artists I’ve ever featured on my blog. Thank you so much Laura for your talent, and thank you for this interview.
“Better Off Alone” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m Laura Elliott, I’m 22 years old from a small town in upstate NY. I started writing music when I was 18 after dropping out of jazz school and quickly realized this is what I want to do forever.
"Better Off Alone" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
“Better Off Alone” is actually only the second song I’ve ever written and was definitely never something I thought would end up being recorded and being a part of my debut album. I wrote it after going through my very first break up. I was in college surrounded by a completely new group of friends going through a breakup after deciding I needed to cut contact with my ex. It was hard, there were definitely a lot of unanswered questions and I was constantly wondering what they were up to. I also began to question if I really was ‘better off alone’ or if I was just telling myself that because I was going through it. But, I couldn’t get myself to reach out– so to cope, I wrote a song about it. I think these feelings and motions are so common in breakups, it definitely helped me to clear my head in some way.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
This song was written four years ago when I really had no idea what I was doing or what I wanted my music to sound like. I just came up with these chords that I loved and then started writing words about how I was feeling. The song sat in my voice memos for years until I finally showed it to my manager who insisted that we record it. I was hesitant because the song felt far removed from me for such a long time, but once we found Collin Pastore and Jake Finch, who helped produce the song, I quickly fell back in love with it. We actually recorded peak pandemic, so the entire song was made and produced through zoom. I gave them a few reference tracks and it came together so quickly after that. We ended up finishing the song in two days and it felt so perfect.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I was honestly just sad and felt sort of alone. I was learning what it was like to be alone again after being in a 3 year long high school relationship. I was questioning myself, what they were doing, and how they were feeling. I just had so many questions but was too stubborn to ask them. So I wrote about it.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The photo was taken by my good friend Alanna Floreck about a year ago. I messaged her that I wanted to do a photoshoot and she came over to my house and we took the photo. We used one of her already taken photos and put it through a projector and I stood in front of it and we shot away. I knew that I wanted this photo to be the cover as soon as I saw it. Wyatt Knowels did the artwork. He just has the coolest, most beautiful visions and I really enjoy working with him. I thought his entire aesthetic would be perfect for this project.
What made you want to release "Better Off Alone" as a single?
I think it's an important song that paved the way in making me the artist that I am today. It’s important to me to share those stepping stones.
What do you want to accomplish with this new single?
I just want it to help people feel something. Even though the song is called ‘Better Off Alone’ I hope it can help people to feel a little less alone.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
For me, the hardest part is maybe dealing with the off days, or weeks, or even months where I feel stuck. Sometimes I worry that I’ll never be able to write a song again and that can actually feel so scary. Usually the longer I go without writing a song, the more confidence I lose in my abilities, but once I’m finally able to get something out it all comes back. It’s important to remain patient with yourself and to have faith that you’ll find inspiration again. The best part for me is playing live shows. Nothing in the whole entire world feels better than hearing people sing your songs back to you. And then I get to meet those same people afterwards. It feels so rewarding and special to hear about how my songs have helped others or that they’re special to others. My listeners help me more than they even know. I feel grateful to have this little support system.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I mean I think there's good and bad things about the industry. Honestly, maybe it’s silly of me but I try not to think about it too much so I don't get in my own head. The music industry scares me.
What does songwriting make you feel?
Songwriting helps me feel all sorts of things. It’s the tool I use to actually help me figure out how I’m feeling. Sometimes I’ll start working on a song feeling like I’m in a really bad place but by the end of it I’ll be like “Wow Laura, I can’t believe you were bugging about that. Yeah your feelings are valid but like also you’re going to be OKAY.”
Why do you make music? What keeps you going?
I make music literally because it keeps me going. It feels so good to finish songs that help me sort through feelings and emotions or things I’m confused about in my life.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Don’t take everything so personally. 99% of the time it’s not about you.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
Video games, yoga, reading. Maybe they’re really all hobbies but they definitely help to keep me sane.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Everyone should be a little nicer to each other. Not to gain anything, but just because. Being nice or kindness can just help anybody get through the day.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Mmm probably would bring it back to the “don’t take everything so personally.” I definitely have always been one to internalized others words pretty deeply which can feel so heavy. Now I just try to remember that everyone has their struggles and I can’t really do anything to change that besides be kind and try to do what I can. As long as I’m being the best I can be, that’s all I can do.
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