Laurs
The year is slowly coming to an end and Laurs is one of my favorite latest discoveries. A true songwriter with a beautiful voice. A great talent with a huge potential.
Coming all the way from New Zealand, Laurs recently revealed her newest single titled “Orbit”. Produced by Aaron James Clarke, “Orbit” tells the story of a friendship you can’t let go of. It’s a song that will make you feel something, and that’s what music is all about.
”Orbit” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Hi ! How are you? What's your story?
Hey Virginie! I’m doing good thanks, busy but happy, (laughs).
I’m the youngest in a big family, they’re adventurous and full of love. We travelled a lot when I was a kid- tight budget, big dreams- sort of thing. They’ve really shaped who I am, I think that’s what forged the dreamer in me too. They’ve supported and lifted me up so much all my life, and now I work in a community youth organisation supporting local musicians and artists, which kinda makes me feel like an older sister to them so it all feels a little full circle. But I just turned 20 this year so at the same time I really feel like my story is just beginning.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
My parents took my family on a mission trip when I was 7 years old, so I was in a really unfamiliar environment, and without many games or toys to play with, yet surrounded by people from all over the world who had the most fascinating stories. It really taught me to use my imagination and curiosity which lead to me writing my first song when I was bored one afternoon in India. I was always a massive chatterbox as a kid so I guess I needed another place to put all my words. I’ve still got that first scrap of paper with rivers of indigo coloured pencil scribbled all over it.
When did you know you could sing?
My mum always told me I had a nice voice but I reckon that’s what all mums say haha. Singing real loud at home was my thing but I didn’t tell many people I liked singing. For some reason I thought it was lame, which is pretty funny to me now. And I don’t think I actually believed my mum until I was about 15.
"Orbit" is your latest single - what can you tell us about it? What's the inspiration behind it?
Orbit is about the hazy disorientation you feel when something shifts between you and someone you love. I wrote it about a childhood friendship that I didn’t know how to let go of I guess. No one really tells you as a kid that friendships fall apart, and musically nearly all the songs on the radio are about romance. So you’re not sure why, or what to do. It’s about dizziness and confusion and ache.
When did you start working on this song? Could you describe us the songwriting/production process?
I actually wrote Orbit two or three years ago, in about 30 minutes. The songs I wrote back then are pretty hit and miss, which isn’t all that surprising to me considering I was a naive 16 year old. So when I listened to the original voice memo last week I was pretty surprised that I’d kept nearly all the lyrics word for word. When it comes to the soundscape of Orbit, we wanted the production to stay a bit lighter so that nobody drowns in the melancholy of the lyrics. It’s a sad song yeah, but ultimately we were keen to keep it hopeful too.
What did you feel when recording "Orbit"?
My mate Aaron (Mountain Boy) created a demo with me a couple weeks after I wrote it but we only just got back to finishing it this year. So in a way, it definitely was a strange one to finish recording and release because it feels like such a different time in my life than now. I keep reminding myself though that pieces of our past make us who we are today; they remain important. It makes me excited to release more recent and relevant stuff though for sure!
What's your favorite lyric on this song?
Probably “the memory is sweetest, like the grass at the cemetery”. It encapsulates the song to me. Life always finds a way to grow out of the death of things.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song? What message do you want to deliver?
Life always finds a way to grow out of the death of things. It’s okay to not know what’s ahead, or why something happened. Just don’t dwell in that feeling for too long. My mum told me as a kid to just “keep throwing some light under the door.” Hope will always find a way to creep in, even through the slightest crack.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
Having the courage to keep being honest. It’s so hard to be stubbornly yourself, when a lot surrounding you is telling you to shapeshift. The best part about being an artist is when your honesty proves worth it. Music puts into words the things we are lost at how to say. I can’t believe I get to be a part of such a beautiful and necessary thing sometimes.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry?
There’s so much exciting innovation and creativity happening in different spheres of the music industry that I’m stoked about. People are really striving to create communities that support each other, especially since Covid. I always wish there was more of it though, especially locally. We really need each other.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
John Vincent III - Songs from the Valley. I love John’s music and have for a long time
Lennon Stella - Vocally Lennon Stella has always been a big inspiration to me
Novo Amor- Every record of his I’ve had on repeat at some point, his creativity is so stunning.
This year I’ve been most inspired by Golden Vessel, both his music and production makes me excited to create and to just experiment. I’m super keen to try new things musically and he’s a big reason why.
What does songwriting make you feel?
I write very quickly, I’ve learnt instinct is your best friend. You can edit later. Writing makes me feel a little obsessed with humans and our stupid but winsome details and how scary yet spectacularly beautiful everything in life feels. In the little things and the big things. In love for those close to me and in brief moments among strangers. Songwriting draws me closer to people; it draws me closer to God.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
I love art. I love sport. I love a good roadtrip or thrift store or burger or stargazing sesh. Mostly I love people. I work full time with youth and it’s just the best.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
It really breaks my heart to see how much loneliness makes people ache. It’s like a silent disease. We don’t have to soldier on as strong individuals all the time. We need to tell more stories and laugh and look up at the sky more than we do. I wish I had better answers to the worlds problems, but I do know that we chase a lot of useless things in life, remembering what’s actually important is a must.
What biggest life lessons have you learned this year?
True success is being in a room full of people who push you to be better, pull you in for a hug when you need one, and tell you the truth no matter what.
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