Country music is an American art form which has given birth to other great musical genres like rock and roll, Americana and roots. Over the years it has also spawned a generation of female musical legends, like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Reba and Taylor Swift. You can now add to that legacy the amazing voice and music of Tamara Laurel.
Although her debut album Runaway was released a year ago, this writer was just recently introduced to this bright new future star, who has quietly been making a name for herself while flying under the radar.
We recently had the opportunity to talk to Laurel about her music and career. Here’s what she had to say.
IV: What is your musical background?
TL: I grew up learning flute and violin in my elementary school band. I also learned about musical backgrounds while doing arrangements for school musicals, which also taught me to love the essence of songwriting. I never had any formal music education, although I did take a guitar course in college. I simply fell in love with music. I graduated with a business degree, moved to Dallas and began working for News Corp.
Even though I loved my job, I just couldn’t quiet the desire to be an artist, so I quit working and became one. I was writing songs at night and studying songwriting in Nashville, Dallas and Seattle. I just really wanted to do this, so I moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and took classes at the University of Southern California. I spent a full year trying to get over my fear of performing live, so I would head down to the Santa Monica Promenade after midnight when no one was there, and perform to the open sky. I also ran the circuit of open mics. My big break came when I won a contest sponsored by Live Nation to perform at a showcase at the Hollywood House of Blues. I did about 20 more open mics to prepare for this showcase, starting in Malibu, and have never been nervous about performing live since.
IV: Who are your musical inspirations?
TL: Growing up it was Elton John and Bruce Springsteen – I loved the way they told stories with emotions, and I loved their songwriting styles. Some of my current favorites are Jason Isbell, Ray LaMontagne, Virgil Simpson, Grace Potter, Emmylou Harris and Allison Krause.
IV: What else inspires you?
TL: I’ve always been drawn to write about what evokes a strong emotional reaction, especially relationships. I took the last year off to be alone and to figure myself out. Lately it’s about travelling around the country and doing shows, about growing up, while learning a kind of stability about relying on yourself and being responsible. It’s not just about a broken heart or the fun of being in early 20s. I can talk to someone who tells me a story which leaves an impact that forms a song.
IV: Tell us about your debut album.
TL: Runaway was a product of a very difficult and interesting growing experience. One day I decided that my life was not going the way i wanted it to and so I just picked up and left.
The first track,”Whiskey,” which was also my first single, is so fun to play live. I’ve had a lot of exposure for that song. I was doing two shows in Chicago, and the fans were singing most of the songs back to me. The song captures that feeling of “I know this is bad for me, but I’m doing it anyway.”
The title track is my type of track – raw, emotional and painful to say – and it sums up the essence of album It is a good description of what that year meant to me.
I am also now the official artist and spokesperson for Pikolino, a Mexican shoe company. My first song “I Want You” was used in their winter campaign about two years ago. It’s been an incredible partnership.
IV: What are your future plans?
TL: I have completed writing my next album, and I’m looking for a new producer/ I’ve been touring, formed my own record label, and simply love making music and playing out. I believe in the slow and steady build of a long career. I’m spending time collaborating and working with Nashville writers – I simply love just being in the room when the magic happens.
IV: Where can we find out more about you?
TL: Check out my website and Facebook, follow me on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube and SoundCloud channels.