An Interview With Laurelight
Laurelight just released a fresh new EP that blends retro and new school pop and blends them into a bright and colorful sound that feels compelling and cinematic.
The Connected EP is loaded with massive choruses, musical and vocal hooks, and a load of passion as the artist wears his heart on his sleeve in a true pop fashion.
Songs come through with an outstanding energy and a tasteful songwriting and arrangement style as the songs flow and groove hard from start to finish.
These are danceable songs that you can get down with, sing along with, and really crank up loud.
Tracks are filled with textured synths, walking basslines, and tons of fun percussion.
The EP is incredibly fun and the whole damn thing is a good time and feels like a solid summer EP.
The best thing is that these are songs that seem to come from a real place and Laurelight takes his life experiences and emotion and breeds them into song but does it all with a shining pop sound that creates atmospheres that are all their own each time.
This was an absolutely killer record that takes you on a major musical journey within a 4 track stretch alone.
With such a great release we wanted to have a chat with the laurelight to find out where these songs come from, and what's coming next for the artist.
Here is what happened.
TSWS: Okay so let's start with the Connected EP. This record boasts pop, hip-hop, and many more flavors! Where did this EP come from?
Laurelight: This Ep sums up the last 3 years I've spent looking for a sonic identity throughout many genres like 80’s synthpop, nu-disco/funk and many others.
TSWS: I'm hearing some variety style wise on the record. Who are some of your actual biggest musical influences?
Laurelight: At the moment, my biggest influences are 'The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth, Christine and the Queens, Muse and the Bee Gees'.
TSWS: So, how did all of this start for you?
Laurelight: My passion for music started at 9 years old when I learnt how to play the ’Trombone’ in a local orchestra in my hometown in Italy. At 15 years old I started playing guitar and singing. When I went to the High School, I formed my first band (“The FALLing”), getting the chance to perform live in small local events and clubs; this is when I realised I had something to tell. Songwriting was the biggest discovery I ever made as it changed my life forever. Writing music has changed the way I perceive what surrounds me.At 20 years old, I moved to London, where I started out my solo artist project ‘Laurelight’. London music scene introduced me to a whole new world, where I discovered my sonic and visual identity.This is exactly how this EP took shape. After 3 years of experimentations, I found the right direction. It wasn’t easy as I knew it would have been my artistic debut within the Music Industry.I’m very proud of this small record, it sums up many experiences I’ve made in my life, I would never change all I’ve done so far.
TSWS: What do you think is the next step for you as an artist?
Laurelight: Keeping on Releasing Music is what will take me towards bigger opportunities.
TSWS: This EP seems like a pretty big undertaking. Is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
Laurelight: Keep on loving yourselves, especially when things go wrong because there is nothing wrong with you, be curious out there!
TSWS: What are you doing when you're not working on music?
Laurelight: I’ve done loads of part time jobs in the last 3 years while studying songwriting in London. But I could say that being my own manager has been the toughest so far.
TSWS: Who are you listening to right now?
Laurelight: Billie Eilish, Silk Sonic, John Mayer and Sophie and the Giants
TSWS: With things getting a bit better, do you think you'll be planning any live performances?
Laurelight: I’ll be playing back in my hometown in Italy at the Release Party of my debut Ep on the 20th August, save the date! ;)
TSWS: What kind of things really inspire you to write?
Laurelight: Honestly, everything I do, the way I perceive things, the way I relate with the others. I try to look at my life with a resilient attitude.
TSWS: Can we expect any music videos in the future?
Laurelight: Actually there will be 2 music videos, a promo video of the ep filmed in the city I was born (Brescia) and a Music Video of my latest single ‘Password’, filmed in London.
TSWS: How do you write your songs? Do you lay down production first? Lyrics? It's different for everyone.
Laurelight: Sometimes I first write the song structure with a guitar or I start recording the melody through my phone. Sometimes I first write the music with my laptop through a Digital Audio Workstation. Lyrics always come last!
TSWS: Do you do most of this stuff yourself or are you collaborating on these songs?
Laurelight: I generally write the music and create the demo arrangements on my own, but I’ve had the chance to collaborate with 2 amazing producers (Rob Woods, Matteo Galesi) who brought these 4 songs' arrangements to life!I also collaborate with a lot of great visual artists when it comes to define my visual aspects of my projects!
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Laurelight: Thanks for being part of my artistic journey and thanks for sharing/listening to ‘Connected’! You know this is only the beginning!