Interview with Laura Jean Anderson

It is very rare to find an artist that is the embodiment of all your favorite types of genres mixed into one. After discovering Laura Jean Anderson, I can honestly say that I haven’t been able to find someone that gathers all the best pieces of my favorite music and delivers it on this bold and emotional platter the way she does. Laura Jean’s music is filled with bits of blues, retro, singer-songwriter, country, and a little rock n roll, all while producing a sound that is all her own.

As I have entered into my mid-twenties, I truly believe that I have gone through a major period of growth and I have really spent the time carving out my true individual self. Laura Jean’s music found me during that time in my life and her real and empowering lyrics really resonated with me. After listening to her album, Lonesome No More, I felt like I had been on an entire personal journey. One moment I was resurfacing old heartbreak and the next I was not only at peace with myself, but with an elevated confidence.

All of that to be said, I was absolutely thrilled when Laura Jean agreed to do an interview with me. It is so surreal to have the opportunity to even have a conversation with someone whose music has been so important to you. Read along to learn a little more about the woman behind the music: 

Me: First off, how are you? How has 2020 been for you? I know this year has been crazy for everyone but I also know you have released a few singles this year, which must have been some light in these weird times.

Laura Jean Anderson: “Oh man what a year! Hard to even say how I am haha. Like everyone, this year has been challenging with lots of ups and downs but I’m hanging in, missing music and people like crazy but grateful for a lot as well.”

Me: One of my favorite things to learn about artists is who their biggest musical influences are. So, who are some of your musical influences/inspirations?

LJA: “So hard to narrow it down but I’d have to say Aretha Franklin, Carole King, and Shania Twain”

Me: Was music something that you’ve always wanted to do or was it one of those things that surprisingly became a passion of yours? And when did you know that you wanted to seriously pursue music?

LJA: “I’ve always loved music, it’s always been my sanctuary and passion but I didn’t grow up around any musicians or artists so I never really knew it was an option or anything more than a hobby til I left home.” 

Me: If you didn’t pursue music, what do you think you’d be doing right now?  

LJA: “Hmmm. Probably wandering and traveling around, working on farms around the world.” 

Me: What are your top 3 all time favorite songs?

LJA: “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You by Bob Dylan, Somebody To Love by Queen, and What More Can I Say by Nina Simone”

Me: What is a song that you wish you had been the one to write?

LJA: “Oh damn! So many but I’d have to go with “I Will Always Love You”- Dolly Parton”

Me: What would be your dream collab?

LJA: “Freddy Mercury, Dolly Parton & Kanye all in one room”

Me: Are there any new artists or songs that you’ve discovered this year that you’re really pumped about?

LJA: “I’ve been really into Jessie Reyez’s new album Before Love Came to Kill Us & Rex Orange County’s record Pony”

Me: Your music and lyrics are very real and honest so I am sure putting all of that out into the world is pretty vulnerable. What does that creative process look like for you?

LJA: “I can’t help but write my truth and from my own experience so it can be scary putting it out in the world, especially when it’s directed at someone or (often) a backlash of my upbringing which forces difficult conversations. But I always learn and grow from it and so I’m grateful for that.”

Me: Something I really enjoy about your music is how you are able to incorporate so many vibes such as retro, blues, singer-songwriter, rock, and a tiny bit of Americana all into it’s own genre. How would you best describe your music style or genre?

LJA: “Haha- I’ve always struggled with this question, I usually just say ‘rock n roll’ or ‘retro pop’”

Me: Lonesome No More and On My Mind were the two songs that instantly made me fall in love with your music. However, On My Mind really spoke to me because upon listening to it, I realized I had felt that exact way before and it made me feel a bit more heard and understood. How does it feel to know your music can do that to people?

LJA: “Really amazing. I think that’s my favorite part about music - that it can connect to different people in different ways with different stories.” 

Me: Your album Lonesome No More is absolutely incredible and made for an amazing first album. Is there some sort of backstory behind that album because the songs seem to fall into an overall theme of getting over someone? 

LJA: “Not one particular story but like so many albums, it came out of a specific feeling and time in my life. Heartbreak of course, but not just from relationships. A heartbreak of letting go of the religious guilt and oppression I was raised with and learning to speak out about it more.”

Me: Do you have any projects or upcoming releases you are working on?

LJA: “Ooo yea! Been working on a record this past year. Writing and recording. Still in the works as of now.”

Me: What are some other things that bring you happiness or inspiration besides music?

LJA: “Riding my motorcycle, long drives, cooking with good friends, work”

Me: What are your short terms goals at the moment (1 year)? Long term (5 years)?

LJA: “Well, I’d love to get through this year first haha. But I think my main focus right now is just write write write record record record and hopefully be able to play live again! (and play across seas)”

“Thank you for thinking of me!”

After interviewing Laura Jean, it makes so much sense as to why I was drawn to her sound. Her sighting Aretha Franklin, Carole King, and Shania Twain as her inspirations helps me to really understand that country-retro-soulful sound. Before, I couldn’t quite figure out how she ended up with her musical style but now it makes perfect sense. Shania Twain is also someone whose music can give you a confidence boost so it totally makes sense that she would have integrated that aspect into her music.

I also appreciate how her music incorporates the heartbreak from other things besides relationships. Learning that she has experienced religious guilt and oppression makes her song, Silence Won’t Help Me Now, much more meaningful. Coming to terms with your upbringing can be a difficult thing and accepting that those individuals you once looked up to are also flawed can leave you with a certain type of heartbreak. Putting those truths into music for people to hear is not only extremely vulnerable on her end, but therapeutic for those of us who haven’t quite put our finger on why we feel the way we do about our upbringing. Accepting those things and allowing yourself to sit with those feelings and truly understand them is the beginning of fully becoming the real version of yourself. The fact that Laura Jean was able to put all of that into her first album makes me gain even more respect for her work and really just confirms even more why I was so drawn to her music.

It was such a pleasure to interview Laura Jean and learn a bit more about who she is as an artist. I am also so delighted to hear that she is working on a new record and I’m eagerly waiting for its arrival. In the meantime, I urge you to get acquainted with her music. Go for a drive and allow yourself to fully experience her sound and then you’ll understand what I meant by country-retro-soulful all in one.

Thanks for reading!