Laura Jansen
Picture copyright respected holders.
Interview With Laura Jansen By Chris 14/3/06
Laura Jansen is a fantastic singer songwriter who will
go so far.
Her music is fantastic,real and honest. I knew I had to
interview her
So read on.
Laura
Myspace Page
1.How did you get into music?
My momma always sang…not your typical lullabies
either! She would croon Queen, brazilian protest music and
everything in between….I started banging on the
piano as soon as I could walk but the song writing came
many many years later…I think the muse waited to hit
me until I had enough life experiences under my belt.
2.What were your major influences?
Life has always been my major influence! The sheer and
simple beauty of everyday people and things move me to no
end. But you mean musically…Joni Mitchell, Donny
Hathaway, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Rob Giles,
Feist….it goes on and on!!
3.If you could have a three-band bill who would they
be?
This week? It would be Feist, Butterfly Boucher and the
Strokes…..yeah, that would be sweet!
4. What has the response been to your music?
Its been humbling! Myspace was a really great way to test
the waters and the waters have been friendly. I’ve met some
wonderful, like-minded people through my music and have
also gotten some incredible opporortunities. We recently
shot an episode for YMCTV (new music channel launching
later this year) and I am planning a tour to Europe.
<5>. Where do you think you will be in 10
years?
In ten years time I hope to have a wonderful collection of
albums under my belt, a thriving creative career and a
better person than I am today.
6. Who would you most like to record a song
with?
Jon Brion!
7. What made you want to go out and play
music?
I really had no choice….no matter what other
passions I pursued I always came back to my
piano…….Touching on another human beings
feelings, putting them into words, connecting with
strangers through song…these are all gifts that I am
grateful for on a daily basis.
8. What are your thoughts on file sharing and the mp3
format?
Well, it’s a Pandora’s box isn’t it? We can have our
personal beliefs on the matter but the cat is out of the
bag and it is our new reality. I think the Internet is
empowering for artists. IF we learn to use it properly, we
can engage the whole world….from our house!
9. Do you think MySpace is for good artists and
bands?
MySpace is incredible. It’s becoming a bit saturated with
musicians and I fear that regular people are getting tired
of the mass adding and won’t take the time to listen to the
songs. My philosophy is this: keep the relationship going,
write back and forth, connect with the people who have
honoured you with their add and don’t worry too much about
how many 1000’s of friends you can “get”.
10. Do you think the Internet is good for helping
artists get known?
Absolutely the best tool for liberating yourself from the
standard path….we now have most of the tools at our
fingertips to get our art out there.
11. What bands/artists are you listening to
lately?
Lately I’ve been listening to Jesca Hoop, Elizabeth Ziman,
Jessie Baylin, Rob Giles, Reeve Carney, David Mead and
Matthew Ryan.
12. Who has helped you out the most?
My partner in crime, Rob Giles. He gave me the permission
any artist needs to think outside of the box, regardless of
the box others will put us in. Self-doubt goes hand in hand
with creativity for me so to have a sounding board that
pushes you instead of placating you is a gift! Plus, have
you HEARD the production of these songs? He took it to the
next level!
13. If you could be on The Simpsons where would you be
playing?
Where or who? I of course would be Lisa…the musical,
political nerd.
14. What has the response been like for your music on
the web?
Wonderful!!!
15. Any responses from record labels?
We are hoping to sign a deal this year…
16. Have you got any releases lined up?
Yes! My first EP, “the trauma EP” is slated for release in
a few weeks…. date TBA.
