Exclusive Interview with LAURA MUSGRAVE

Laura Musgrave has garnered significant industry recognition for her work, including recent consideration for the prestigious GRAMMY Awards® in the categories of Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. She took home the ‘International Female Single of the Year (Gold Award)’ at the 2023 International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards and was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards in Nashville, USA. Her music has found a global audience, with airplay across international radio stations, from the UK’s BBC Radio to stations in the USA and Australia, reflecting her rising influence in the pop-rock scene. Her new single ‘Play Again’ is out on 1 November. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: I had a fantastic music teacher in high school, who encouraged me to pursue singing and writing songs. I ended up taking singing lessons with her for many years. That really helped me to develop my voice, and my confidence. It also challenged me to sing lots of different genres that I might not have explored otherwise, everything from musicals and traditional songs, to rock and folk. I still remember a lot of the songs to this day.

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: It was just fun to begin with. Something creative – to sing, to play with putting words together. It was almost a game to try and rhyme them. I didn’t learn to play guitar until I was in my teens, so at first, it was mainly singing, and writing lyrics. Even though I often write with my guitar now, the lyrics are still my favourite part of songwriting.

3. Who were some of the most influential artists in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: Alanis Morissette was a big one. I loved how she could switch between pop and rock so effortlessly, and her confessional lyrics and vocals definitely influenced my own music. Also, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Letters To Cleo, alongside other early 2000s rock, pop rock, and alternative acts.

4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: It’s pop-rock with confessional lyrics that would fit well on a playlist with artists like Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Taylor Acorn, and Pale Waves. Most of my songs are about either love and relationships, or getting through challenges in life. I hope people listening are able to connect those themes to their own experiences.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style of pop-rock?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: I’ve been influenced by both singer-songwriters and rock bands, and so I’ve explored a few different genres and writing styles during my career. It’s almost like trying on different outfits, and figuring out what suits you and feels authentic. I’ve definitely grown in confidence as I’ve tried new things over the years. Pop-rock has been a theme throughout, but it’s taken time to work out the ideal combination of crunchy guitars and personal lyrics. My current sound feels the most ‘me’.

6. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: Both are a lot of fun! I really enjoy the writing and recording side, and I’ve been lucky to work with some really talented people on that front. I feel very at home in the studio. You can take your time to craft the song, and explore different creative options. Interacting with a live audience is really interesting too, because you can get a sense of which songs they connect most with. I love chatting with them in between tunes as well!

7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: I really enjoy making music, and that’s the key thing for me. Anything else is a very welcome bonus! I’ve achieved more than I dared to hope so far, and I’m excited to see what’s next in my career.

8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: Absolutely. It starts with an idea for the lyrics – which might be a theme, or a phrase. From there, I’ll either work on developing the idea myself, or collaborate with one of my amazing co-writers. Working together definitely helps to take the songs in new directions, and makes it easier to get past blocks in the writing process.

We’ll usually write the lyrics to a beat first of all. Then we’ll add some chords and the vocal melody. There’s often several rounds to refine and edit the song. Once it’s ready, I’ll record a demo with drums and guitar, and add my vocals to it. That goes to my producer Becky Willard, and she works her magic in adding instruments and shaping the song. She really brings it to life.

9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

LAURA MUSGRAVE: This is my second time in the music industry as an artist. Coming back after a long break from the industry was pretty challenging. Everything had changed while I’d been away – songwriting trends, music marketing, studio technology. It was like being dropped in at the deep end! I had so much to learn (and I’m still learning all the time). I’m glad to be back though, it’s been really rewarding.

10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

LAURA MUSGRAVE: A recent one was being on the GRAMMY Awards® ballot this year for ‘Best Rock Performance’ and ‘Best Rock Song’. Seeing my song on there alongside music by Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo, and Against the Current was awesome.

My new song ‘Play Again’ is out November 1! It’s about starting to find your strength again after feeling like your world has stopped. It’s that turning point when you realize your fight is coming back. You’re determined to face whatever challenges life has in store, even if you’re still figuring out how to pick yourself back up. It’s a great tune to sing along to.

Right now, I’m writing new songs for 2025, and I can’t wait to share some new music with you! Follow along and say hello @lauramusgravemusic on social media.