It’s time to get to know – Features Editor Laura! We set Laura 10 questions about her musical likes, her guilty pleasures and what music means to her.
1 – How would you describe your taste in music?
Eclectic. Which is probably the most stereotypical answer. Other than 99% of the rap music out there and the real screamo end of rock, and opera, there isn’t much that I won’t give a chance. It’s the best way to get the most out of music.
2 – Who do you consider to be your favourite band and why?
I don’t think I can pick just one. Ben Howard is always someone I come back to with Every Kingdom being an album that I could listen to forever. It’s beautiful and there is so much emotion packed within each and every track. Paramore are also a band I’m a big fan of; their music ranges from the fun uptempo singalong rock to some real heart string pulling moments. I’m still desperate to see them live.
David Bowie is an artist that I wouldn’t so much as call myself a massive fan of – I love all the big hits – but on a creative basis and what he did for music, social attitudes and his ability to make people question what they knew about so much more than just music is something I really admire.
3 – Who is the best live band you’ve ever seen?
I’ve seen a lot of bands who’ve impressed me live. I think one that stands out to me though is And So I Watch You From Afar. Having seen them a couple of times now I’m always blown away by the sheer passion and feeling that they give to their performances. Every single second of every single song has as much emotion in it as the last one. They manage to make the biggest of performances feel intimate in a way that is hard to describe. They’ve something very special about them.
4 – What is the one song that you could listen to forever?
A & E by Goldfrapp. Hands down, no further thought needed.
5 – What album, if any, was a turning point in your ‘musical life’ and why?
Frank Turner – England Keep My Bones. It was an album that kick started a chain of events and led me to the current place I find myself in. After hearing I Still Believe on the radio, instantly being drawn in, and then going on the listen to the album I became a fan. It was from this that I discovered 2000 Trees Festival (with Frank making regular appearances there) and from ending up at that festival, much more. Musically though, the album is still one I go back to now; it has moments of real feel good rock & roll style songs, the heavier sounds of One Foot Before The Other and that almost euphoric ending of Glory Hallelujah. Frank and a number of other Xtra Mile acts now feature in my musical collection.
6 – In 3 words, what makes a good album or song?
Passion, emotion, guitars.
7 – A festival or a gig? Why?
Festival, which to many I imagine would be no surprise. Gigs can have that intimate element and you know who and what you’re there for. However, for me there is something about festivals that you can’t get anywhere else. The opportunity to accidently stumble across your new favourite band, see artists you love perform things differently and gain themselves some new fans and being able to see a whole host of bands you like all in one handy location. Plus, that special festival atmosphere.
8 – Who would be your 3 dream festival headliners?
Paramore, My Chemical Romance, and the old cliché of Oasis. You can’t deny that shouting along to Wonderwall along with thousands of other people, pint in hand would be great.
9 – Who are the best new band you’ve discovered lately that everyone should know about?
I saw All Ears Avow at Underground Festival a few months ago and they really impressed me. They’re a good solid rock band who have got some great songs under their belt already.
10 – What band or artist is your secret, or not so secret, guilty pleasure?
Little Mix, and it’s a not so secret complete non guilty pleasure. Those girls have some absolute pop smashes that are just fun, feel good, infectious songs.