Ever since I was a little girl I had trouble grasping the concept of a quiet ‘indoor voice’ … and now I’m singer and make a living off making noise. I love songwriting and all kinds of soul influenced music. Anything from Ray Charles to the Police to Kimbra. I’m on tour at the moment with a sneak preview of my new EP to come. After spending the first three months of this year doing shows and recording in America I’ve spent time on some epic new tracks that are unlike anything I have ever done before.
You’re touring across the country in the coming months and will no doubt be picking up new fans along the way. But before that happens what can you tell us about your music to bait some interest?
My music ranges from soul wrenching electro ballad to high-energy dance. If you like Frank Ocean or Daft Punk you may well dig my vibe. The live show is an experience not to be missed, I’m working with some of Australia’s best musicians and we have a lot of fun on stage.
What can we expect from your live show? Any quirks or shenanigans we should know about?
I’m all for crazy live spectacles. This tour features all kinds of madness including a marching band, hip hop dance and a string quartet depending on which show you go to that is. There’s always something new and experimental that I’m trying out on audiences.
The tour is in support of your ballad ‘Darkest Love’. Can you tell us a little bit about the song?
Darkest Love is a song I wrote after a combination of things … a phone call from my best friend in Melbourne, watching the movie 50/50 and listening to Birdy. It’s about our desire for things that hurt us, our desire for attention from people who don’t care about us. And the way we take those who really love us for granted.
You’re more known for your upbeat songs, why did you decide to tour in support of this slower track?
I love this track because it is so different to anything I have ever released before. Its nice to showcase my intimate ballad writing before we release some more pumping tracks. I try not to force anything I write and ‘Darkest Love’ just came naturally and feels right for now. I feel like a lot of people really connect to it.
We’ve been told to expect an EP soon. What can you tell us about it? And how long do we have to wait for it?
The new EP is CRAZY! Oh man. Seriously I feel like nothing I have ever released before comes even close! We have ‘Chops Horns’ featuring on some tracks who played for Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, James Brown, The Police and nearly anyone you can think of! The production on the new tracks is so cool and I can’t wait to share! We’ll be announcing the release date soon.
We heard you recorded some of it in America as well as Brisbane. What cities did you record in and how do you think working overseas affected your music?
We recorded in New York/New Jersey and Nashville. And then in some studios and bedrooms across Brisbane! If you are working with genius producers you can record anywhere! The USA collabs will open many doors indeed. Can’t wait to do more projects back over there.
What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Some super old Al Green records and some old Whitney. All that stuff is gold. Even some old Andre Crouch gospel records! I love all the old soul from vinyl days.
What Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I would love to collaborate with Matt Corby or Ben Abraham at some stage. Two of the most amazing singer/songwriters this country has ever seen. Also would love to do some Aussie hip hop collab and there’s always the amazing Gotye too.
What’s on the cards for the rest of the year and early 2014?
We’re touring for most of the rest of this year then releasing the new tracks in Australia which will keep us very busy here indeed. We’re looking at so many things for next year including lots of overseas opportunities. I’m dying to get back to the states and Germany as well as looking at my first Asia tour.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
My tour dates span across the country for the next 2 months so you can catch me almost anywhere. My last EP was called ‘By the Fire’ , released end of last year and is up on iTunes and soundcloud. My very first EP is also there called ‘At First Sight’ released in 2010. Check out my music vids on youtube.
Bec Laughton Tour Dates:
Saturday Oct 26 – The Sheoak Shack, Fingal
7.30pm
Tickets at the door
Saturday Nov 2 – Fruitation Music Festival, Adelaide
The Lacma & Yungodi Courtyard
FRI NOV 8 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
8pm / w SLIP ON STEREO
FREE
Friday Nov 15 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney
6pm
FREE
Friday Nov 22 – The Loft, Gold Coast
8pm
Friday Dec 6 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
8pm
Listen to ‘Darkest Love’
