Check out our interview with rising Scottish star Laura Murray who exploded onto the Scottish music scene with her debut EP ‘Memories’ in 2020. ‘Memories’ was well received, gaining radio play from BBC Introducing Scotland, was picked up by a host of local, Scottish blogs and track ‘Proud’ has over 46,000 streams on Spotify alone.
Now Laura is back with her new single ‘Leavin’ You In 2020’ an anthem about leaving the negative behind you and looking forward with an optimistic mindset.
Follow Laura @lauramurrayuk
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Hi Laura, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Laura Murray, I am a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from Scotland who has big dreams of singing around the world and selling out shows. I work a number of jobs to ensure I have money to get myself in to the studio and get recording.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, passionate and musical.
How has this changed your life?
Music in general has changed my life or rather made it a better life. Without music my life and world would just be non-existent if I am honest. I am hoping that lots of people have great interest in the song and then it can chance my life even more and I will be able to give back to my family the way they have supported me throughout my life and career so far they deserve it!
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I took part in a local theatre school since a very young age and was always interested in the musicals and the singing part of the plays. My parents say that I was singing before I could speak any words. This just sums up how I got in to the industry. Music is so important to me and my entire world revolves around music I literally live and breath it! I started songwriting in school and playing piano too and from there I have been trying to better my craft. I have taken massive inspiration from artists like Alicia Keys to help me on my journey.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Vibrant, Soulful, Catchy
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I would say that my dad played a huge role as he introduced me to music so young. He would always play records in the house from the 60’s all the way through to the 90’s when I was born. He has such great knowledge and passion for music and the different artists and genres over the years which has helped motivate me and kept me interested. I chose to start creating music because it was/is something I have always been passionate about. I have always listened to other artists songs and been so inspired by the lyrics and the way that the music could make me feel and I always remember thinking to myself ‘I want to do that one day. I want my music to be able to touch someone, help someone feel again, or help someone get through something’. So I just kept on creating and making music and I am so passionate about bettering my craft and learning as I go and hopefully continuing to blossom and grow.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, alongside singing I play Piano mainly and I can play little guitar too.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. I get nervous when bringing out music or posting things as I always want people to love it as much as I do which I know might not always be the case so it always makes me nervous. I always get nervous about live music gigs too but once I am up on stage the nerves vanish as I feel it is where I belong.
Tell us about your new single “Leaving’ You In 2020?”
This is the first song I have released in 2021, and the message is really in the title. This is a fresh start musically for me and genre wise I feel this is where I should be. Creating this pop sound but also keeping my soul was the ultimate goal.
What’s the story behind the song?
I was writing about a friendship that I wanted to leave in the past along with all negative vibes that 2020 brought everyone due to the pandemic and everything changing in the world. Although the year 2020 was troubling and tough, it also made me stronger, and I was able to reflect on so many things and how I was letting people treat me a certain way and settling for it. So, this song allowed me to literally shout that I am leaving it all in 2020. Saying goodbye to that hurt and helping me move on to a better me without that negativity.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Hearing people sing my music at live gigs, or receiving messages online from people that I have been able to help or touch with my music or my lyrics. Being able to sing on stage infant of a crowd is so rewarding too!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I’m not too clued up on many of these books fully, but a good one for reference is ‘The Power of Broke’ by Daymond John. This book is a good reference point especially when you don’t have a massive amount of money and he shows that you can still get there even with a small amount, as long as you’re hungry enough for your dreams. I love this because I can totally relate and it helps to give me hope in my music career.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
That not everyone is going to like me/ and my music. It won’t be for everyone and that is okay. Learning that I can’t please everyone on earth, but working hard for myself and for the people that do show interest and love for my music is so worth it. I learned to put more energy
How would your best friend describe you?
Always stands up for what she believes in, always looks out for everyone and has a caring heart. Supportive and loving and will never give up in her dreams. Passionate about her music and wanting to be the best she can be in life.
What’s next for Laura Murray in 2021?
As everyone knows the Covid19 pandemic is scarily still among us, and alongside other things, the affect on the music industry has been abysmal. Throughout 2021 I planned on performing many live shows to promote my new music but it just hasn’t been feasible. Hopefully nearer the end of 2021 I can get back performing live and building up more of a fanbase. I want to be able to go to other countries and continue doing this. I have a few live shows lined up for the end of the year so this is exciting for me. I have another single on the way for this year and then I can hopefully release another E.P or album! I’m pushing for big things so please keep updated on my socials!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Probably like a healthy smoothie with fruits & veg!
And your favourite cheat food?
Back in Scotland, they do Nutella and Biscof filled Churros and they are AMAZING!
How would you explain your fashion style?
After being out for so long from my injury I don’t feel as confident as I once did before therefore, I feel I can’t really wear the style I desire to wear too! I don’t really fit in any trend I just kind of create my own style more often than not it’s comfy baggy clothes like baggy jumpers and shorts trainers or just some funky other look! I try to just be myself!
What is your own definition of happiness?
I believe happiness comes in lots of forms. For me describing it is hard but I would say it’s the light. The light amidst the dark. The light at the end of the tunnel. In the sunshine but also in the stars and the moon. It’s the smile on peoples faces. The love in our hearts. It’s in the kindness. Something bright. Something warm and something nice. Being able to feel the light and feel warm is happiness.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
There are a lot of people I would love to meet for various different reasons. I would love to have met Whitney Houston, I believe her advice and guidance in the industry would just be so useful and heartwarming for myself. Her voice will always live on as incredible and pure and It pains me that she is no longer with the world to spread this talent. Living I would love to meet someone like Ryan Tedder – I think he is so underrated in this world. Some people don’t even know who he is and that absolutely shocks me. He is one of the most amazing versatile song writers on this planet, the way he is able to write songs for literally any artist no matter what genre is truly inspiring. I think working with him would be the coolest most valuable experience for me as a person and more importantly as a musician and artist.
Best advice ever given?
Never give up in your dreams. You decide who you are and who you will be will evolve from that, but never ever give up on your dreams or what you believe in.
Do you support any charity?
I have done some work in the past, raising money for Scottish Autism and a few other charities but they have been single events that I have carried out.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
5 years from now I want to be on tour, for people to know my music and love it, to have created a fanbase physically and online across the world – in particular USA and Canada for sure. I want to have helped people with my music and for people to really know who I am as an artists and a human.
Favourite song? Why?
It is way too hard for me to choose a specific song because I am too in love with music as a whole and many different genres. One that stands out to me is most definitely ‘Humble and Kind’ by Tim McGraw – It’s always a nice reminder to always stay that way no matter what life throws your way.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think like everything there is pros and cons to it. I think there are alot of positives that include being able to network with people – other artists, musicians, managers etc, which is especially good for collaborations and getting my music out there to different people, places and the world. However, there are alot of negatives that come with Social media I don’t feel I need to list the things that can go wrong. There are a lot of people out there to make others feel bad and I think it’s really dangerous sometimes – especially on people suffering behind closed doors with whatever that may be. We need to be kinder for sure.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @lauramurrayuk and on Facebook: @lauramurraymusic
Book: My Sisters Keeper and Harry Potter
Quote: ‘Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game’
Movie: A Cinderella Story, Forest Gump, & Harry Potter (all of them).
Tv Series: Grey’s Anatomy, Charmed, One Tree Hill, Chicago Fire.
Favorite Food: Can’t choose – so much good food!
Travel Destination: I am fortunate to have already travelled to a large number of places around the world however I still want to travel to so many more destinations around the world. I absolutely loved Nashville being in around that Country Music Scene was mesmerising and really up my street. Surrounded by people that were just as passionate as myself about music and all it brings to the world was really cool. I would also love to hit up the Maldives – it looks real relaxing and somewhere I could be at one with my thoughts, clear my head and write some music with a calm soul.
Sports Team: Tottenham Hotspur for Premier League and For Scotland Celtic FC!
