THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with Aussie singer and songwriter Laura Frank.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I fell into singing through my time as a dancer, when at 12 years old, my dancing teacher pointed me out and said ‘Laura, I think you can actually sing’. After picking up my brothers left-handed guitar and listening to Kasey Chambers, The Captain, I started songwriting and haven’t stopped since. I wish I could say that music is in my blood, but it isn’t. My family love music, but none are ‘musical’. But after discovering I had a gift for singing and a stage presence that captivated and connected people, I couldn’t stop.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Music is so powerful! The connection it can create is mesmerizing and I’m constantly amazed by its strength. I love to experiment, and I never stay still for too long which means my music is always evolving. I know how much impact particular music has had on me and my journey and so I make music in the hope that it can help or inspire or provide enjoyment for others.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
On the top of the vision board & goals list is to win a Grammy (or three). But I have aspirations to take home a few Golden Guitars, play some pretty amazing Festivals and to be as prolific as I can possibly be!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
You can expect more new music and a string of shows! I wouldn’t call it a ‘tour’ but there are definitely a bunch of exciting shows coming up that I can’t wait to play.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
Days Gone By is a toast to the past, to the journey so far. 2023 has brought with it a new energy for me and Days Gone By felt like the perfect song to kick the year off with. A message of celebration of the journey so far and that I am now stepping firmly forward into the next chapter.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
It’s different every time! That’s the joy of songwriting! Sometimes ideas will come to me after a particular event or situation and often when I’m driving alone, I’ll have a lyrical idea. Other times, Nick (Nick Morrissey my co-write, guitarist and partner in life & business) will come up with a little guitar riff. I’ll say ‘ooo I like that’ then we just sit down and write. It’s not always easy to get creative so we do have a few tricks for when that creativity evades us. Such as the ‘songwriting jar’ or ‘stacks’. See my Tiktok @laurafrankmusic for more on that.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
No hidden meaning. I’m an open book. What you see is what you get.
Success, what is the secret to it?
There isn’t one. Success is what you make it. Not someone else’s version of it.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
There have been a few in the last couple of months particularly. But winning the People’s Choice Award for Most Promising Future Star at Tamworth Country Music Festival this year was pretty special.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Brandi Carlile is a huge inspiration for me. Along with Jason Isbell, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and a whole host of other incredible folk.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
There is a host of new tunes being mixed as we speak! I’m really excited to be bringing new music to the world this year and to push some boundaries with it.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Still making music. Writing, releasing & playing shows. Just hopefully with a few more folk on The Frank Train.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
The work hours. haha. It never stops and I’m not the kind of person to prioritise downtime. So it can be really taxing physically and emotionally sometimes. Favourite part, I have a few. I love creating something from nothing. At home and in the studio and watching the songs come to life. I love connecting with so many amazing humans
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Hayley Marsten is an absolute legend and she’s pushing boundaries with her music in the Country Music genre which I love. Jaguar Jonze, is an incredible artist and one of the most creative in the biz! Not to mention her amazing stage show & presence. Hayley Jensen is a powerhouse! The Wolfe Brothers are the nicest guys and their music is so fun. Then of course Aussie greats like INXS.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
There are so many positives about the world as a whole becoming more digital, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. It means that artists have to be so much more diverse in their skills if they want to build a large fanbase. It’s more than just making great music now. The positive is there is far more opportunity for people to find and hear our music! But financially that can put a strain on the artist.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
By continuing to evolve and create new and interesting songs about new and interesting topics! Plus a little boosted social media post here and there doesn’t go astray 😛 I think having a strong point of difference and being memorable is a huge step in being noticed in the International market.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
My partner in life, music and business – Nick Morrissey is whom I collaborate with most at the moment. We write everything together. But expanding and working with other talent is certainly on the horizon. The goal would be to colab with Brandi Carlile one day. Her writing is incredibly inspiring.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keep going. Follow your own path and try not to let comparison of others wear you down. Success is what you make it. Take risks, be brave and follow your gut.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I have had the privilege of building a really awesome community of ‘Frank’ fans! I feel incredibly blessed. Many of them have become friends and we catch up at gigs around the country. I hope it’s always like that. I read every message, every comment and every email. I try to respond to as many as I can. It might not always be like that, but I hope people recognise how important they are in the Laura Frank journey.
Any last words?
Come aboard The Frank Train!
Website: www.laurafrank.com.au
Facebook: facebook.com/laurafrankmusic
Instagram: instagram.com/laurafrankmusic