Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Interview with newcomer Laura Roy!

In March 2009, I was able to go on a trip with Encounters with Canada; which brings students from all across Canada together at Canada's capital, in Ottawa. I was able to participate in the "Journalism&Communications" week (there are different themes each week), along with 100 other students. During the trip, I discovered that one of my amazing friends was super talented and musically gifted. Laura Roy, from Nova Scotia, recently released an EP and is working hard on her music career. Here is a quick bio from her website!


Born on October 8th, 1991 in the small village of Canning, NS, seventeen-year old Laura Roy sparked an interest in music and performance at the age of 5. She started to make her way on to the music scene at age 13 after showcasing her singing talents at local community contests and shows. At age 14, Laura picked up a guitar and began to compose her own music and lyrics. Not long after learning guitar Laura wrote her first song titled “Free” at age 14. Over the last three years her musical abilities have grown immensely. Laura continues to write song lyrics and performs wherever she can. After working with Bruce Guthro and opening for Juno Award Winner Jenny Whiteley, Laura was convinced that music would continue to be her lifelong passion. Her captivating stage presence, songwriting abilities beyond her years and an incredible voice has made other artists described her as someone to watch. (www.lauraroy.ca)


So recently, I was able to ask her some questions about her music career and take a look inside the life of a teenage singer/song writer from Nova Scotia :)

Q:When did you first know that you wanted to be in the music industry?.
A:From a very young age I showed a love for music, but it wasn't until this past year that I seriously considered having a career in the music industry.

Q: Did you start singing before playing guitar? Or the other way around?
A: I started singing long before I picked up a guitar! I always tell people that I am a singer first and a guitar player second because I still have a lot more to learn on the guitar. Singing is definitely where I started first.


Q: What/who inspires you when writing songs?
A: I get inspired by a lot of different things. Other musicians inspire me, the relationships I have with people, experiences that I have been through and basically the feeling I get when I have created my own unique song.

Q: Who is your favourite singer?
A: Some of my favorite singers include: Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson.. just to name a few :)

Q: What is your favourite music genre and why?
A: Honestly, I enjoy a variety of different music genres. The genres I listen to the must are Soul, Blues, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, Indie, Acoustic and Folk.

Q: If you could do a duet with anyone in the music industry, who would it be and why?
A: John Mayer. He is so talented and I would love to work with him.

Q: So do you find it hard to balance school with your music career?
A: It can be very challenging to balance school and music. I have a very busy schedule! But I look forward to having more time to dedicate to my music after graduating this year.


Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5-10 years?
A: In 5-10 years I hope to be a very successful musician/business woman. I hope to be making a lot of great music, collaborating with other great musicians and touring around the world. But most important, I plan to be happy and healthy.

Q: How would you describe your live performance?
A: My live performance usually will consist of an intimate venue where I openly talk about my songs and where the inspiration came for each one. I love performing to a crowd that is really engaged and is enjoying my music!

Q: What has been your favourite place to perform at?
A: My favorite place that I have performed at is a small theatre in Wolfville, NS called The Al Whittle Theatre. I love it because it's very intimate and the sound is great!


Q: How would you describe your music style overall?
A: My music style right now I would say is a blend Pop-Folk, Acoustic, Country and Soul

Q: What advice do you have for other teens who want to get into the music industry?
A: My advice is to work hard at it, always be willing to learn and grab on to any opportunity you get!

Q: So, are you excited about your new EP that just came out?!
A: I am very excited about my EP release! The response has been great! It's very cool to finally be able to give people a piece of my music. It’s been a learning experience and a great start to my music career.



Q: Do you find that being from Nova Scotia has helped/influenced you as a musician?
A: Nova Scotia is so rich in music and I am very blessed to have grown up in such an amazing part of Canada. NS, has so many talented musicians and great music festivals, it's hard not to be influenced!

Q: So what’s coming up next for you?
A: I plan to continue writing music, recording, performing and getting my name out there as much as possible. After I graduate in June 2010, I plan to study music arts at NSCC in Dartmouth, NS.

[all photos from www.lauraroy.ca]
Thanks Laura!

Everyone please check out her website! http://www.lauraroy.ca
Support her by buying her new EP! She's an up and comer with a great future ahead of her! :)



-Christinaaa

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