MNÁSOME caught up with soon to be BIMM Dublin graduate Laura Ryder ahead of her performance at BIMM Live 2018. Laura is currently working on material for her next album and has lots of gigs coming up including a support slot for Chase Nova Band in Whelan’s, so there’s lots to look forward to form this talented artist!
How did you first get into music?
I have always loved music and was always interested in lyrics and the stories behind songs as a child. I started out playing some trad music, and learned classical piano but I hated the grades and exams so much I quit! A while later I had a realisation that music was something I loved, so started learning new stuff on the auld interweb – then I started songwriting on ukulele, then guitar, and then rediscovered piano. But I didn’t go beyond bedroom musicianship until I went to BIMM and played in front of actual humans!
What drives you to write and perform?
Overthinking everything and having an excessive amount of emotions! Also I like making up music. Performing is both nauseatingly terrifying and liberating and allows me to try to make large groups of people laugh, so that’s pretty sound! The people in my band are fantastic and I love noise-making with them!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
A mix of stuff; Christine and the Queens, Phillip Glass, Ben Folds, Sylvan Esso and Sufjan Stevens!
What women inspire you in your music career?
Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor and all of the amazing musicians I’ve met in person.
Who among your fellow BIMM graduates would you recommend going to see at this year’s BIMM Live?
Everyone is fantastic – go to everything!
Listen to Laura’s debut album ‘Vestigial’ below.
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