Having grown up in a music orientated household, it’s perhaps no surprise that Laura Comfort set her sights on being a part of the music industry. With support from Scott Mills of Radio 1 in the UK, she continues to delight her fans with songs full of catchy melodies and undeniable energy. Currently promoting her cover of “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix, she kindly agreed to this interview to chat dream shows, song-writing inspiration and her definition of success.
PW: Please introduce yourself.
Laura Comfort: I would describe myself as a singer-songwriter, model, fitspo and traveller.
PW: How would you sum yourself up in five words?
LC: Passionate, creative, spontaneous, thoughtful and fun.
PW: Which bands and artists did you grow up listening to and how did they influence you? Have such influences changed over the years?
LC: I have many musical influences from Beatles, Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna, Michael Jackson etc. My own music is a fusion of styles that has evolved over the years from acoustic folk pop to a more rock pop sound.
PW: When did you first realise you wanted to be a performer? Was there an album you listened to or concert you attended that made you think ‘yeah, I want to do that’?
LC: I remember seeing Prince in concert and thinking I’d like to do that!
PW: Tell me about your latest single, a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” What made you want to cover that song in particular?
LC: I’ve always loved the song “Little Wing” so I sang it last year live at a gig and everybody loved it so we decided to record it.
PW: How easy/hard do you find the song-writing process and who/what most inspires you?
LC: I’m more of a lyric based songwriter so I start with the idea/lyrics and the melody tends to follow. Once I’m inspired I can write a song in a couple hours or a couple weeks. Inspiration comes from life, some expected and unexpected places so every song is a personal journey.
PW: Which song, in your opinion, is the greatest ever written and why?
LC: For me, one of the greatest songs ever recorded is “Little Wing”. It’s a rhythm and blues inspired melodic song about an mystical feminine angel featuring the legendary Jimi Hendrix on guitar.
PW: Is there an album or EP in the works?
LC: I’m currently working on new material for my next album.
PW: If you could play one venue anywhere in the world, which would it be and why?
LC: I’d love to play at Wembley stadium of course.
PW: Which has been your favourite performance to date?
LC: My favorite performance has been opening for Steven Tyler last month at Laconiafest in America. Amazing experience.
PW: If you could share a stage with three other bands or artists, who can be living or dead, who would they be and why?
LC: If I could choose anyone, I’d like to share a stage with Prince, Coldplay and U2 because of their incredible talent and energy on stage.
PW: How has social media helped you establish yourself? Would you agree it’s a vital tool for bands and artists today?
LC: Social media is a vital tool for all artists. We all have to market ourselves and build our fan-base etc.
PW: What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
LC: I’m now promoting “Little Wing” with radio interviews and airplay and UK performances.
PW: Finally then, what’s your ultimate ambition as an artist? Whose career would you most like to emulate and what advice would you give to anyone looking to follow you into the industry?
LC: There are so many artists whose careers I admire. From Taylor Swift to Rihanna to Beyonce. I would love to fill Wembley or the O2 and also use my music for charitable purposes. Around the world. My advice is that all artists need talent, conviction, perseverance and passion.
Check out the video for “Little Wing” below and for more information on Laura Comfort, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
