SIX QUESTIONS

with Questions Singer/Songwriter Laura Davis 6

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1AT WHAT AGE DID YOU BEGIN SINGING AND/OR GET INTERESTED IN MUSIC

AND WHAT SPARKED THAT INTEREST?

My entire life I’ve always been around music, and I have several family members who can play an instrument and sing, so I think I was destined to have at least some degree of interest in music. My fascination towards music started when I got my first guitar at the age of nine. I began singing shortly after.

2WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR STRONGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES AND WHY?

I’d like to credit both of my parents for introducing me to all kinds of music and encouraging me to have an open mind when listening. With that being said, I’ve been influenced by many styles and artists.

My strongest musical influences are Alison Krauss and Union Station and Prince. Yes, I know they are worlds apart but good music is good music.

Anyway, I was first introduced to Alison Krauss and Union Station when my mama received a Lonely Runs Both Ways CD as a Christmas gift. I was absolutely mesmerized! Ironically, that same Christmas I was gifted with my guitar. There is something so special and unique about how they play certain variations of chords which creates “their sound”, and I consider “their sound” as my foundation when it comes to my music.

Jumping to my second strongest influence, Prince. I admire his creativity and genius approach to thinking outside of the box. His flawless technique at blending genres gives me the confidence to do the same and I always try to incorporate that in my music as well.

3WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PERFORMING? My favorite part of performing, alongside the singing and playing of course, is the reaction I get from the audience. I’ve watched people dance, I’ve seen people smile and I’ve even had people come up to me after a show with tears in their eyes telling me that my song touched them in some special way. As a songwriter that’s all you can ask for.

4WHERE ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PERFORM, AND WHAT

IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO PERFORM?

Out of all the places I’ve had the chance to play at there are two that stand out. I really enjoy the atmosphere at both Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon, and the Wine Crate in Washington. They have been more than welcoming and supportive of my style of music.

Virginia is the farthest I’ve traveled so far, but I’m hoping to expand my audience in the near future.

5WHAT GENRES OF MUSIC ARE YOUR FAVORITES TO PERFORM, AND DO

YOU HAVE A SONG THAT YOU CONSIDER YOUR FAVORITE TO SING?

My favorite genres to sing are bluegrass, folk and contemporary because they compliment my voice. However, when it comes to playing I CANNOT pick a favorite! I love them all! When You Say Nothing At All is my favorite song to perform. This song is very special to me being that it is the first song I learned how to play.

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WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR MUSICAL CAREER IN THE FUTURE?

I want to take my musical career on the road. Going on tour has always been a dream of mine. In addition to that, I want to do some producing, whether it’s my own music or someone else’s. Hopefully, one day, I’ll get signed as a songwriter and/ or musical artist. Most importantly, I want to be respected as a musician.

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