Unsigned Spotlight: LAU
LAU puts her best foot forward on new single "Stunning" and Kill The Music has the exclusive interview with her to talk about it. Like a futuristic yet retro take on Madonna era glitz pop, "Stunning" feels as comfortable on the dance-floor as it does in the middle of an 80's movie, during the hero's reconning where they break into an in depth montage to showcase their strengths (both Footloose and Rocky's energy come to mind here).
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to your LAU solo project? How long have you been making music under the name LAU?
I was a session drummer since my early 20's, so I got to drum with world class acts like Ricky Martin, Sam Sparro, Taio Cruz, Clean Bandit, The Wanted, Big Black Delta and many others. I also co-wrote all the NINA tracks for over a decade, who is well known in the Synthwve/Retrowave scene. Earlier this year I finally decided to launch my solo career as LAU and start releasing my own songs, which has been a scary but extremely rewarding procees.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the name before?
My full name is Laura Fares, but my family calls me LAU (pronounced /lɑu:/), so I thought I would use that as my stage name as I've been called that ever since I can remember.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I've recently been through a bad break up from a long-term relationship, so that's definitely inspired many songs in my debut album, but there also a couple of songs about moving on, meeting someone new, falling in love again and having a fresh start. My next album will be about whatever life situations I'm encountering at that moment. I want all my albums to be honest and truthful to myself and hopefully people will connect with them.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
I've been involved in the Synthwave/Retrowave scene for nearly a decade, so I draw inspiration from the early Madonna sounds, Pat Benetar, 80s movie soundtracks like Flashdance and more currently speaking, I'm a big Robyn and HAIM fan.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I've been the biggest Queen fan since the 80s, so watching their concerts on tv was mind blowing for me. And a couple of years ago I got to see them live (with Adam Lambert) at Wembley, so that was a dream come true and super inspiring.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect…
You will usually find me backstage jumping up and down and doing some shadow boxing to get the blood flowing and to calm the nerves. In terms of vocals excercises, I try to warm up in my own way, doing note bends, loosening the neck and shoulders, and running quickly through the songs right before going on stage.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
I've had many unforgetable moments in my career with different artists, but with Sam Sparro I had a few, one was playing Top of The Pops, the other one was playing at Glastonbury the year that Amy Winehouse headlined, and the other was 55,000 people singing happy birthday to me in Sydney at the Good Vibes Festival.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Definitely Queen. That would be incredible as their songs really inspired me growing up. I've opened for Robyn and Adele when I was touring with Sam Sparro and I've opened for Erasure when I was touring with NINA, so those are ticked on my list, but I'd love to maybe tour/collaborate with HAIM or Dua Lipa one day.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My debut album will hopefully be out later this year, I hope you like it! And the plan is to start touring soon after. Follow me on insta/facebook for regular updates, and follow me on Patreon and Spotify to hear my singles before the album drops.