New York-based singer and songwriter Laura Elliot has been surrounded by music all her life. Although she started playing guitar when she was 14, she didn’t start writing music until she turned 18. “I was always too scared or too critical to write,” she says. But now, aged 21, she does music exclusively, and for that she feels “super lucky.” Her main goal is to form a connection with and inspire her listeners. “I want my listeners to feel like they know me by the end of the song. Or maybe know themselves a little better.”
Having released three singles early in 2020, her new track “Caroline” dropped in December. Inspired by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Pinegrove, beabadoobee and Bon Iver, her music effortlessly combines soft vocals, dreamy melodies and delicate guitar riffs to create a smooth, sombre indie pop sound. Her self-aware and introspective lyrics provide her listeners an intimacy with the songs she creates, all of which are “deeply personal and 100% from my heart,” she says. Laura likens her relationship with songwriting to sharing part of her diary. “Putting my music out there is so special. It always feels so good when people tell me how much they relate to what I write. Makes me feel a whole lot less alone.”
Despite 2020 being a rough year for us all, Laura is hopeful that we are moving in a good direction. “I think this time has allowed for light to be shed on things that should’ve been brought up such a long time ago. Now more than ever has been a great time for self reflection. We all just have to keep fighting for what’s right, and I don’t think there’s been a better time than now to do that.” In terms of her music, Laura is grateful for the time she has had to focus on herself, and although performing live has always been her favorite part of being an artist (“not being able to do that has been really difficult”) she feels positive about what the future holds. “I didn’t get to do a lot of things that I was hoping to do this year, but I also feel like it worked out in my favor a bit. I think I’ve had so much time to listen to artists I love, study their music, figure out why I love it, and translate that into my own writing. I’ve learned so much about who I am and who I want to be as an artist. I feel really good about the future because of that.”
How did you get into music and how has it led you to where you are now?
LAURA ELLIOT: I grew up watching my dad play in bands for as long as I can remember. Because of that I’ve always been super musical, and always knew I wanted to perform. In middle/high school I was super involved with musical theater which was a fun outlet for me to get out on the stage and perform. Later in high school I decided I wanted to go to school for Jazz Voice performance. After about a year of that, I quickly learned that I needed another outlet for my emotions and feelings so I started writing and took a break from school to focus on writing. During that time I probably wrote about 30 songs and from that moment on I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
Who or what inspires your sound?
LAURA ELLIOT: I always start by saying my biggest influence is Phoebe Bridgers. I don’t think I’d be the writer I am today if it wasn’t for her. I think early on I was super influenced by her first album, Stranger in the Alps. I heard her song “Scott Street” for the first time ever and it changed my entire perspective on words. I’d never cried listening to a song before and suddenly I was listening to an entire album that was just making me sob. She has a way with words that feels so personal to her but I also relate to them so much, as I think a lot of people do. I try to do the same with my music because of her. The same can be said for Samia. I think I relate to her sound as well. Overall I think the era we’re currently in influences my sound the most. There’s so many incredible artists out there. I feel very lucky to live in this lifetime.
What music have you been listening to recently?
LAURA ELLIOT: My favorite artists right now would have to be Phoebe Bridgers, Briston Maroney, Samia, Pinegrove, Del Water Gap, Dijon, Clairo and The Japanese House. My top tracks are probably Phoebe Bridgers’ Savior Complex—this is just an absolutely perfect song with no flaws at all—and August is a Fever by Ella Jane. Ella is one of my favorite people to write with and is one of my favorite writers. This track makes me feel so good. I love Freeway by Briston Maroney too. He’s one of my favorite voices and guitar players. This is his new single and it’s been on repeat. It’s a little bit of a different sound for him but I love the change. Also, I love Sofia by Clairo. I know everyone loves it but that’s just because it’s genuinely so good.
What was the inspiration and meaning behind “Grass Stains”?
LAURA ELLIOT: “Grass Stains” is like the ultimate song for the feeling of nostalgia. I had a dream over the summer where I experienced all my favorite moments with a group of people that I’m not really friends with anymore. Reminded me that there were a lot of good moments mixed in with the bad that forever shaped out my life— I think for the better. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for them. So, this song is kind of a song for them and for that time.
What is it like being a young woman in the music industry?
LAURA ELLIOT: Not a teenager anymore, but I still feel like one honestly. I just turned 21. I thought 21 would change a lot for me, but I feel just as scared now as I did then if not more. I think being a girl in the industry is tough. There’s definitely those people that label me as “just another sad indie girl” but there’s also those people that fully support me and my music. I think so far, I’ve been really lucky to have a team that doesn’t focus on gender or anything like that. One of my managers is actually a woman and I couldn’t be more grateful to be working with her. She definitely inspires me to speak up for myself and be confident in situations where I don’t think I normally would be.
Can you talk a little about the creative process behind “Caroline” and what it means to you?
LAURA ELLIOT: I’m so excited for this song to be out in the world. This one is DEEPLY personal and I think I talk about a lot of things that people are maybe a little scared to talk about in music. Basically, “Caroline” is about all the things I’m scared of. My past, getting exhausted in an emotionally draining friendship to someone you care deeply about, my struggle with mental health and an eating disorder. I wrote this song back in August. I made a rough demo and just sat on it for a while. Finally brought it to the studio like two-ish months ago and worked on it with my friend Jake who is an amazing producer! I told him I wanted a blend of Phoebe Bridgers and The Japanese House and I think we accomplished that. From the first day we started working on it, I knew it was really really special.
Any advice for young people who want to get into music?
LAURA ELLIOT: Don’t give up and stay true to yourself— cliché right? But I would definitely stand by that statement. Keep pushing yourself to do better, but also be patient with yourself. If the music is good and honest, people will catch on, they’ll recognize your truths.
How has lockdown impacted your creativity?
LAURA ELLIOT: Lockdown has pushed me to literally be a million times more creative in all aspects. Since I have little to no human interaction, I’ve started writing songs that are less based on personal experience and more so making up stories which has been really fun. Like right now I’m writing about a heartbroken astronaut. I never would have thought of that a year ago. As far as personal life, I’m just constantly FaceTiming friends or having social distanced hangouts which is always so nice. It’s gotten me outside a bit more. I’ve always been inspired by nature and I think this time outside is fueling that inspiration even more.
How do you stay positive despite the toxicity of social media?
LAURA ELLIOT: Honestly, it’s really, really hard. Social media is something I struggle with a lot. If I could I would not have socials but it’s such a necessity for me as an artist. Most people who discovered me before Grass Stains came out discovered me through my Instagram. I always used to post covers or snips of originals. People seem to really like that and I have a small market for that. So I just keep pushing through to keep in contact with fans or friends that really love that stuff. If I need a break from social media I’ll just delete it off my phone for a day or two and spend time connecting with my physical, real life friends. It’s tough because I also have so many people I care about that I never would’ve met if it wasn’t for social media. I’m definitely still searching for that healthy balance.
Who is your dream artist to collab with?
LAURA ELLIOT: This probably won’t surprise you, but Phoebe Bridgers. I’d do anything to collab with her. I feel like I would learn so much. But I also don’t know if I’d even be able to speak around her. When I think about it I get nervous!
Make sure to listen to Laura Elliot on Spotify and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
This article has been edited and condensed for clarity.
