Laura Doggett, a British native and musical artist, gives us a peek into her life, her inspiration and style…
This post comes from our UK PR Manager Lisa! Follow along with her on Instagram @freepeopleuk!
When Laura popped in to the London Showroom on a cold winter’s morning last year, I was instantly bowled over by her uplifting energy and positivity. It was contagious and woke me up instantly! We talked for hours, drinking herbal tea and conjuring up outfit inspiration from our UK collection. Something told me this girl was special.
Two weeks later, her single “Old Faces” was used to soundtrack the popular TV show “Broadchurch”, and things quickly blew up for the 21-year-old. Suddenly, her songs were looping over our office radio, filling the showroom with her beautifully distinctive voice and haunting lyrics, initiating goosebumps and putting the biggest smile on my face. Between traveling through the UK, hitting up summer festivals AND finishing off her debut album (which we cannot wait to hear!), we managed to chat with Laura about her music, inspirations and dreams for the future.
Hey Laura! Tell us about where you grew up?
I went to infant school in Burnham-On-Sea. I loved living by the sea when I was younger. At 7 I moved to Salisbury, a small city in Wiltshire, fairly beautiful and safe. But it was most exciting to move to Bath to study music. I loved Bath – people there are real free-thinkers, and that really helped to develop my character. Then, I moved from Bath at 19 to London so that I could further pursue my music.
What do you enjoy most about living in London?
The size and anonymity. You can walk around, mind your own business and find space. However, it’s exactly that which makes it quite isolating at times.
Get the look: Dixie Cut Out Long Sleeve Mini
How did you get your start in music?
I actually took part in a little competition called Next BRIT Thing, which was designed to introduce people to creative careers. I did this just as I was finishing college in 2012. I succeeded through each stage and straight into the final, where I befriended industry folks who eventually led me to those with whom I work now.
Describe your music in three words:
Its own thing!
Have you had any “pinch me” moments?
Going on the TV show ‘Jools Holland’ back in October was a huge moment – I was probably too terrified to take it in though!
What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t ever judge; just observe, and then sing about what you see.
What is your biggest inspiration when writing songs?
Injustices create passion – my music tackles issues that make me sad, frustrated or confused. I’m working on balancing things out, though! When I look inside myself, I don’t think “this is great, I’m great”; I think, “why can’t I do this, or change that, or be her, or be with him” – it’s normal for humans to create personal suffering when they are comfortable. It’s strange. I try to draw from experience, instead of things that people may just want to hear but I don’t necessarily subscribe to.
Who are some of your favourite artists?
Tracey Chapman, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, Tom Waits, James Blake, Rae Morris, James Vincent McMorrow – anyone with a different voice.
Do you get nervous before you perform? Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I don’t get too nervous. I feel comfortable with my band. I do get serious, though…I won’t talk very much in an effort to rest my voice. I’ll do a really good warm-up, I’ll go through lyrics in my head, I’ll make sure my in-ear monitors are okay, I’ll dress in something that beckons me to roam around, and I’ll remember to enjoy it. I feel very fortunate to be able to share my music.
Biggest dream or goal?
To see that pop music can still be cool and have a social conscience, like it used to. Of course, we have to have some lighthearted songs – but it should be okay for us to know a balance. Why can’t we have both? That’s my goal, hard as it may be!
Get the look: Matador Hat, Too Cute To Handle, Pocket Full of Posies Set
How would you describe your personal style?
I love floaty things that I can twirl around in onstage. Things that are quite feminine and show some skin whilst also being covered up… I am 21 and love to feel and look young, but also keep my modesty and not feel as though I’m sexualising myself.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Growing up, I was in Air Training Corps and was lucky enough to fly and glide in my spare time, so I’d either be a pilot or working with animals via conservation or a sanctuary and protesting for their rights. I’d like to join feminist groups and host talks and conferences. I once helped set up a TEDx Talk in Bath, which was extremely inspiring. I might do a bit of musical theatre, too!
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
At the moment I spend far too much time at my laptop, watching Game of Thrones or mindlessly scrolling through socials. But my favourite thing to do is to get out and be in nature, which is sometimes hard in London.
What does being ‘free’ mean to you?
Whatever comes, let it come; whatever goes, let it go. Be yourself and not your environment.
Thank you Laura!
Follow Laura on Instagram and visit her website to listen to her music and watch her videos!
Photography by Laura Allard-Fleichl
Hair and make- up by Camilla Hewitt
Styling by Hope Von Joel
+How do you find inspiration in music? Comment below!