Laura Evans announces "State Of Mind" debut album and "I'm Alright" single
NEW SINGLE "I'M ALRIGHT"
RELEASED FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2022
DEBUT ALBUM "STATE OF MIND"
RELEASED FRIDAY 1ST JULY 2022
STREAM THE SINGLE ON SPOTIFY & APPLE MUSIC
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM AND GET THE INSTANT GRAT TRACK
"FOOL" FROM HTTPS://LINKTR.EE/LAURA_EVANS
WATCH "I'M ALRIGHT" MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY KRIS BARRAS HERE
Laura Evans is pleased to announce that her new single I’m Alright is released on Friday 25th March 2022. It’s available to stream via Spotify and Apple Music via https://ffm.to/lauraevansimalright.
The ‘I’m Alright’ music video, directed by Kris Barras, is available on YouTube via www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GJdRHKNQ1.
Laura’s highly anticipated debut album State of Mind is slated for release Friday 1st July 2022. The album is available for pre-order from Friday 25th March via https://linktr.ee/Laura_evans. All pre-orders will include the instant grat track Fool.
‘I’m Alright’ is an exciting new single that is both anthemic and empowering, complete with a blues rock chorus that will be stuck in your head for days. Powerhouse vocals and clever lyrics make this track one you can’t help but sing along to and “turn up loud” in the car.
The new single ‘I’m Alright’ sees Laura continue to push the boundaries across music genres, appealing to the masses with her unique blues rock sound that makes her stand out from the crowd. Laura explains she had the idea and wrote this song whilst on a plane journey to Greece. “The verse and melody came so quickly like they fell out of sky,” she recalls. She was excited to take it home to producer Josiah J Manning (Kris Barras Band) who really brought it to life! Laura says the true message of the song is “strength.”
Says Laura, “Sometimes when we’re at breaking point, we just have to put on a brave face, face the world and say, “I’m alright” I’ve got through a lot of bad days with this motto as am sure many other people have, so I know people will relate to this song and hopefully feel empowered.”
Photo Credit: © Rob Blackham
‘I’m Alright’ is accompanied by a fun, rocking new music video endorsed by Orange Amplifiers, and filmed, and edited by Kris Barras for Ignite Productions. The single is released March 25th. Watch the video HERE
Yes, we are finally getting a long-awaited album from the Welsh singer songwriter who has had quite an astounding year, after the release of her debut E.P. in 2020, that saw her truly making her mark on the British music scene. It seems as if it was only the tip of the iceberg for big things to come for the Nashville loving, rootsy rock songstress.
Born and raised in the valleys of South Wales, you may be wondering how this sweet demeanour, 5ft 3, pretty, blonde valleys girl is becoming one of the UK’s most exciting singer songwriters to hit our airwaves since Stevie Nicks. Laura Evans is proving she is so much more than meets the eye with her powerhouse sweet and smoky vocals, perfectly crafted anthemic hit songs that straddle the worlds of rock, blues, and Americana.
Photo Credit: © Rob Blackham
Photo Credit: © Rob Blackham
In 2020, Laura first burst on to the music scene with the first single from her debut E.P. ‘Running Back To You’ which impressively charted straight at number one on the UK blues chart and peaked at 43 on the US blues chart as well as follow up singles ‘Drag Me Back In’ and ‘Solo’ were added to several Spotify and Apple Music playlists including ‘Nu-Blue’ and ‘Blues Drive’ curated by Heidi Shenk, alongside American artists including Larkin Poe and Dave Stewart ‘Very Nearly Nashville’ and Apple Music's ‘New In Country’ playlist alongside Taylor Swift and Eric Church. The E.P. racked up thousands of streams in the first week of release, resulting in the last single ‘Take Me Back Home’ distributed worldwide by U-NXT c/o Universal Music.
It seemed Laura was an overnight success, on the contrary, this valleys girl has been honing her craft for quite some time and she has finally found and created a sound that is truly breaking through and finding the recognition it deserves. Laura grew up listening to an eclectic mix of music from artists including Bonnie Raitt, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton and more, and even though these influences really shine through on the album there is no doubt Laura with the help of producer Josiah J Manning (Kris Barras Band) has found her own unique sound.
Laura met producer Josiah J Manning (Kris Barras Band) in 2020 at Momentum Studios in Devon and together they have worked and collaborated as team ever since. An accomplished singer songwriter Laura had hundreds of songs to choose for the album and she explains that she had to work incredibly hard and did soul searching to decide which tracks were going to make it on to the album and what direction she wanted to push them in.
“It was important for me, not to sound like everyone else and do what everyone else is doing,” explains Laura. “I’m a storyteller, so lyrics are particularly important to me, I like to think every song on this album has its own story. I love big vocals, big chorus’s, strong melodies and pushing myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to recording vocals, too. I’m also a sucker for a ballad, so I had to check in with myself and pick my favourite ballads sparingly so that the album was well balanced. It was imperative that each song on the album makes you feel something and moves you. I’m staying true to who I am as an artist.”
Photo Credit: © Rob Blackham
Josiah J Manning (lead guitarist Kris Barras Band) is not only a profound producer but a talented multi-instrumentalist, he played every instrument on every track on the album.
“It was clear from day one working with Laura that her sweet vocal tone matched with heavy rocking guitars was just a perfect match and a great contrasting combination, says Josiah. “It was a direction she hadn’t explored before. Once we started exploring that, everything just fell into a place. We found a modern sound but still had a vintage feel about it. It’s rocky with a slight edge but perfectly balanced Laura’s voice. The songs are just so good. We had to get the production right to highlight the songs the best way possible.”
Laura kicks off with the first of three single releases to accompany the release of the debut album on March 25th. The first single is an upbeat rocking blues track entitled I’m Alright accompanied by a music video (filmed and directed by Kris Barras) and endorsed by Orange Amplifiers. Following the single release Laura will head out on her first UK Headline tour in April before the album is released on Friday 1st July 2022.
"Laura Evans is brilliant, great songs and what a voice.”
Jason Mohamed, BBC Radio Wales, and BBC Radio 2
“This young lady has an amazing voice.”
Pete Clack, Blues in Britain Magazine
"Love this welsh songstress.”
Wyatt Wendels, Planet Rock
STATE OF MIND
ALBUM TRACK LISTING
I’M ALRIGHT (3.10)
SOLO (3.24)
FIRE WITH FIRE (3.02)
FOOL (3.30)
STATE OF MIND (3.21)
LET YOU DOWN EASY (3.40)
DRAG ME BACK IN (2.44)
GOOD AT GETTING OVER YOU (4.08)
MESS OF ME (3.47)
GONE (3.02)
FREE (3.21)
ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK
I’M ALRIGHT
Anthemic and empowering blues rock with a chorus that will be stuck in your head for days. Powerhouse vocals & clever lyrics make this track one you can’t help but sing along to and “turn up loud” in the car. Written whilst on a plane journey (in 30 mins) Laura explains the verse lyrics fell out of sky and that the true message of the song is that of strength. “Sometimes when we’re at breaking point, we just have to put on a brave face, face the world and say, “I’m alright.”
SOLO
Blues rock with a touch of soul and sass and even a hint of country. Guitar riffs complimented by vocal riffs and a chorus made for a crowd singalong. The inspiration for the song was to empower myself to be okay with “flying solo” and that being alone and free is sometimes the best place to be.
FIRE WITH FIRE
Bluesy rocking guitars, with a melody and lyrics full of heart and soul that feels nostalgic and reminiscent of the “Fleetwood Mac” era. This track is the ultimate showcase for Laura’s versatile and unique vocals. Written in lockdown Laura explains these lyrics were truly poignant for her at the time, they are simply about working on yourself and your peace of mind.
FOOL
This Heart-breaking ballad was recorded live in one take with just Laura and producer Josiah J Manning on tremolo guitar. This song has the simplest of melodies, the simplest of lyrics and yet is one of the most memorable tracks on the album. A classic heartbreak song where Laura’s vocal is raw and exposed, shining a light on what a “star quality” vocalist she is. This track should be listened to with no distractions.
STATE OF MIND
Blues, roots, with a touch of rock and roll. This powerhouse title track of the album is a feel-good rollercoaster, with rocking guitars and a big chorus that soars, it has an air of Nashville about it. Written about an exciting yet short-lived relationship Laura once had stateside, this song quite literally takes you on “wild ride” and one people I’m sure can relate to. You’ll be tapping your foot and turning it up after the first three seconds.
LET YOU DOWN EASY
A soulful, rootsy, country ballad that feels like an old classic. If you close your eyes, it could be a new modern-day Grace Potter or Cheryl Crow track. This song has an authentic magic about it, written about that awkward moment of trying to break up with someone you no longer love, trying to soften the blow without hurting them, how do you “let someone down easy” when there is no easy way.
DRAG ME BACK IN
Blues rock, guitar riffs, stomping percussion, vocal riffs that lead to a big swampy chorus you’ll be singing along to. Written about a broken relationship and the realisation that love is blind and somehow it always Drags You Back In is a subject matter Laura does best. Both the song and production is classic Laura Evans.
GOOD AT GETTING OVER YOU
Pop rock riffs and layered vocals, gets your toe tapping followed by an exciting big chorus, big production, and uplifting, empowering lyrics. Laura wanted to put a positive spin on a classic breakup song, and this certainly does that. This track pushes the boundaries of rock, pop and blues creating something exciting and unique.
MESS OF ME
Heart-wrenching soulful piano ballad recorded live in one take. This minimal yet powerful track is one of the few ballads on the album, it conveys pure emotion and a chorus that’ll make your hairs stand on end. Laura co-wrote this in Nashville with award winning songwriter Jenn Bostic after a painful breakup. This track gives you a schooling in honest and brilliant songwriting.
GONE
This epic, dark and edgy track sounds like it belongs at the start of a NETFLIX movie or series. Rocking guitars, powerhouse vocals and another anthemic big chorus. The perfect blend of Rock, Country and Blues that takes you on a western adventure about a girl on the run.
FREE
Roots, blues with a touch of country, this track is the perfect closer of the album but leaves you wanting more. Soulful vocals accompanied with atmospheric production that is unlike anything else on the album. Big uplifting, anthemic chorus with a more philosophical lyric that is rooting for the listener to stay in their own lane. The last line of the chorus sums up the message of the song “When the road in front is all you see, that’s when you’re gonna be free.”
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Recorded at Momentum Studios, Plymouth, Devon.
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Josiah J Manning
All instruments on all tracks played by Josiah J Manning
All vocals and backing vocals by Laura Evans
All tracks mastered by Stardelta Mastering Ltd, Plymouth
SONGWRITING CREDITS
- ‘I’m Alright’ written by Laura Evans, Rich Turner & Josiah J Manning
- ‘Solo’ written by Laura Evans & Stace James
- ‘Fire With Fire’ written by Laura Evans & Rich Turner
- ‘Fool’ written by Laura Evans & Twinnie Lee Moore
- ‘State of Mind’ written by Laura Evans, Kat Eaton & Nick Atkinson.
- ‘Let You Down Easy’ written by Laura Evans & Thomas Doeve
- ‘Drag Me Back In’ written by Laura Evans, Desi Valentine & Nick Gruter
- ‘Good At Getting Over You’ written by Laura Evans & Josiah J Manning
- ‘Mess of Me’ written by Laura Evans & Jenn Bostic
- ‘Gone’ written by Laura Evans & Rich Turner
- ‘Free’ written by Laura Evans, Rich Turner & Josiah J Manning
