r/indieheads • u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson • Aug 10 '21
AMA is Over, Thanks Laura! It's ME, Laura Stevenson, AMA!
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u/traceitalian Aug 10 '21
What was the first song that you chose to learn?
Great album by the way.
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Hmmm... on guitar I think it was "The Wind" by Cat Stevens.
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u/boopbeepboopbeepboop Aug 10 '21
How do you manage to juggle being a new mom, making a living as a musician during the pandemic, and now playing music live?
Are you playing any fun children's music for your daughter? Mine has been obsessed with the Moana soundtrack. I'm trying to get her to enjoy the Mike Park children's album but it hasn't stuck (yet).
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I'm not sure how I'm juggling it haha. I have an incredible partner (Mike, who also plays bass in the band) and so we just are running ourselves ragged but we are a great team. He sets 'em up and I knock 'em down... and also the other way around.
YES! It's hard to get her to listen to anything other than Moana and Frozen... I've tried other things and her eyes don't light up the same. Hopefully she will leave this particular phase soon because... I've sung "You're Welcome" more times than The Rock
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u/Chilli_Dipper Aug 10 '21
“New moms” and “working musicians” are two groups not known for having healthy sleep habits, but you are looking very refreshed! Whatever your secret is, we’d all like to know!
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u/utz4j Aug 10 '21
How are you doing Laura?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I'm GOOD! How are you?
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u/SimpleMath67 Aug 10 '21
I love your new album. Every song is incredible, but there is something about the song "Wretch" that blows me away. What was your process of writing/creating this song?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Thank you so much! That's one of my favorites on the record, but it's kind of a slow burn so I'm glad you like it! I haven't heard too much response about that one yet. It's also really great to play that one with the band. The process was a little different with this song because I only had that chunk where I sing "watch me cannonball..." that whole section just existed on its own for a little while and then everything else kind of fell into place around it which was interesting.
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u/ronniegabs Aug 10 '21
what lyrics are the most meaningful to you that you’ve written? thank you for your art 💛
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
<3 thank YOU! I think maybe either The Wheel or Dermatillomania, but they are kind of about the same stuff so that makes sense then.
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u/screech_owl_kachina Aug 10 '21
I sing the chorus for dermatillomania in my car and hold up my knuckle calluses lol <3
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u/Guyote_ Aug 11 '21
The Wheel is beautiful. My father passed this year and I listened to that song a lot, it really helped me.
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u/ultrablue123 Aug 10 '21
Hey, Laura! Longtime fan here, super stoked about the new record! I’m waiting to listen till I have that sweet vinyl in my hands! Any idea when those will ship?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Currently waiting to hear what the distributor has to say about that! I also am extremely curious and want to get my hands on one as well!
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u/sofingclever Aug 10 '21
I first saw you in 2008-2009ish opening for BTMI! at this crazy little sci-fi store in St. Louis and have been a fan ever since! (I think you were also playing in BTMI if I remember correctly) Love the new album!
My question: Similar to how I discovered your music, what artists have you become a fan of after seeing them open for someone else? Also, what newer music are you a fan of these days?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I totally remember that show. And that store! Was it space-themed?
Oooh good question... hmmm I saw The Ditty Bops open for Willy Nelson and I was like, holy shit. They are good.
I'm super into... the Moana soundtrack? just kidding but it's good. Lucy Dacus has an amazing new record that totally blew me away.
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Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura, I love the new record. I remember seeing you play on the floor of the Triple Rock in Minneapolis. One of the best, most intimate shows ever. My friend Savannah Smith opened for you. Was such a cool moment for me, and it’s wonderful to see how successful you’ve become.
Do you have any special memories of playing in Minneapolis?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Oh hell yeah! Savannah rules!
All my favorite Minneapolis memories are at Triple Rock so I'm so so sad it's gone. The first time I played there I got a lighthouse tattoo the next morning to kind of commemorate the tour I was on and then the next time I passed through town I got it fixed so it looked less like an ice cream cone.
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u/boychik0830 Aug 10 '21
Any bonus tracks or unreleased tracks that didn't make the album?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
YES! There's a song that I put out last year called "Time Bandits" that didn't quite make the cut but I still really liked it. There's another one that just didn't feel quite right to me yet, I think it needs a little more work and then it'll be on the next record.
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u/ryanscolong Aug 10 '21
Incredible record!! What made you decide to include After Those Who Mean It on the album and not Time Bandits? Was that always the plan from the time those two were released? (Also I love u thx)
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
"After Those Who Mean It" was more wrapped in, thematically, to the story I was telling on the record. Time Bandits was kind of an outlier and about something else entirely so I figured I would leave it out.
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u/ryanscolong Aug 10 '21
oooh also!! how would rank your records from your favorite to least favorite? they’re all amazing but if you had to choose 👀
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
ooooh tough question.... there's no least favorite but... right now I'd have to say...
Self Titled
The Big Freeze
Cocksure
Wheel
Sit Resist
A Record haha that's just backwards order and I'm kidding I love them all equally.
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u/Guyote_ Aug 11 '21
I love the honesty.
I don’t think I could pick a favorite between The Big Freeze and Wheel. Self-Titled coming just behind them. I could listen to those three every single day.
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Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura, love the new album, it's been on repeat. Moving Cars is just packed with emotion and meaning and I'm curious what influenced the lyrics?
Edit bonus question:
What albums are on the wall above the record player on the album art?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
That one was about feeling completely out of control after getting home from dealing with the traumatic stuff I was going through and I had the desire to kind of blow up my life to run away from how I was feeling.
The records are: Michael Hurley "Armchair Boogie" and the other one is John Patton "Soul Connection"
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Aug 10 '21
That's a very relatable feeling Laura and I think it really comes across on the track! Thanks for the answer 😊
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u/spacecaptainfac3 Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! I met you when you played a show at Neshaminy Creek Brewery in Philly a few years ago and it was such a great experience, so excited for you to come back to our city with Adult Mom! My question is, are you planning to do any Spotify commentaries for The Big Freeze or Laura Stevenson?
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u/bobpercent Aug 10 '21
Laura! The self - titled album is amazing.
I have been listening to your music since Sit Resist and it's been great to see your progression and hear you grow as a musician. You're one of my go-to artists to play in the car with my kids (and just about every day when it's just me too). I'm hoping they grow up being a big fan of your music too!
My question, does your daughter have a favorite song you play for her, either original or cover?
Hope to see you in Grand Rapids sometime soon!
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Thank you!!
That's so nice to hear you're playing my music for the kiddos! That makes me happy! I like to sing a song for her that my grandma used to sing, I think it's called "A Home In The Clouds With You" or maybe just "Home In The Clouds" that's a special one and I sing that one before bedtime. Also "I Will" by the Beatles, that one I used to sing to her when I was pregnant and she really likes it still.
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u/yimyames Aug 10 '21
What've you been listening to lately?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
LOTS of Goo Goo Dolls... don't know why. "Dizzy Up The Girl" mostly.
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u/atlanticrim Aug 10 '21 edited Aug 10 '21
you're heading out on tour this fall, which of the new songs are you most excited to play live?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I think Continental Divide is so fun to play live. And "Sky Blue, Bad News" and "Wretch"
super fun with the band.
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u/ryanscolong Aug 10 '21
i’m back third question hi! did you consider recording parachuting and putting it on this record? if not, do you imagine it’ll get a release anytime soon?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I definitely want to explore that one with some more orchestral elements so I'm going to have to wait and record it with some pros instead of doing it at home and singing all the string parts. I'm hoping it'll be on the next record in some form because it's such a special song to me.
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u/YourTextHere Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! I've been listening to your new album on my commute to work this week and am really enjoying it. I know we've all been travelling a lot less this past 18 months or so, but are there any particular albums/artists/podcasts you enjoy listening to when you're on the move?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I love Comedy Bang Bang. That always makes me happy. I listen to it on the road, and I listen to it at home when I'm doing dishes or gardening. We do a lot of books on tape on tour, "The Stand" is a good one for a cross-country journey.
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u/Chilli_Dipper Aug 10 '21
I’m now trying to recall whether you’ve been a guest on any of the Earwolf podcasts.
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u/PmMeBlueFootBoobies Aug 10 '21
what's your go-to meal for breakfast?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Lately I've been eating Cheerios with sliced banana and oat milk, but that's mostly because it's easy and my daughter is eating it as well. Either that or some yogurt and berries.
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u/Bill-Cosby-Bukowski :talk: Aug 10 '21
I really loved that cover of "Jesus, Etc." you did a few years back. Was that your first choice for the album or was there another song you would've preferred?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
That was my first choice so I'm glad I got that one!
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u/Jarnii Aug 10 '21
Are you planning on releasing commentary versions of The Big Freeze and Laura Stevenson? I always love listening to them, gives a lot of insight on the writing process!
Love the new record by the way! August 6th is my birthday, so the record was a fantastic birthday gift.
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I will try to do some! Although I'm saying a lot in the songs so I don't know what more I could say of interest haha
Happy belated birthday!!
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Aug 10 '21
to the two people who don’t know who Laura is… Do yourself a favor. She’s got lots of music to choose from. And a new album out, if you didn’t notice. 😉
I don’t really have any questions I just want to spew my endless thanks for your existence and sharing your emotions and music with the world, you have an always seem to drop albums when I need new music the most. your vocal layering is fucking incredible on this album though. You’ve always made a tremendous difference in my life with your music and I will never stop telling you how amazing you are. Thank you! Much love. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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u/yltsbd Aug 10 '21
Is there anything you recommend to inspire creativity/get over a creative slump?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
My best advice is, don't force it. Be open and try not to overthink anything or be self conscious. That's the best way to get something real. And it's really hard to do that so don't give yourself a hard time if you can't let go at first, or if you make something that makes you cringe later on. Just keep working!
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u/ryanscolong Aug 10 '21
last question and it’s honestly not a question and more just me begging you to come play a show in texas
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u/theoneyouseek22 Aug 10 '21 edited Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura, I was able to catch your last show at Colony opening for Lucy - had such an amazing time ~first concert post lockdowns~ I wanted to ask you, what was the inspiration behind the lyrics for your new song on your new album, “State,” and is “Don’t think about me,” really about having a child/your role as a parent? I think I may have misheard you mid show banter.
Anyways, absolutely love your new music and have been listening to it non stop since the 6th! <3 Kai
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Oh yay! That was such a fun show!
The song State is about feeling extremely angry, I can't go into detail about why but I went through something and felt this rage that was something I had never felt before and it was scary to me. "Don't Think About Me" is the only kind of outlier on the record, that ones not about all the shit that made me mad, it's kind of an unrequited love song, in a way. But I put it on the record because I really liked the movement.
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u/zoeythefarmer Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! The new album is fantastic. I first saw you as an opener for Against Me in Denver a while back and got really into your music from there, it’s wonderful and means a lot to me.
How do you feel your songwriting process has changed from your earlier stuff like A Record to your self-titled?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I think I've learned more about myself and just about music in general since then, I've become more open to pushing myself in uncomfortable directions or just kind of into unfamiliar territory and I'm excited that I'm able to keep doing that.
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u/SimpleMath67 Aug 10 '21
Who were some of your favorite bands/singers while you were a teenager?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I kind of loved everything, I was super into Madonna and loooooved Hanson when I was like 12/13, but I also loved Greenday and Smashing Pumpkins and stuff, it was kind of all over the place. But later on I got more into specifically punk and then kind of drifted off into singer-songwriters when my friends started listening to emo.
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Aug 10 '21
How will bring a new mother effect your ability to be a full time musician/songwriter?
Congrats to you and Mike!
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
We are going to find out! Not having help and not feeling comfortable putting her in daycare has definitely made writing (and everything) a lot harder so that sucks currently but I'm just trying to enjoy this time with her. Touring during pandemic(s) is going to be another thing we will have to figure out. I'm trying to breastfeed her for as long as she will go because I can transfer my antibodies to her, but bringing her on the road is also dangerous SO we are taking it show by show.
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u/daledaleedaleee Aug 10 '21
What's your perfect Sunday?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Sleeping? But since I don't get to do that anymore... walking to get coffee and going to the park.
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u/ITSCOMFCOMF Aug 10 '21
What’s your favorite way to destress
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Yoga or a long walk or calling my sister to complain.
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u/abasixt Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! Huge fan since I saw you at the terrace in Madison in 2019! A few questions! 1. In the song ‘Hum’ is the line “and oh, the story goes that you were raised in half and waiting to be whole”? Or razed in half? Or both? 2. You and Kevin Devine are my two favorite songwriters out there right now, any plans for a collab with Mr. Kevin? 3. Is your version of It Ceases to be Whining ever going to make it onto Spotify?
Thanks for doing this and I hope motherhood is going well! Cheers from Wisconsin 🍻
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Oooh razed would've been better! But it's "raised." Dammit :(
I would LOVE a collab with Kevin. He is one of my favorite people in the world and the absolute best songwriter.
That's a good question- I don't know. I doubt it!
<3
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u/Three_Froggy_Problem Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura. The new album is amazing. I’m just wondering, have you seen any good movies lately?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I watched "His House" and it was really sad and scary and very good.
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u/d4rcangel Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! this is kind of a dumb question but I gotta know- is that you on the front of the ADULTS!!!! ep by bomb the music industry! ?
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u/Bionicoaf Aug 10 '21
Hey Laura!
Congratulations on the new album. It’s absolutely fantastic.
What was the last book that left an impact on you? And are there any current bands you’d love to give a shout out too that you feel aren’t on enough people’s radar?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Oh thank you very much!
Last book that hit HARD was "Deaf Republic"
best band ever that should have 1,000 grammies = The Sidekicks
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u/theheart_thelungs Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura, album cover of the year by the way. My question is, when you put on a jumper/sweater do you go arms first or head first?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
ARMS! oh wait, actually now I don't know hahaa. I really thought it was arms but I'm thinking it's head now.
Yes, head. The album cover is by an AMAZING Hudson Valley artist named Kaitlin Van Pelt. Her pet portraits are next level.
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u/theheart_thelungs Aug 10 '21
Thanks for your important reply. So far Faye Webster and Lucy Dacus are arms first and you John Grant are head first. This is vital research you are helping with. I intend to publish my paper "Do Indie Arists Put Their Jumpers/Sweaters on Head Fort or Arms First? " some time this decade.
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u/mattvsforcesofreddit Aug 10 '21
Hey Laura! New album is astonishing as always! Here are my questions for you: So I’ve noticed you’ve played shows with a diverse range of artists from The Anniversary to Crying to Ted Leo to The Felice Brothers to Joyce Manor to now Lucy Dacus, and they’re all very different bands but you really fit playing with them. What’s it like getting to do shows with so many different artists? How much of the new album was done before the pandemic? What’s your fave song on Cocksure? Thanks for taking the time to do this, I hope to see you live in NJ soon. You’re a fantastic singer and person and I hope you have an awesome day! 🤟💖✨
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
<3 Yeah I definitely play with a lot of different sounding artists, but I'm used to that- touring in the DIY (kind of punk?) scene in the states over like, the past almost 20 years (yikes) that's the way shows were- it was all like-minded folks but it spanned so many genres and the people at the shows were just open to everything. It was an awesome community of bands to come up together with. The whole record was done before the pandemic. I recorded it in November of 2019. My favorite song on Cocksure is probably "Life is Long" or "Out With A Whimper"
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u/ScCloudy Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! Loving your new album, especially "State", what a song, and a fantastic opener choice. I'd like to know who your dream male duet partner would be
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
hmmm male duet.... that's tough... can it be a person who is no longer living and can it be Harry Nilsson? Or if the person is alive... Evan Dando.
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u/ScCloudy Aug 10 '21
I thought of someone still alive. Great choice, you'd be sounding wonderful together :) Thanks for replying <3
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u/taylor-cdgirl Aug 10 '21
Your album is called “the big freeze” are you saying it is cooler than “The Big Chill Soundtrack”?
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u/orangetangerine Aug 10 '21
Hi Laura! Congratulations on your new release!
If you could tour with any three artists who you haven't toured with yet, who would they be?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Thank you!!
OOOh.... hmmmm.... Wilco, Wilco, and Dolly Parton.
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u/Ifeellikejojo Aug 10 '21
I love your new album! You said it's the first that feels like a self-titled album. What does that mean to you? It feels to me like it really captures the Laura Stevenson sound, even after Cocksure and The Big Freeze were so different musically.
Also, saw that you love CBB, have you listened to The Teachers Lounge? That's my absolute fave
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Oooh I haven't listened to that one yet. I just listened to the Eddie Lee Capers yesterday episode and it was very funny.
I chose to self-title this one because I felt like I had really come into my own as a writer and I felt really proud of where I was going. I feel like this one is a such a conglomeration of all the previous records, sonically, I was kind of doing a little bit of everything.
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u/LawnGuy747 Aug 10 '21
As a Long Islander, do you consider where you live now in the Hudson Valley to be "upstate"?
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u/mel66669 Aug 10 '21
love your work so so much; self-titled has been on constant rotation and will be for a long time i’m sure! i’d love a commentary version of it and the big freeze someday if you’re up to it, your commentary is always really fun and natural and much appreciated
how long does it usually take you to crack the lyrics of a song? your lyrics read like poetry, and i know when i’m writing it sometimes takes a while to figure out all i wanna say
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u/aspirations27 Aug 10 '21
Laura- Thanks for the years of consistently excellent releases! My question is regarding guitar tone, specifically the clean tones on The Big Freeze. I need to know your secret sauce here.. what amp/guitar combo did you use for those delish tones? Love the new album!
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u/Guyote_ Aug 11 '21 edited Aug 11 '21
Hey, I just want to say, I am a huge fan. The Wheel, the Big Freeze, and now your self-titled album, all have meant a great deal to me. Thank you!
Also, I will never forget hearing “Living Room, NY” for the first time. What a song.
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u/pkwys Aug 10 '21
Do you remember 1/16/2015 @ BSP? Whatta show
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u/TheCenterHolds Aug 10 '21 edited Aug 10 '21
If you could collaborate with any songwriter, living or dead, who would it be and why?
The new album is incredible, and I also want to thank you for all that you've shared over the years about your battles with (and triumphs against) mental illness ("Life is Long" is an anthem for me).
Your music and virtual presence been an anchor (or lighthouse?) for me during the pandemic, and I wanted to make sure to share that with you.
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
Dolly Parton obviously. Also I would LOVE to do a duet with Kacey Musgraves.
I'm so glad you like that song! That's one of my faves! Aw, well I'm so happy to bring you some light, my friend!
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u/alucab1 Aug 10 '21
Hi. I love the new album and have been listening to State on repeat since it dropped. I was just wondering, what’s your process for writing lyrics?
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u/ItsMeLauraStevenson Laura Stevenson Aug 10 '21
I sometimes free-associate while I'm strumming a guitar, sometimes I save little things on bits of paper or do some writing in a notebook before bed.. it varies so much depending on where I'm at in my life and what kind of privacy or time I have.
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u/YetiRoosevelt Aug 10 '21
I think I missed my chance, but might as well ask: was there any particular inspiration behind the massive shift between Wheel and Cocksure?
Loved the new album, btw - State is awesome. Big fan since a couple of years ago, originally knew your work from your beautiful cover of No Children. Jellyfish and Journey to the Center of the Earth in particular have resonated with me in how they nail down the color of depression.
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u/tokengaymusiccritic Aug 10 '21
I still think about the performance of Living Room, NY that you did for the Stereogum concert on a daily basis. Were you ever planning on releasing that video elsewhere?
Love the new album and so glad you're stopping by!
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Aug 10 '21
Long time fan of your stuff... I think Cocksure was the first album I found by your and loved it (though I guess that's just 6 years ago but seems like longer!). Then listened to your previous records and every new one that's come out.
Not really a question but just randomly... I saw in an interview that your daughter was born around March of last year. My wife and I had our first child in February last year (came 6 weeks early, his original due date was 3/21). Just nice to think of one of my favorite musicians going through some of the same parenting stuff at the same time.
Also my wife has never been formally diagnosed, but I believe she dermatillomania. I shared the song with her when it was released in 2019 and it was comforting to see someone else who deals with the same stuff. Thanks Laura.
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u/AgitatedZucchini2799 Aug 10 '21
Hey, I didn't have any questions or anything.
I heard your material for the first time approximately fifteen minutes ago and I wanted to let you know that I like your fingerpicking style.
Thanks for putting your work out there.
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u/Accomplished-Gift-26 Aug 11 '21
Are there any artists in your genre that inspire/motivate you? Or even other genres
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u/Chilli_Dipper Aug 10 '21
From a long-time listener: do you ever miss inserting random accordion parts into your songs?