Steel city
Hailing from Sheffield, the home of the likes of… Roisin Murphy, Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and the Human League, Laura Steel is a charismatic, enigmatic power-pop diva…with looks that kill and hooks that leave a mark like a sonic lipstick kissed stain on your psyche. Already a huge success independently and voted ‘One to Watch’ by internet giants Tiscali, Laura Steel is a fiercely dedicated performer and songwriter. Gadabout Ryan Houston caught up with Laura to chat about her big break into the business.
What first got you interested in the music industry?
I’ve always been interested in music and played piano from an early age but when I moved to London to pursue a career in fashion I had to give up my music as University and work was so demanding.
In September 2008 I started to pick music up again and really focus on my singing and songwriting. I’d never really considered singing as an actual career before but after doing a few gigs and the reaction being so good I realised that my dreams could actually have the potential of being a reality.
If the music industry hadn’t been on your side where do you think you would have been?
Luckily my background in fashion, hair and makeup comes in very handy for shows and videos etc. because I actually know what I’m talking about! Each area goes hand-in-hand with the other and to be able to do everything I love to do all the time is incredible! I think for me if music hadn’t worked out then I’d be in that kind of area, which would still be an enjoyable experience for me.
What are the best and worst points, if any, to the industry?
Like most industries there is a lot of competition and there are a lot of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ who don’t always have your best intentions at heart but encounters with these people only make you stronger and want it more.
The good things about the industry always outweigh the bad. Just one second on that stage and you forget all the tears you have shed, all the work you have slaved over and all those long hours you put in. It’s so worth it!!
What is the theme to the new single? –
At the moment we’re really busy getting ready for a ‘double A’ single to be released early next year. Unfortunately I have to keep exact details under wraps at the moment but I can tell you it will be more of an introduction to my album and a sample of what people can expect. They’re both going to be sexy little numbers with lots of energy. We’re very excited about them and hope you guys are going to love it.
Last year you’ve appeared in some amazing places, some being Pride events – For you, where has been the best place to perform?
To date my favourite place is at the Isle of Wight festival. It was one of the biggest gigs we have done so far and it was just incredible to see the tent literally fill up as our set progressed. At the end of the day the fans are what keep me going and to see their faces light up when we were on that stage was the best feeling ever. The stage was huge, the crowd was huge, the equipment was awesome and I just loved every second. Even though my eyes were streaming from getting eyelash glue in my eyes and I could hardly see… it was still the best gig yet! Saying that I do love the smaller gigs where I get to show people my voice without all the production behind it. There’s something magical about just you, a guitar and a small crowd.
After the release of the single what can readers expect from you?
I won’t stop doing music that’s for sure. For me it’s not about being rich or famous it’s about doing what I love and the fact that people love what I do too… well that’s even better. I couldn’t ask for more.