Imagine a young, edgy country girl who has been gifted a voice, and the talent to tell stories and write music.
She's been through enough to share real heartbreak and joy and looks to the future with universal hope. You listen to her songs, not for the chorus, but to know what happens next.Then, imagine the same singer, add a touch of Bruce Springsteen, throw in some Melissa Etheridge, a splash of Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus, and bake that it in an Australian country music flavoured pie, Dolly Parton style. . . and ladies and gentlemen, you've got Laura Frank.
Straight out of the Scenic Rim. Straight from the bush. A straight-up star.
An independent, full-time musician, singer-songwriter who's also a DIY fanatic, animal lover and earth lover, three years ago Laura moved back to the Scenic Rim with life and music partner Nick, built a Tiny Home out of recycled material, and has since written, recorded, and released five singles – her most recent being 'The Road' in September.
Comfortable in an old pair of dusty boots, she grew up in the country, near Lake Moogerah, a whipcrack from Kalbar and Aratula about an hour from Brisbane. So, she knows to always close a gate, when harvest is, and never to ask farmers about the weather.
"Great songs are stories put to music," Laura says. "They are stories you listen to over and over again. That's my aim, to transport people to another world.
"When you read a great novel you can see, taste, smell the world the writer has created and I want to do that through music.
"Most of my greatest memories have songs attached to them, whether it be joy, sadness, anger, or excitement. Just hearing, even a tiny piece, of a song can transport me back to a moment.
"These songs create the soundtrack of my life. I want Laura Frank to be in the soundtrack of people's lives; I also write to inspire and give hope. Music unites ALL of us, regardless of background, demographic, social standing or whatever. To write music that unites and connects. . . that's the dream."
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Brandi Carlile. Her ability to take you away through her writing is second to none. Not to mention just being able to sit in the same room as her and listen to her sing. . . I love her 'difference'. Nobody sounds like Brandi Carlile.
Billy Bragg. Again because of his ability to tell stories through lyrics. He's completely unique. Jason Isbell. He is prolific and again. . . his storytelling is perfect. Others include P!nk, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Leonard Cohen, and Meatloaf.
Where would you most like to perform, anywhere in the world?
Coachella (FUN!). The Gorge Ampitheatre in Washington – it is a GORGEOUS natural ampitheatre. And Bluesfest.
What would you tell your 15-year-old self about anxiety and being ok?
I was around 15 years old when I started experiencing anxiety and depression. I would tell her that life is just a game, so enjoy your days and don't put so much pressure on yourself to be 'good' or 'liked'. Although I don't think my 15-year-old self would listen to me!
And your 5-year-old self?
Learn how to play ALL the instruments! Don't spend all your time dancing, start singing and dabbling in music early. And. . . HAVE FUN! Just do what makes your little heart happy instead of trying to please and do the right thing by and for everyone else.
On mental health, how important do you think it is to share, to reach out and to ask for help?
If there is one thing you can do to help your mental health, it's to talk about it. I remember sitting in the car thinking 'the last thing I want to do right now is go to therapy and talk about how I feel'. . . but I forced myself to do it and felt 1,000 times better coming out the other side. It's like exercise, the thought of it is sh.t, just put your shoes on and walk out the door, that's half the battle won.
I think we all hide our anxiety. We all want to appear strong and put together; we don't have to. Thanks to Brene Brown who revolutionised the 'vulnerability' sphere; I think we're starting to get the picture that hiding is not strength. . . the strength lies in sharing our vulnerabilities.
Laura Frank 2022-23 Tour Dates
Fri 16 Dec - Tatts Hotel (Toowoomba)Sat 17 Dec - Wynnum Manly Leagues Club (Brisbane)
Sun 18 Dec - The Gem Hotel (Gold Coast)
Fri 6 Jan - City Golf Club (Toowoomba)
