Having already spent much of the last few years turning out a breadth of much-loved delights, American singer-songwriter Laura Brino recently returned to the fold with her eagerly-awaited new album 'Cactus Moon'.
Bringing back more of that warm and lofty aesthetic she has earned a reputation for over the years, this new thirteen-track collection makes for an incredibly warm and inviting listen. With her spellbinding vocals spread across a euphoric production from start to finish, 'Cactus Moon' continues to cement her as one of the more alluring names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The first artist that I fell in love with would have to be Tori Amos. I had just begun playing piano shortly before her album Little Earthquakes came out, and I was gifted sheet music for that album. Seeing a woman playing the piano and really expressing herself unapologetically was very inspiring to me.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
The first time I formed a band was when I was in my early 20s. I connected with a local drummer, and we started playing out as a duo. Eventually, we added bass and would alternate between a cellist and an electric guitar. We were quite folk-rock heavy.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
My primary inspiration in writing is to process my life. The first time I wrote a song, it was on the piano and it was a way to soothe my anxious soul. Being able to openly express what I’m going through became such a saviour for me. This last album, Cactus Moon, captured that writing inspiration- as I wrote about deeply emotional events and experiences over the last few years.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers. This song is such a journey through emotion. I love the experimentation in sound and layered tempos. I think that the lyrics are very poetic while also really accessible. The shift midway through the song is so powerful and driving. I was lucky enough to see Phoebe perform this live in Philly outside in a stadium while the sun was setting and it was really transcendental.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
There are often times I think about when I toured the East Coast when I was younger and how much fun it was, but truthfully the moment I would live over again was my album release show this past April 2024. This show was not only an absolute blast, it was a really profound experience- filled with really supportive and loving people in the audience. I had the opportunity to stand on stage while my husband played drums, keys and electric guitar (simultaneously!) and my niece sang backup vocals. My 8-year-old daughter even came up to sing two songs. It was such a love fest and so perfectly supported this album which is about healing and supporting and resilience.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Definitely Joni Mitchell. She has definitely informed my storytelling- showing the world that it is okay to openly tell your story through song. And that it is okay to do it prolifically. She has always been an inspiration and continues to be. I participated in a tribute to Joni Mitchell this past January and was so thrilled to see her perform this year at the Grammies. She is such a beautiful spirit and icon.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
There are so many artists who I would love to collaborate with. My kids would want me to collaborate with Taylor Swift (which would honor my self-described genre of #mompop). But if I think really hard, I would say Sufjan Stevens. I feel like his songwriting is so inspiring and the lyrics are so narrative. I also really appreciate the instrumentation and sound that he creates. On top of that, I just recently discovered that his album Illinois has been reimagined as a musical which is incredible! I am currently working on finishing my first musical and would love to collaborate on that as well! He is a poignant and beautiful songwriter and artist.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I see myself creating more work in five years. At that point, my kids will be older, which gives me a little more freedom. I will have released my documentary into the world (due this year), which follows the creation of my album Cactus Moon. I will have also finished my musical, Beach House. In five years I hope to be workshopping that musical and touring regionally in support of new music.
Laura Brino's new album 'Cactus Moon' is available to stream now. Listen to it below.
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