Laura Ackley

Laura's singing career started at the young age of six as she sang for her church choir in the small town of Susquehanna, PA. By fifteen she was playing guitar and writing her own music dreaming of bigger and better places. At sixteen Laura was in Nashville being asked to sing at the legendary Ryman Auditorium and by eighteen she embarked on a tour of the U.S. learning the ropes of the business. She returned home to record her first album at the age of nineteen and toured the east coast sharing stages with many greats including the renowned blues player Louisiana Red. With all that under her belt, Laura set out to make a new record with a producer known for his work with gospel singer Donnie Sumner(Elvis Prestley’s band) and his stint with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The two collaborated on Ackley's new release "All Roads Lead Home." Ackley included instruments like banjo, mandolin, accordion, dobro, and upright bass and didn't add the glitz or glamour to the record that one might hear from country to pop cross-overs. Laura kept the sessions intimate and real, wanting to leave the big productions out and let the songs do the talking. With that goal in mind the album's sound is undoubtedly folk but also has all the makings for a traditional country record. The songs themselves reflect Laura's childhood and growing up in the mountains of PA, with cuts like Summertime, Country Girl, and House on Broad Ave. No great album would be complete without a few love songs and broken hearts. Laura's included Winter Love, Off My Mind, and Drive. As the final tracks were added to "All Roads Lead Home" Laura began her second tour playing bars, festivals and cafes all over the states. Currently Laura is working on her third album of original music. This album's tracks have more of a mainstream feel that could easily fit in the country top 40 charts. The songs are always personal and this album definitely shows a more mature Laura with deep felt lyrics and driving melodies. Since then Laura has done several radio interviews including 98.1 The Hawk in Binghamton, NY. Laura never limits where her dreams can take her yet she is still that small town girl who is humbled when an opportunity comes her way. Laura loves music and to her that's what it is all about. Whether she's singing in the living room for her friends or on a stage for hundreds she always gives it her all. Her third album is due out spring of 2010.