Laura Reed
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Laura Reed

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | SELF

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2009
Band Pop Soul

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Music

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"Laura Reed Urges you to "Wake Up""

It's been over a year since we were introduced to the sweet voice of Laura Reed via her video for the song "Faith Not Fear," and now the singer/songwriter is ready to let her new work loose and is doing so exclusively on SoulBounce. We're proud to present the world premiere of Laura's new single "Wake Up," co-written and produced by Shannon Sanders, who has been on fire lately with his work with India.Arie, Anthony David and Algebra Blessett. Sanders lends his expertise to Reed and together they have crafted a finger-snapping, shoulder-shaking song filled to the brim with positive affirmations about love and the pursuit of it. Amy Winehouse comparisons will be inevitable due to the throwback bop of this track, but that's unfair to Reed who vocally has a sound all her own. The South Africa born, Raleigh/Durham bred and Nashville based talent counts Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill as a few of her many inspirations and influences, and it's no question that soul is inherent in her work. "Wake Up" is the first bit of new music that we're hearing from Laura Reed, and we're not the only ones to take notice of this star on the rise -- the track will be featured on an upcoming episode of VH1's Hollywood Exes as well as in the feature film The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, scored by Alicia Keys. Needless to say, don't sleep on Laura Reed, and be sure to pick up "Wake Up" now on iTunes. - SoulBounce.com


"Laura Reed Loves you "Naturally""

Look who's back with new music and a new look to match. Singer/songwriter Laura Reed has shorn off her seven-year-old locs, and she greeted 2014 with a snazzy new short haircut. Her look may have changed, but her sweet soul sounds haven't as we can hear on her fresh-outta-the-studio new track "Naturally." This is another exclusive SoulBounce world premiere following our debut of her song "Wake Up" last year. Where "Wake Up" was '60s retro, "Naturally" sounds more suited to the synthesized '70s and is equally as catchy. We hear the softer side of Reed who likens her love to other unstoppable forces of nature. Producer Shannon Sanders has crafted a synthesizer-driven groove with finger snaps and well-placed horns to complement Laura's vocals. Everything comes together in a winning package. The real winner, however, is you, the listener, who gets this special sneak peek of the full-length song this holiday weekend only before it's put away for her debut album. So enjoy the exclusive world premiere while you can! - SoulBounce.com


"Laura Reed"

Like a '70s diva rolling on a blues-funk groove, Laura Reed has a big, brassy voice with an expressive intonation informed by Motown. She could be your spunky gal pal or the sultry sort across the bar, but there's something deep, honest and powerful in whatever she's bringing. The South African-born singer worked in North Carolina coffeehouses in her mid-teens, then in Nashville, where she was mentored by country guitarist/producer Paul Worley. She released a couple albums with the band Deep Pocket years ago, but she's now readying a full-length debut of her own. The Chit Nasty Band opens. —Chris Parker - Indy Weekly


"In The Studio with Laura Reed"

“Be uninhibited in your emotion, not your action. You don’t go out there and just do whatever comes to mind. That’s where the value is. That’s where people get their money’s worth. You prepare. Spend time preparing to make it something special. They are paying, not only for the moment, but also for the preparation. Then you are uninhibited, then you are bearing your soul.” –Shannon Sanders

The first time I heard the musical stylings of Laura Reed I knew that I was destined to meet her. Luckily for us Laura recently migrated to Nashville from Atlanta for her musical Awakening. A native of South Africa, Laura spent most of her life in North Carolina. Today, I have the pleasure of hosting a first hand interview with Laura Reed and Shannon Sanders.

I arrive at Shannon Sanders’ studio, Grammy award winning producer, singer, musician and most recently, brain trust behind Laura Reed’s upcoming album, The Awakening of Laura Reed. Shannon has worked with the likes of India.Arie, John Legend, Johnny Lang, The Temptations, and many more. Laura and Shannon’s paths were met by way of Paul Worley, a renowned country record producer who had the guiding vision to unite these two explosive musical talents.

The feeling in the room is as progressive and empowering as the message behind Laura’s music. After exchanging the usual pleasantries we get right into what I came for, a sneak peak at the unreleased tracks from: The Awakening of Laura Reed. The first track that we listen to is titled “Kindness.” Booming with positive energy and a universal message to heal with kindness and not turn the other cheek. “Bomb Shelter” grooves so hard that you cant help but throw on that “stank face.” You know, the one where your face scrunches up like there is something funky in the room… and there is!

Shannon’s tracks flow so tightly and ornately with Laura’s rich, soulful voice that the music just washes over you with positivity, stripping you of all of your hatred, worry, contempt, and sadness. Laura’s voice sounds like the love child of Erykah Badu, Macy Gray, Lauryn Hill, and Amy Winehouse. Shannon’s tracks fit the songs like a well-tailored suit leaving space and adding flair in all of the right places. His prowess as a producer and a musician becomes more and more evident as I try to stop dancing, but I cannot.

We go on to listen to “Voodoo,” a track that Laura and Shannon produced in the car between Raleigh, NC and Nashville, TN using a bullet mic, headphones, and a tape adaptor. A true dance track, “Voodoo” instantly has me possessed. The song that really sticks with me the most is “Thank You,” written in the wake of a recent separation and Laura’s move to Nashville. This song is a true example of Laura’s innate ability to use smart and positive writing to express feelings and extract emotions. Unlike the usual break-up song scenario, this song aims at focusing on the aspects of failed relationships that help us grow as individuals and prepare us for the next steps in our lives.

All of the elements of this project are beginning to come together for me. Influences from soul, hip hip, R&B, and Latin all form a homogeneous mixture that could stimulate the hearts, minds, and ears of virtually any listener. At this juncture Shannon explains to me that one of the biggest aspects of the album is that the songs stand up without the track. Shannon sits down at the Wurlitzer to demonstrate and starts plugging on “Thank You” as Laura comes in next to me on the couch filling the room with her robust, yet silky, smooth voice. They transition through “Bomb Shelter” and “Faith Not Fear” and on and on until it shines as clear as the summer sun that Laura is a force, not only on the track, but also in her own element.

Keep your ears open this coming Spring as Laura Reed’s, The Awakening of Laura Reed, is sure to be a musical game-changer for soul, hip hop, R&B and all walks of music. Check out Laura’s website and Facebook page to stay up to date with all of the happenings.

IMR: “I understand that you grew up a bit it South Africa?”

Laura: “Yeah. Actually my mom is from Johannesburg and my dad is from Nashville, but I have spent most of my life in North Carolina.”

IMR: “Talk about full circle! I am also told that you “speak multiple languages and have done a substantial amount of travelling?

Laura: “Yes. I have travelled and performed in 17 different countries and I speak Spanish, Portuguese, and English.”

IMR: “Does this ever translate into your music?”

Laura: “Definitely. I think that the variety and style of my music is a product of all of the environments that I have experienced. We are also thinking about doing a world EP after the initial release that will showcase some different variations of the tracks musically and linguistically.”

IMR: “Did you grow up around a lot of music?”

Laura: “I didn’t have any musicians in my family but I come from a long line of writers. My grandfather was a reno - Chad Little, Indie Music Reviewer


Discography

"Faith not Fear" Single (2012)

The Unreleased EP 2010

LIVE: from Tree Sound Studios 2008
Soul:Music 2006

all music available on itunes/rhapsody/spotify

also can be streamed on soundcloud/laurareedmusic
or on Pandora Radio.

Photos

Bio

South African born singer/songwriter Laura Reed has been making a name for herself globally with her soulful vocals, vulnerable songwriting, and electric live performances. Her musical journey started as a teen, playing at open mics and coffee shops around North Carolina and the South Eastern United States. Her focus was as a poet and storyteller at first, however over time Laura developed a strong unique voice that was all her own, an empowering message of Unity, and the experience to translate this message with music.

Laura is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee; where she recently signed a publishing deal with SONY-ATV. Laura was encouraged to make the move to Nashville by mentor, former music executive and Grammy award winning producer, Paul Worley (Lady Antebellum/The Band Perry/The Dixie Chicks). It was Paul who introduced Laura to the producer and co-writer of her project, 2X Grammy award winner Shannon Sanders  (India.Arie, Robert Randolph, John Legend).

Laura's most recent single, "Wake Up" has been featured on VH1's hit show, "Hollywood Exes" . Laura is planning to release her debut solo album this coming Summer of 2014, titled "The Awakening". She is currently performing live around the South Eastern US, most recently sharing the stage with international acts India.Arie, Miguel, Daley and Anthony Hamilton.

Band Members