How would you describe your latest self-titled CD?
Meet Laurie Jones, the compilation of several songs, events, scenarios, from the past few years. I really like this record! The single, “Overrated,” has been showing up on several European/American playlists (with the help of a publicist in Europe) so I guess you can call it Americana meets folk rock meets chick rock? Who really knows? The endless classification of music and fitting into some type of genre has always frustrated me. I just do what I do and I’m grateful if anyone can relate. I recorded with Jim Begley at The Studio in Portland on this one, and he is amazing to work with. I’m very much in my element with this CD. I also think the cover of the CD speaks for itself as well. Robert Dowling is an amazing artist and using his work for the CD art has been the icing on the cake.
How has your music evolved?
I’m not so sure my music has evolved. It’s usually just about me, writing the songs I write, doing what I love and then getting in the studio to record that space and time. The CDs represent different directions I took, or the band took, and choices we’ve all made. Recording is a lot about the documentation/recording of life or scenarios, or the way I see the world around me at the time. I suppose that is why some critics have called my music “confessional rock” or “frank and deliberate.” In any case, it’s where I’m comfortable and it’s cheaper than therapy. (Don’t piss me off or love me too much or you might be blowing by one day in the form of a song ... haha.)
Is opening the album with a gospel song meant to show your versatility as a singer?
It wasn’t really to show off the pipes or versatility (however this is a great vocal piece) but rather to set the tone for what was coming on the rest of the recording. The song, “It Is Well With My Soul,” was written by a man who had just found out his entire family (wife and children) had perished at sea. The man was stating that even though he has suffered and has incredible disappointment to recover from, he is going to be okay. So besides loving the song for what it stands for, I thought it was important to make the statement that “I’m okay” before you continue to the next nine songs, which ends with a song like “Wonderful and Cheaper,” and wonder if maybe Laurie Jones isn’t okay.
What’s in the future for your music?
I’m doing a lot negotiating for the future. I really want to go live on an island and get rid of bills and gas prices, however, I’m leaning more toward publishing opportunities which will be paramount when I get to the point that I don’t want to play out live. I’ve been writing a musical for the past couple years and would like to get this in production soon. I guess right now, I should really focus on getting through this vigorous summer schedule and see if I still want to play music.