Music Glue: Laura Koonjean

Where are you from?

Born but not bred in London. I’ve moved around. Most of my childhood was spent by the sea in Sussex. Later years found me living anywhere from Liverpool to Leyton! Having spent many happy years in the north west of England, I could be described as a northern soul with a southern heart. I am temporarily displaced in Tooting.

Why do you write songs?

I love it. The process for me is part perspiration, but more often divine inspiration. Often, lyrics are my building blocks, the rest flows from that.

The first song I ever wrote, 9 years ago, was called ‘Save me superman: the ballad of lois lane” It became the anthem for a weekly singer/ songwriter showcase night called ‘Lois Lane’s acoustic heros’ Manchester. I’ve been writing ever since.

How did you begin your musical journey?

Like all the greats, I began singing in church and my early songs were sung there.

In 2007, I released a charity EP ‘See you in Heaven’, the proceeds went to Watoto , a charity that takes care of orphans in Uganda.

The first recording I ever did was when I was 8. It was an album recorded by St Pauls Primary school choir in Hastings!

What made you write this album?

I spent 2008 on a round the world trip and reassessing how I was living. The writing began to flow from that.

‘Songs the bedroom wrote’ began life in my bedroom, were birthed at the Clapham Grand and nurtured in Birmingham, Ealing and Croydon!!

The songs emerged from my time in California, amazing conversations that took place on street corners, temping at a wonderful homeless charity called ‘Alone in London’ and some challenging moments with the men in my world.

This album deals with broken heartedness in all its forms, as well as the wonders of modern life.

The brilliant boys, Simon, Steve, Joel, Henrique, Hanif and David were key to the process. They are so talented and have an impressive range of experience between them, having worked with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Heaven 17, 100 Hours.

Sound Memories www.audiogemmusic.com

What does your music say about you?

For me, music is a response to what I have encountered through daily life, conversations, love or lack of love and the things I’ve seen and experienced.

Who will listen to your music?

Those who like thoughtful lyrics, honesty and passion in catchy, radio friendly tunes.

Who are your influences, musical, arts, family?

People and their stories, life experiences. Early Neil Young, late 90s brit-pop, The Feeling, Athlete, MJ Cole, KT Tunstall , Sara Groves, Matt Redman, Tchkovisky, Madrigals, to name just a few.

What about the live aspect?

Love to perform live, it’s part of my DNA, been doing it since I was 7. My teachers made me get up and sing, no questions, no holding back. Of course I still get nervous, but I have sung all around the world and on occasion, literally sung for my supper. Venues have been everywhere from churches to Upton Park! I have recently had gigs at the Clapham Grand and Sound, Leicester Square.