There are artists who tell you a story within moments of seeing their first brush stroke, read the first lines of their work or in hearing their voice. Laura Ocean is an artist within that category. Her first album release, aptly titled “One”, is an invitation into her story. Effortlessly wooing you with her smooth and soulful vocal, this release is the triumphant debut of her genuine and captivating talent.
A Washington native, Laura’s music has all the influences of the local Seattle music scene she grew up with, from garage bands to well-known Jazz and Rock legends. “I always wanted to be in the band, no matter what genre I was listening to or what show I was attending, and for as long as I can remember.” Experimenting with various vocal styles and writing everything from classically inspired piano pieces to pop songs, she honed a style that is unique to her and yet somehow familiar. “Ella, Etta, Dina, Aretha and Billie,” she explains in answer. “With as much classic Soul and R&B that I listened to as kid, its definitely the foundation to how I write and sing now.”
Recording her first song on her laptop in the hours after work, she knew this was the life for her. She was just 19 years old. “I was using the built-in microphone, leaning over the laptop to get as close as I could,” she recalls, laughing at the memory. “It was the beginning of my obsession with writing lyrics that were poetic and meaningful. Hoping for something beautiful.”
She’s achieved that beauty. The vintage R&B style of "Crying Shame" is the first thing you hear and its as comfortable as your favorite song while being a refreshing sound on your playlist. Listening to the second track from her debut release, “Fight the Rain” is as haunting and impactful as it is exquisite and graceful, both in melody and in lyric. Its a hallmark of her style throughout the album. “I wrote 'Hello Darling’ in one session, sitting on the edge of my bed at home,” she says about the final track. “Every part of it came from a hopeful loneliness.” Working with Producer Kris Karlsson gave her the opportunity to be involved in every step of this project. She says, “I was incredibly lucky to have worked with a producer who was able to take the breadth of my work and find the common threads to weave in each of these songs.”
After working as a session singer, a songwriter, a back up vocalist and keyboard player for several artists and bands, this album is a break-out for Laura as a solo artist.
Laura is currently writing the follow up release to One and planning an open-ended road trip, playing music with new and old friends alike.
