INTERVIEW: Pop Punk from Laura Musgrave

Laura Musgrave is an award-winning UK-based pop rock artist known for her confessional, heart-on-sleeve songwriting and energising sound. “I’d love to give you the feeling that you’re living and breathing the emotions in that song,” she says. “As if someone cracked your heart open and poured it into lyrics and melodies.” Blending emotive writing with pop rock energy, she’s struck a winning formula that’s connected with fans around the world.

Making her artistic entrance in 2018 with her debut single “Unravelling,” she’s since dropped several tracks while winning over listeners and critics alike. Her work has earned her accolades on both sides of the Atlantic, including the prestigious International Female Single of the Year (Gold Award) at the 2023 International Singer-Songwriters Association Awards. She was also nominated for the Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards in Nashville, a nod to her potential as a key player in the rock and pop scenes, while her releases have also received extensive radio support.

With recent Grammy consideration in categories like Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song, it’s clear that her music is making an impact far beyond her UK base. Her latest release, the brand new single titled “Play Again,” serves up a gritty sound of driving guitars with lyrics that encourage resilience brought to life by her compelling vocals.

“Play Again” explores the turbulent yet relatable experience of overcoming life’s hardships, channelling both vulnerability and strength, pairing emotive verses with an anthemic chorus that shines with optimism and hope. It’s a track that speaks to picking oneself up, dusting off and daring to start over despite the setbacks that life throws in the way.

Kicked off by a grooving guitar riffs, the strike of drums ushers in Laura’s powerful vocals as she spins picture painting lyrics above the shifting arrangement. Flowing through moments of stripped back energy to the explosive burst of the chorus, infectious vocal melodies soar above the storming charge of the guitars and punching drums.

With slick ebb and flow, the track delivers an engaging listening experience that’s catchy and profound in equal measure. Brimming invigorating energy and thrilling vocal hooks cut with superb guitar work, “Play Again” delivers an epic anthem of empowerment presented via an instantly memorable and powerful pop-focused rock sound.

We caught up with Laura Musgrave to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Play Again” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Laura Musgrave below.

Hey Laura, how’s things?

Hi! Really good thanks. Excited to answer your questions!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I had a tiny keyboard when I was a kid, which I didn’t know how to play! But I would use the beats and presets to sing along to, and make up my own lyrics. I’ve still got one of my first lyric notebooks, with lots of neatly handwritten pop songs in it.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Oh, there are loads! I’m inspired lyrically by singer-songwriters, and musically by rock and alternative bands and artists. I would say the influences you can hear most clearly in my music are Alanis Morissette, Paramore, Taylor Acorn, Letters to Cleo, and early 2000s pop rock.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I get ideas for songs from all kinds of places. Conversations, film and TV scenes, books I’ve read, experiences I’ve had… It might be a feeling, a phrase, a concept. Just a little seed of an idea that could turn into a song.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

Seeing my song ‘Anytime’ on the GRAMMYs® ballot alongside Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo, and Against The Current was pretty special. Don’t think I’ll top that this year!

What do you love about the UK music scene?

There’s so many great artists here, who are all doing their own thing, which is awesome. For example, Emma McGann, who’s known worldwide as a trailblazer for musicians, especially for her innovation in the livestreaming space. We’ve got some amazing upcoming pop rock, pop punk, alternative, and rock stars like Izzy S.O, Uninvited, Tally Spear, Bronnie, High Regard, ALT BLK ERA. Plus established artists like RØRY and Pale Waves, who have already carved out their own paths and created a real community around their music.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

However they enjoy listening to music! Some of the tracks, like my new song, ‘Play Again’ are really energetic – made to be played loud and sung at the top of your lungs. Others, like my last single, ‘Anytime’ are a bit more relaxed with acoustic guitars in the verses. So there’s probably something for every mood!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

It’s taken me a bit of time to figure out my sound. I’ve definitely dipped my toes into a few different genres along the way, and had more of a singer-songwriter feel at times. Pop rock’s been a common theme throughout, but it’s evolved into my current sound, which definitely leans on the rock influences more.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

At the very beginning, I was making simple acoustic tracks. Since I started working with my producer Becky Willard, we’ve stepped it up to a full-band sound. That packs a bit more of a punch, which is handy when you’re making pop-rock music! I record my vocals with a guitar and a beat, and Becky brings the song to life in its fully-fledged form.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Oh that’s a tough question! If I had to pick just one, I’d say Taylor Acorn. I love her sound, and her songwriting.

How did you find making your new single “Play Again”?

It was great! We had a very clear idea of the kind of song we wanted to write. On the songwriting front, we had several rounds to edit and refine the lyrics and melodies. I’m glad we took our time with it, because I love the finished song!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

‘Play Again’ is about starting to find your strength again after feeling like your world has stopped. It’s that turning point when you realise your fight is coming back. You’re determined to face whatever challenges life has in store, even if you’re still figuring out how to pick yourself back up. It’s having that trust in yourself that you’ll find a way to work it out.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Oh loads! Avril Lavigne, Glimmers, Hannah Duckworth, Diva Bleach, Honey Revenge, Daisy Grenade, Senses, and LØLØ.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

As a music fan, my favourite thing is when I listen to a song and it’s like that artist or songwriter translated my own experiences or feelings into lyrics and melodies. I’d love people to be able to have a similar experience with my music – where they can connect the emotions in the song to their own lives. Or even just get a blast of energy from singing along at the top of their lungs!

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I did a series of livestreams for the first time a few years back, and it was really awesome to connect with people in a different way to live gigs in-person. You can have a two-way chat, and the listeners also get the chance to talk between themselves as well. Tricky to do that sometimes in a noisy venue! It had a lovely community feel.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Here in the UK! Charlotte Sands, Cassadee Pope, and Pale Waves.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Take your time. Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once, there isn’t a deadline on having a music career. Take breaks in the short term, so you can keep going long-term – the music industry’s definitely more of a marathon, than a sprint. Find mentorship from other musicians. Take some time away from music each week to do other things and give your brain a chance to find fresh inspiration.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I’m currently writing new songs for 2024! I’m also rehearsing and planning out my 2025. So excited to share more new music with you soon… Follow along and say hello @lauramusgravemusic on social media.

Listen to Play Again below