Meet Ireland-born UK Open Mic performer Laura Jones:

Hi Laura Jones, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

56

Where were you born?

Ireland

Where did you grow up?

Ireland

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

Folk is a huge influence from my childhood and the 70s world rock scene.

Where are you based now, and why?

London based due to day job and family.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I come from an Irish musical family where we all (of 5) were asked regularly to do our party pieces- to include wind instruments, guitars, singing and dance. I could sing at Jams or choir and dance (Irish, Tap and Jive, later Salsa).
After my career in the Medical world (still ongoing) and time as a Mum I got frustrated that the only songs I could sing were those others choose or needed to chase guitarists to support me. I decided to leave choir and learn guitar mostly myself post Covid.
A world new world 🌎 opened up for me.
Now I perform every week mostly acoustic folk but also rock and collaborations with other musicians.
My style is as per my roots- Folk and extends to Rock. I am now writing and performing what I write when I can.
I love the music and clarity of lyrics for the
Joy and the Message it brings.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar
Guitar
Piano

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

Ralph Mc Tell- due to his huge contributions to Irish folk
The Furey brothers and Davy Arthur – heart felt Irish folk I grew up with
Maura O’ Connell- heart felt and beautiful voice
Mary Black- Heart felt and beautiful singing
The Corrs- showed me how folk can adopt rock for example Dreams

Then Rock-
Fleetwood Mac- all time hero’s
Christine Mc Vie – very aligned with her melodic voice and bluesy touch
Stevie Nicks- for the course passion we hear
Sheryl Crow- for her guitar skills and thought provoking lyrics
The Eagles- for Folk that turned Country that turned Rock too. Love the lyrics, harmonies and music
Who doesn’t love the Beatles
Dolly Parton – for guitar and singing
Linda Ronstad – for heart passion in country
So many but these are some that come to the top of my head.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

1

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

A combination of writing on a notebook separate to guitar or piano and together.
As I do a day job I can’t always have an instrument with me.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

2

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

The Joy and Message music and Lyrics bring to me and the audience.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

Focus on your passion for your song or work as you play and how you communicate this message. That will distract your nerves and will enable the audience to experience the joy too.

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

Forgetting chapters or words and as a result not doing as well as I did during practise
If the sound system is not good
Lastly if there is too much noise to play and sing over

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

Probably the Old Sargeant in Wandsworth. I turned up about a year ago to do like two songs or so and as it is off the beaten track there were not many artists but the venue was full of people.
The reaction to my slot was brilliant and as a result I was asked to keep carrying on with songs till it ended up being a gig.
A bizarre thing that happened was I was on a work assignment staying in a crappy hotel and for light relief I sat outside hotel (as no voice allowed in lobby) where I played and sang. Passers by became an audience -6 months ago and I stayed on stuffing money in my coat pocket. Omg 😳
Recently I played in an Amphitheatre.

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

Consistent gigs of any

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

I recently found out that I have Dyslexia.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

Blues Jam Clapham with musician friends.
Current – Compiling a possible Irish folk album.

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

http://www.youtube.com/@LauraJones-o2h

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

http://www.youtube.com/@LauraJones-o2h

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

http://www.youtube.com/@LauraJones-o2h

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

www.youtube.com/@LauraJones-o2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/@LauraJones-o2h

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!