Laura Smith began as a girl and her piano. Over the past year it has grown into a collaborative four-piece band of diverse, accomplished, and experienced musicians based out of North Vancouver and Victoria, BC. The current incarnation of the group includes Laura Smith, Andrew Braun, Jeff Riedlinger (Sam Bradley) and Johnny Andrews (Tegan and Sara). They boast years of live experience and numerous music-related pieces of paper between them.
Their debut album Sea of Stars (released in November '08) segues across a wide spectrum of genres - pop influenced by jazz, folk, and rock - creating a playful yet sophisticated sound most simply defined as Indie Pop.
Since returning from their CD release tour, they have made live CBC appearances in Vancouver and Victoria, played JunoFest, the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler, NXNE 09 in Toronto, the Much Music Video Award artist lounge and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival for which they were nominated for a Galaxie Rising Star Award.
In live performance, the band turns up the volume and infuses their songs with an extra jolt of energy. While exuding an undeniable charm, Laura "has commanding stage presence, fabulous vocals and is a superb keyboardist" (Joe Montague Riveting Riffs). Jeff (bass) and Johnny (drums) provide the rhythmic backbone, while Andrew (guitar/keys/vocals) provides layers of colour. The versatility and musicality of these players is apparent as they supplement their basic instrumentation with textures ranging from sing-along gang vocals, to walls of guitar feedback, to cabaret-style accordion, to space age synthesizers, to percussion breakdowns. They maintain a studious approach toward crafting new songs and are constantly tweaking and improving arrangements of older ones and have "created a masterpiece and a live show that’s both entertaining and memorable" (Ronatron live reviews).
In less than a year's time the band has undertaken three large-scale tours. Along the way they have had the privilege of sharing the stage with such notable acts as Nicole Atkins, Mother Mother, Tim Finn (of Crowded House), the 1900's, Said the Whale, Jon and Roy, Current Swell, and The Liptonians.
Sea of Stars has been distributed and played nationally by CBC, is in rotation at CKUA in Alberta and various college stations debuting number 10 on CFUV. Their first single "Can't Stop" has been in regular rotation on CBC Radio 3 and “Break” made Track of the Day.
June 2009 found the band embarked on its first trip beyond the prairies. The month-long tour took the band from Vancouver to Toronto playing bars, festivals, and even a 100 year old barn along the way.
“…one can only predict that Laura Smith has an incredible future ahead of her, not only on the Canadian music scene, but we should also be hearing more from her on the international stage as well." –Joe Montague (Riveting Riffs – Vancouver Plaza Club Review)
“Smith seems unassuming off-stage and at only 22 years of age, she sings with crystal clear vocals and a polish that certainly belies her youth. She’s definitely someone to watch out for.” FOCUS Magazine
“This unique genre-crossing album offers combinations of alternative pop, folk, rock and jazz songs brought to life by Laura’s mature lyrics and lilting vocals. Fans of artists like Lisa Loeb, Ann Vriend, Jill Barber and Sarah Slean will certainly appreciate her too. ….
she will undoubtedly be capturing the hearts of alternative and pop music lovers across the country.” Party In Kingston
“Smith’s vocals are the major standout on the album. With her soaring vocals and upbeat tempo, her songs are bright and cheery like the morning sunshine.”
Spill Magazine
“What I like about Laura is that she keeps it simple, and I mean that in the best way possible. Her keyboard and piano melodies offer up emotion and her band thickens up the sound (with horns, bass, drums and guitar), but they never jeopardize melody for complexity. Smith is happy to ride the melody she crafts, confident that the emotion she presents is strong enough to keep your interest.” Herohill
hey mates, Thx so much for adding!!! Love your tunes(just found you by stoppin' by at the "Fields of green " site) have a great sunday and keep in touch ! cheers KONG!
See you at North By! We'll make some time to have you chat with IndieCan Radio listeners.
This week on IndieCan Radio, we talk to Great Lake Swimmers, Tony Dekker from Birmingham England. We also talk to the booking agent for The Glee Club in Birmingham about the UK's fascination for Canadian Indie. Also, Winnipeg's Record of The Week Club with John K. Sampson, Ska from Rude Boy, Rock from The Compound and brand new Madison Violet.
Hi, For those in Toronto during the next NXNE, I will be available for open and spontaneous meeting with musicians curious to learn about live music on Cirque du Soleil shows.
Ask for Claude, I will be there to answer your questions and give information: June 18- 19th / 4 to 7 o’clock Balzac’s Coffee Roastery 55 Mill Street, Building #60, Distillery District, Toronto
hey Laura Thanks for the add. It turns out we will not meet this time. I had to postpone my C'est What experience. But Paul DiSalle will be there in my place. All the best Hope we meet soon. Jennifer
Good sounds at the Habitat, and very good buttons also. Too bad about the turnout. Kelowna rather dies on thursdays, should it come alive on another day.
Hey Laura! Just stopping by to say hello. Your myspace looks great. It's wonderful to see you becoming so successful. All the best and hope to see you soon!
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