LAURA MARLING

INTERVIEW BY SEAN TYSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIINA WILSON

—

British folk songstress Laura Marling was born in 1990 making her just 21 this year. In some ways she is your typical 21-year-old embarking on womanhood and the daunting world of adult life with a sense of trepidation and a mild yet thrilling uncertainty about what’s to come. But in most ways, of course, she’s nothing like her contemporaries. She makes and performs music for a living; she’s traveled the world on tour with Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale and Kate Nash; her first two albums were nominated for the prestigious UK and Ireland Mercury Prize and she won the NME 2011 award for Best Solo Artist, beating out the likes of Kanye West and Florence and the Machine. No, there’s not much that’s typical about Marling. Her contemporary take on folk rhythms and arrangements, infused with the rich, raw poetry of her lyrics is as delightfully surprising as Marling herself. She speaks the way she looks, all soft and fair and fragile. She’s slightly bashful and full of passion and optimism for her career and her creativity. But when she sings, guitar in hand, eyes ever so slightly turned towards the floor, Marling the performer is an unapologetic sage of broken hearts, unusual tales and haunting melodies, a strong, brazen woman and a force to be reckoned with.

Sean Tyson—Where are you right now?

Laura Marling—I’m actually on the west coast of Scotland; as far north as you can be, in a van.

ST—And how is the weather?

LM—It’s very typically Scottish – very grey skies, but very beautiful.

ST—Are there certain places you prefer touring or certain cities you really love?

LM—This tour we’re doing now, I did in November last year, and it really is stunningly beautiful and very scenic. It’s up in the Highlands of Scotland, and we play in tiny towns. All the people just come and see the show because it’s music, not because it’s any particular style of music, so it’s quite an interesting tour to do. The venues are really intimate – last night we played a little community hall. It was really nice.

ST—The first time I heard your voice I was listening to Mystery Jets and their song Young Love stood out the most because of your guest vocals. I know that you’ve collaborated with other artists. Have there been any moments where you’ve been really delighted with what’s come out of collaborating?

LM—When I started touring I played with Noah and the Whale, which 
I remember so fondly as the most fun time of my life. I was 17 and doing so much touring with them and then Charlie [Fink], the lead singer of that band, produced my first album and then I sang on their debut album and then we parted ways. I always remember finding it so much more fun being in Noah and the Whale, and less pressure than being the front man of my own music. So that will always be my fondest collaboration I think.

ST—I think that while producing your own music is totally empowering and freeing it is a challenge, but when you’re a featured artist or you’re working with someone else on their project you don’t really own the finish piece, so you could argue as a result that’s a more carefree approach. Do you agree?

LM—Mostly. Usually the pressures are totally relieved of you if you’re standing in the background. It’s great.

Continue Reading This Article 1 2 3