Laura Veirs
Laura Veirs |
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Laura Veirs is an American singer-songwriter.
Veirs was raised in Colorado. While she heard folk-country, classical, and pop music at home, she didn't "listen seriously," she says, until her 20s. While she was a college student at Carleton College, when she joined an all-girl punk band called "Rair Kx!".[1] She now lives in Portland, Oregon. After graduation, her taste moved to older country and folk. At Carleton she studied geology and Mandarin Chinese. After graduation, she worked as a translator for a geological expedition in China; during the trip she began writing lyrics.
In 1999, Veirs released self-titled album, which was recorded live and featuring just her and guitar. 2003 saw the release of Troubled by the Fire, accompanied by veteran musicians such as Bill Frisell, Amy Denio and Fred Chalenor. She then signed to Nonesuch and released Carbon Glacier. Year of Meteors followed in August of 2005.
Year of Meteors was selected by the New York Times as a "critics choice".[2] Veirs released Saltbreakers in 2007 and July Flame in January 2010 on her Raven Marching band label. The Washington Post said it "may well be one of the best releases of 2010."[3]
Portland based producer Tucker Martine has produced her last six albums, and plays many instruments on the records as well.
Her expressionless photos and glasses have lead critics to dub her the "Poor Man's Lisa Loeb.[4]
Discography
Studio albums
- Laura Veirs, Raven Marching Band Records, 1999
- The Triumphs and Travails of Orphan Mae, Raven Marching Band Records, 2001, Bella Union, 2005
- Troubled by the Fire, Bella Union, 2003
- Carbon Glacier, Bella Union (UK), February 2004, Nonesuch Records (US), August 2004
- Year of Meteors, Nonesuch Records, August 2005
- Saltbreakers, Nonesuch Records, April 2007
- July Flame, Raven Marching Band Records/Bella Union, January 2010[5]
E.P.s
Live albums
- Lore of Ears, Kelp Monthly, 2004
Compilation appearances
- "Black-Eyed Susan (demo)" on Remote Wing, Knw-Yr-Own, 2001
- "The Water's Gone (But Life Is Long)" (with Danny Barnes) on Shipwreck Day, Knw-Yr-Own, 2002
- "17" on Flotsam and Jetsam: 2005 What The Heck Fest Sampler", Kelp Monthly, 2005
- "Cast a Hook in Me" on The Sound the Hare Heard", Kill Rock Stars, 2006
- An exclusive version of "Nightingale" on "Paste Magazine Sampler 39", 2007
Also featured on
- The Young Rapture Choir, RMB, 2006
- "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)," The Decemberists The Crane Wife, Capitol, 2006
- Sailor System CD by Your Heart Breaks, Don't Stop Believin Records, 2006
References
- ^ Wheat, Mark (3 March 2010). "Laura Veirs performs in The Current studios". Retrieved 4 March 2010.
- ^ Critic's Choice: New CD's; Year of Meteors; Laura Veirs
- ^ "Our Review". Washington Post. Retrieved 21 February 2010.
- ^ http://www.thevervoid.com/media/musicbox_45.htm
- ^ Boilen, Bob (December 21, 2009). "Exclusive First Listen: Laura Veirs". npr.org. Retrieved 9 January 2010.
External links
- Official website
- Veirs/11:ubhxlfkekcqr Laura Veirs at AllMusic
- Raven Marching Band Records, "label" for self-releases
- Interview with Laura Veirs
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