Galway native Laoise has been taking over 2017 with her atmospheric indie-pop, touring with bands like We Cut Corners and releasing new singles ‘Halfway’ and ‘You’, but perhaps her high point so far was playing Forbidden Fruit. “I’d never been before,” she notes, “so my first time ever to go was to play. I’m a real fan of different people who were playing, like Bon Iver and Lisa Hannigan, and many of the younger acts as well. Soulé would be in that category; she’s amazing and so sweet. It’s funny, ’cos a lot of people on the lineup I’ve got mutual friends with. You kind of become this little family, the community all comes together.”
According to Laoise, the Irish scene in general has been good to her. “It’s inspiring to be part of such a strong support system, with everyone out gigging,” she says. “There’s no jealousy, no envy, everyone really wants everyone else to succeed. So I’m really happy and proud to be a part of the music community in Ireland. There are so many Irish acts that I look up to. Like, I’m a massive fan of James Vincent McMorrow. I’m so excited for his new album – it’s great how he always does things his own way.”
Having shared the Forbidden Fruit line-up with the likes of the Staves and the aforementioned Hannigan, Laoise says the future looks bright for young female songwriters. “You look at any Irish lineup at the moment, you’ve got these incredible female artists,” she enthuses. “There’s Soulé, there’s Ailbhe Reddy, there’s so many of these new acts – and a lot of them are women. What’s incredible about that, as well, is that people are so supportive. It doesn’t have to be a big deal when women are on the line-up, and why would it? We’re all human.”
Hear: Laoise’s new EP Halfway is available now.
See: Keep at an eye on @LAOISEmusic on Twitter for live updates.