Track of the Day: Laura Elizabeth Hughes, 'Casual'

Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released ‘Casual’, an earnest folk song steeped in feeling.

Casual in name and in practice, Hughes delivers a song soaked in intense emotion- but her measured and gentle vocals make her longing for simpler times a soothing experience.

Speaking on single, Hughes said “Casual is about not taking for granted the closeness, freedom and lightness of youth - it's airy but close and inspired by the knotted-up ties we create with our childhood places and people.”

“I wanted a sonic air of very simple sun-drenched nostalgia for a time when time seemingly stood still”, she said.

Gentle as the intro may be, Hughes wastes no time in effortlessly displaying her vocal ability, as she ruminates on these intense feelings of longing and nostalgia.

Supported by an unfiltered, natural sounding mix of piano, guitar, and harmonies, the song has a raw sound to it, which works as a nice accompaniment to the lyrics.

Hughes began her musical career uploading covers to YouTube in 2012, where she attracted a global audience, amassing over 2.6 million views.

Since then, she has released 2 EPs, as well as performing with acts such as Dermot Kennedy, James Bay, Billie Marten, and Little Hours.

Her 2021 EP, We, Myself, I, afforded her an Agility Award from the arts council, a grant that supports freelance artists from a range of disciplines.

Check out the new track below!