Audra McLaughlin

By starrymag | April 20, 2015

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is definitely country. I would say it is a mix of classic, but with a contemporary sound of country. I feel like I have a lot of Martina McBride sound, but with a more contemporary sound that is happening now.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) They are all different! I grew up listening to Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. I grew up listening to a lot of soulful stuff and I think that’s where I get a little bit of my soul and country.

Q) Can fans expect an EP from you soon?

A) I’m in the writing process now and I’ve recorded a few songs in Nashville. I’m still kind of waiting on a release date, but I’m really, really excited about the songs. We spent a lot of time in Nashville writing. We spent all summer going back and forth. I’m really excited about the songs. I can’t wait until the EP does come out! We were in writing sessions with different writers in Nashville. We decided which songs we wanted to record and picked a few. We haven’t set a release date, but  I can’t wait until the EP does come out!

Q) What will the feel or vibe be for your upcoming EP?

A) I wanted to put together a product that would be a mix of everything. It would be more ballad-y, the emotional side of myself as an artist. I definitely have a ballad that I will be on there. It’s songs that will make people cry one minute and then there is a song you can jam out to that is an up-tempo country sound. It’s definitely a mix of the emotional side of me and my fun, energetic side as well.

Q) What is the song writing process like for you? Do you need music before your lyrics?

A) It’s kind of all different. Sometimes I’ll be playing around with my guitar and I’ll come up with a cool melody that I’ll just want to run with. I feel like it is something that kind of is cool and I want to write something to it. Sometimes I just get an idea in my head. I’ll be walking around the house and start singing something. I’ll be like, “Wow! That’s cool!” I’ll record it on the Memo on the phone so I don’t forget it in case I’m out somewhere and have to come back to it and start writing. it’s kind of spontaneous, but I just get ideas at random times. I try to take it and run with it. I keep a concept book that when I get an idea in my head about something I want to write about I write it down and build around that.

Q) We saw you recently as an artist on “The Voice.” What did you take away from your time on the show?

A) The show was a huge impact on me. It was the most amazing experience that I’ve ever had. It definitely helped me learn better stage presence and kind of overall the experience gave me more confidence going on stage. I was so nervous in the beginning, but each week I felt more and more comfortable going out on stage. It gave me such a great platform and I’ve had the most amazing support system that came from it. Everybody who has stuck by me since the show I’m truly grateful for them being in my life.

Q) Blake Shelton was your mentor on the show. Have you kept in touch?

A) I haven’t talked to Blake. My manager and I are working with some people he is friendly with, but I hope as soon as things slow down a bit for him that we’ll definitely be able to do a project together or duet. That would be pretty cool!

Q) How do you select songs you perform in your Vine videos?

A) Song choice is very, very important. I have definitely learned that throughout doing different shows and the competition. I sit and kind of listen to songs and then I go through and sing them to see if it is something that fits my voice. I just kind of pick songs that I feel showcase all the qualities of my voice, kind of like my emotional or country sound. I kind of do it that way. I just listen to the songs and see if they are songs that I ultimately feel and showcase my voice.

Q) What are your favorite songs to perform?

A) I have a lot of signature songs that I sing live. “Angel From Montgomery” is what I sang at my Blind Audition has to be one of my favorite songs. It was kind of the starting period of the launching of my career. Also, I love “Whatever You Say” by Martina McBride. That is definitely one of my signature songs that I like to perform live. There are some Carrie Underwood songs I sing like “Good Girl” and “Blown Away.”

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

A) Sharing my music on their page or telling friends and family about my music. Tell them to follow me on all of my social media networks to keep up with me. Get the word out to their friends.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I love all of my fans! They have been so loyal to me since the very beginning of the show. I’ve had a lot of great people reach out to me and tell me I was an inspiration to them because of going on the show. I talked about how I struggled in my academics growing up and had issues with bullying. I’ve had a lot of great feedback from people who have told me I’m their inspiration or that I’ve helped them through a tough time. That just means the world to me, to be able to help people (especially my fans). In your music career, you need your fans. They are the most important people to help you and they are just great. I’m really appreciative of them!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I want to say thank you so much for believing in me and continually supporting me. Thank you for being so patient for my original music to come out because I know they want to hear it so badly. I just can’t wait until they hear it because I know they are going to love it. I’m very happy and I love each and every one of my fans. I’m so thankful to have them and to have them be a part of my journey. I can’t wait to continue my career and have them go along for the ride with me.