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News: Laura Jansen goes transatlantic
Laura Jansen (1977) divides her time between Holland and The States. Studying music, first in Rotterdam and from 2000 onwards at Berkley College of Music in Boston, she moved to Los Angeles and became involved in the singer-songwriter scene centred around Hollywood’s Hotel Café. Last year September, Universal released her debut album, Bells, which collects two privately released EPs. Jansen carries two passports, since her father is Dutch and her mother is American.
How much of your time do you spend in The States?
Laura Jansen: “Before signing with Universal in The Netherlands, it had been about three years between visits. As a struggling waitress in LA during the day and a musician at night it was nearly impossible to pay for tickets or find time. I was working 19-20 hour days sometimes to get by and all my extra money was being put into finding cheap studio time and paying musicians to tour with me. All of that has changed last year and it’s been amazing. In 2009 I travelled about five times between Los Angeles and Holland. I’m getting used to the flight and the time difference and love the combined experience of being in both places so frequently. It keeps me firmly rooted to my foundations and I really do take the best of both cultures with me.”
What is your average working day like?
“It really depends where I am. When I’m in Los Angeles you’ll find me in my wonderful Los Feliz neighbourhood. I wake up relatively early and head straight to my laptop. I’m madly obsessed with the power of the internet and what it can do for musicians. I’m not one of those disciplined writers that write for the sake of writing and can treat it as a job. Los Angeles is a place where I can retreat into my own little bubble and I come out to play music with friends. The Hotel Cafe is my living room away from home and you can find me there a few times a week. Its where I see new and incredible songwriters, reconnect with my friends as they come home from touring and it’s the only place in Hollywood where I feel completely at home. When I’m not home my workdays are so different. There’s no such thing as a typical day for musicians.”
How does the working climate for musicians in Europe differ from that in the States?
“There are huge differences; both have pros and cons. I left Holland nine years ago because I found myself getting stuck in a scene and a style that would have given me a very comfortable life financially, but was making me very unhappy musically. The pros of music in Europe in general is that there is an inherent appreciation for the arts that I think is lacking in the States. Holland also allows room for singer songwriters on the commercial level, something that is nearly impossible in the States. The beauty of living and working in Los Angeles as a musician is that I am surrounded by absolutely the best talents in the world. My own level of writing and arranging has gone up so much because of the level of writing around me.”
Do you listen to singer-songwriters while at home?
“Ha! Goodness, no. For inspiration I tend to listen older music, usually from the ‘70s. I’m also really inspired by bands. Taking elements from rock, hip hop, reggae, electronica and synthi-pop and adding them to girly singer-songwriter stuff is where I have the most fun.”
Will you perform at Noorderslag as a solo act or with a band?
“The last club tour I did in Holland was completely solo. This time around, I’m bringing my fantastic band from Los Angeles. I’m really looking forward to playing at Noorderslag.”
Saturday 16 January @ 3FM Zaal, 22:30 - 23:10
www.laurajansenmusic.com
www.myspace.com/laurajansenmusic
Source: musicXport.nl / Alfred Bos
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