Laura Cantrell
Pure, bell-like vocals meeting the literate heart of Nashville. Understated alt-country that feels like a warm letter from an old friend on a quiet Sunday morning.
Pure, bell-like vocals meeting the literate heart of Nashville. Understated alt-country that feels like a warm letter from an old friend on a quiet Sunday morning.
Laura Cantrell makes music that feels like a perfectly curated collection of vintage postcards. Her sound is defined by a voice of startling clarity, often described as one of the purest in the genre, which she uses to bridge the gap between traditional Grand Ole Opry classicism and the literate, indie-leaning sensibilities of the New York alt-country scene. It is music that respects the history of the genre without being trapped by it, favoring subtle arrangements and emotional honesty over flashy production.
What truly sets her apart is her 'curator's ear.' As a long-time radio DJ, she possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of country music history, which manifests in her impeccable choice of covers and the timeless quality of her original songwriting. There is a gentle, scholarly dignity to her work, a sense of a Southern expatriate looking back at her roots with both affection and a sharp, modern perspective. The instrumentation is classic, featuring weeping pedal steel and crisp acoustic guitars that never crowd her vocals.
New listeners should start with her debut, 'Not the Tremblin' Kind.' It is the record that famously captivated John Peel and perfectly encapsulates her ability to make traditional country feel vital and contemporary. From there, explore 'Humming by the Flowered Vine' for a more lush, expansive take on her signature sound.
Laura Rose Cantrell (born July 16, 1967) is a country singer-songwriter and DJ from Nashville, Tennessee.
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