LÁRA

"My proudest achievement so far is definitely releasing my debut single! This was something I always wanted to do but I didn't think I would ever get to that stage." This particular song, 'Back Down', also went on to win 'Northern Ireland's Song of the Year' with Youth Action NI's 'Next Big Thing' Competition.

Up n' Comin' NI is proud to present our next artist, LÁRA. She is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter, guitarist and singing tutor originally from Dungloe, in Donegal who is now based in Belfast. LÁRA recently completed her music degree at Ulster University, Magee in Derry.

LÁRA’s original music gives off a pop-folk vibe. This, she claims, stems from influences such as Maggie Rogers, LÉON and First Aid Kit.” This genre of music can certainly be heard in her debut single, ‘Back Down’ which is available on all major streaming platforms. 

Music has always been a huge part of LÁRA's life. She has been performing for as long as she can remember, even just for her family. She has performed at weddings, concerts, festivals and pub gigs from a very young age. 

LÁRA says, "It's hard for me to pick a favourite gig but one of my favourite places to play is at Clubeo in Leo's Tavern in Donegal!" Here, she performs in a monthly gig. This gig is hosted by Clannad's Moya Brennan to support up-and-coming musicians. "I have been performing there since 2018 and it will always be a very special venue for me."

Last year, LÁRA was selected as one of five singer/songwriters to take part in the ‘21 Artist’s Programme’ that was run by the Northern Ireland Office. Here, she wrote and recorded a song under the mentorship of Declan Legge and Naomi Hamilton from Jealous of the Birds. During this time, she also had the opportunity to record with some outstanding session musicians. 

She then took part in both ‘Woman’s Work Festival’ and ‘Sound of Belfast Festival’. As Woman’s Work was held virtually, they featured a song she had previously recorded. Then when she played for the Sound of Belfast, she played a live set of originals in the Oh Yeah Centre. 

After taking part in those extremely impressive Programmes and Festivals, LÁRA was invited to sing an original song at an event in 10 Downing Street in London. This performance was put on to showcase some of the young talent in Northern Ireland.

"’Believe in yourself’ is something very simple that has stuck with me over the last few years. It's not something I would have always thought myself, but anytime I doubt myself, I always think back to those words which help me keep a positive mind set.”  

LÁRA says, “My creative process varies with each song I write. It can depend on my mood or even the feeling of the song. If I'm going through something or in the feels, I will pick up my guitar and see what comes out.” While this answer is very vague, it is important to keep an open mind when writing music. This allows you to create lots of variety and freedom within your music.  

 

“I prefer to work alone. It allows me to be as free and open with my lyrics as I want.” She does, however, go on to say that she would love to work with collaborators in the future. If you are also a ‘pop-folk’ songwriter, why not get in touch and set something up? 

 

If LÁRA is sounding extremely familiar to you, it might be because of a band she was a part of a few years ago. LÁRA was part of a hugely successful three-part harmony band called “Evergreen.” They supported acts such as Moya Brennan & Clannad, Daniel O’Donnell, Sean and Conor Price and Duke Special. They also appeared on the same lineup as Ryan McMullan, Wild Youth, Luz and Ryan Mack etc. However, Evergreen’s peak was being featured on the 2020 series of the Voice UK where they received a place on team Will.I.Am. Due to Covid-19, unfortunately, Evergreen stopped playing as a band. This did, however, result in LÁRA deciding to focus on her solo career. 

So what is next for LÁRA?

LÁRA has recently relocated to Belfast to further her music career. “I have been working alongside an amazing group of talented young musicians where we have a lot of exciting things in the works.” LÁRA promised that there will be more original music, live video sessions and plenty of gigs to come very soon! “My hopes for the future are to continue what I'm doing and be able to make a living off what I love doing. That is performing and making music. I'm really looking forward to what's to come this year with the release of my debut EP and lots of gigs.”

Make sure you follow her and keep up to date with all her songs, events and gigs: 

Spotify: LÁRA

Instagram: laramusicofficial 

TikTok: laramusicofficial_

Facebook: LÁRA