by joann snavely
Laney Jones is taking over the homegrown Nashville scene with a refreshing psychedelic-folk sound. The singer/songwriter has been releasing music for over a decade, having amassed a discography spread beyond her four studio albums. Having recently just released her single “Stay at Home,” Unclear spoke with Laney about her journey with music, touring, and even the joys of being an independent musician. Read more to find out about Laney’s past, present, and future regarding music!
Let's go back in time some, what is your past with music like? How did you get into it?
Laney: "I’ve always loved listening to the radio. Tuning the dial and peeking into different worlds. My mind is just sort of oriented in that way... even when watching movies or having a convo, if there’s a song that’s hitting me in the background, it’s hard for me to focus on anything else. Shazam is my friend."
Continually, what specific moment made you realize that music was what you were meant to do with your future?
Laney: "When I wrote my first song. I was in college and was extremely lost personally. Articulating what was dogging me via singing instantly broke the spell. The catharsis of singing the blues I suppose. Been an addict ever since."
Lately you've toured with some bigger names in the industry. What have those experiences been like for you? Were there any specific shows that stood out to you the most on those tours?
Laney: "Man, it’s humbling and inspiring at the same time. Nothing really changes, you just get to do your thing for more people with a few extra hands helping.
Probably the most memorable was opening up for Kurt Vile and the Violators. It was the biggest show I had ever played, and I was sort of nervous. But the response from the crowd made me feel like this quest to play our little rock ‘n’ roll songs on a larger level is possible. The theater owner legit said it was the most merch ever sold for an opener. It filled our tanks physically and metaphorically."
What moment as a musician has been the most fulfilling thus far in your career?
Laney: "Honestly, just to still be doing it! And that the tunes are connecting with people now more than ever. I work on this project with my hubs. We are a family band. He’s my ride or die and we met because of music. Doesn’t get much better than doing what you love with the one you love. It’s a mother sometimes, but wouldn’t do it any other way."
What is the writing and recording process like for you as an independent musician?
Laney: "All of it’s homegrown organic. A lot of the songs come from getting stoned and jamming and develop from there. In these most recent years I’ve built out a basement studio where we’ve been recording more and more. Mostly out of necessity, just cause going into a studio can be costly and such a bummer when you don’t get what you want out of it. It hardly ever feels fully formed on the first stab. I like to live with the song a bit."
Your new song "Stay At Home" came out a couple of weeks ago. Were there any new elements or production styles that were done differently with this single?
Laney: "When I initially wrote and recorded it the instrumental hook was completely different. The core of it was tracked at the Bomb Shelter, a studio in East Nashville, but I ended up taking it home and dissecting it. Stacking my own guitars, synth, and vocals. I think it helped make it feel looser and weirder overall."
What else can we expect from you in the near future?
Laney: "I’m playing Texas for the first time ever in a couple of weeks! Got a whole slew of showcases at SXSW where I’ll be debuting some unreleased tunage. Onwards with good vibes."