Young Laois musician signs for record label

Stradbally musician Alice Laffan has signed for the independent record label Youngblood Music in an exciting move for the rising star. 

The talented 22-year-old has been busy in the studio recording her debut single and has plans to release an EP later this year.  

Speaking to Leinster Express/Laois Live this week Alice said signing with the label is a big step in her career. 
 

"I couldn’t be happier. Youngblood Music is a Carlow based independent record label that aims to support emerging artists in their journey and help them to break into the industry," explained Alice. 

"For a smaller artist, signing to a label that has your best interests at heart is invaluable, and I’m really glad to be able to work with them on this passion project."

Alice's love of music started from an early age. She has been playing guitar and singing since she was just 13 and started gigging when she was 17. 

"I was surrounded by the amazing traditional Irish music scene in Laois and  attended Curtain Call stage school in Portlaoise for many years," said Alice.  

"My love for music was furthered when I began learning the guitar.  My guitar teacher, the amazing Caroline Smith, Portlaoise, who ran the 65 kitchen choir, really helped me to build my confidence and love for live performance. Her enthusiasm and support encouraged me to pursue music at a higher level."

https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/electric-picnic/1273580/cream-of-young-laois-talent-set-for-electric-picnic-gig.html

Some of Alice's inspiration comes from well-known Irish folk songwriters such as Luke Kelly and Dougie McLean and folk-pop artists like Joni Mitchell, Passenger and Noah Kahan.

"Their ability to translate raw emotion into timeless songs is something I try to emulate in my own songwriting," said Alice.

In the current climate with the cost of living skyrocketing, musicians just like everyone else can find it tough to survive. 

Alice said smaller artists often don't have the financial resources needed to record, produce and promote their music alone. 

"Being a small artist trying to break through into the music industry can be tough.  We rely heavily on the support of family and friends to promote our gigs, releases and stream our music," she said. 

"Although it can be tough, I think that there are increasing opportunities for artists to make their mark in the Irish music scene, with increased funding into the arts and open calls for emerging artists to perform at major events like Irish Music Week."

When she's not on the stage performing, Alice is busy studying for a degree in music at BIMM music institute in Dublin. 
Looking ahead to the future, the young singer is very excited to get her debut single out there after recording in the studio. 

"It’s something I have been working on for a long time so I’m really looking forward to finally sharing it with people," she said. 

"I’m always writing so more music is definitely on the way, I have plans to release my debut EP later this year."March 8 will see Alice play her first headline gig at Youngblood Sessions for International Women’s Day in Scragg’s Alley, Carlow.

"I will be announcing more exciting gig dates throughout the year. As for Electric Picnic, I would love to be back on the home stage if the right opportunity arises!"