The latest release from Laura Gagnon delivers an incredibly warming and honest sentiment in the form of a passionately performed piano ballad that comes through as powerful and cinematic even with soothing and Soulful vocals and an authentic approach.
"In Our Hearts" is an incredibly relatable song and it's something that is very hard to talk about a lot of the time so for an artist it might be cathartic to write a song about it.
This track is beyond touching and pulls at the Heartstrings because no matter who or where you are you can really understand where it comes from and that's the part of it that's most impactful.
The beauty of a song like this is not just the ability to write it and say the things that are so difficult to articulate but more the fact that the listener may not feel alone in their emotion.
This is a song about love and loss and can be taken in a few different ways even still.
The thing about songs like this one is that you put it in your own perspective when you first hear it so being able to relate to it that quickly is something that has a way of wrapping itself around you.
When that happens, the song becomes yours and that's something you don't get a lot.
Of course, Laura had her own reasons for writing the song and we decided to find out more about that in our interview with her below.
A strong aspect of the single is the actual performance and heart that went into it which is just oozing out of every note of the track something that really keeps the drive and emotional platform heavy.
The release is wonderfully woven and arranged with attention to detail but most of all, it's the fact that you can hear her love for the craft throughout the track that really gives it so much life and genuine tonality.
This was well thought out and was meant as sort of a love letter to those lost whoever they may be.
That message gets across loud and clear and to have a song like that work, you have to have such a good balance between the heartbreak of loss and the celebration of life.
It's something we all have to deal with but not all of us have the ability to speak it out or articulate it this way which I would assume is one of the benefits of being a great songwriter.
So, without further ado let's get to our interview with Laura so that we can find out why she actually wrote this song and what it meant to her.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with " In Our Hearts"! This single had a beautifully honest feel and felt relatable and genuine! How did this single come about?
I have been singing the national anthem for the Canadian Military for quite some time now and about 3 days before a Remembrance Day event I wanted to write something special for the soldiers and their families. Something that would inspire the memories of all the good times and moments had by the families or best friends in the military and outside the military. It could also just be about loss. Remembering All that they are and how they'll always remain in our hearts.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
It began At age 8. My foks discovered I had a bit of a stammer and put me in Voice lessons hoping it would help. Well! It definitely helped and here we are today!
Buzz Slayers: When did you fall in love with music?
The moment I fell in love with music. you know I can't remember a time where music transformed into this big life event. What I CAN tell you is that it always just was? I don't remember a part of my life where music wasn't there for me. It's like an extension of who I am, always has been.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
A bad breakup, a good book, a phrase from a movie or sometimes when your in mid conversation with someone and out pops a really good line! Sometimes even a dream.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Some of my biggest influences for this project were the memories of the families and soldiers I've met throughout the years of performing. At the time I was listening to alot of Loreena Mckennitt. She writes A LOT of songs for the Military.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I'm not working on music you can catch me hiking in the woods or going for long car rides from Lake to Lake ending up in some really cool places like recently I went to Windsor Ontario to visit a friend of mine at a beautiful cafe. I took a walk down to the harbour and watched the big ships come in.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Well as I write this email, I'm listening to a track I just wrote in my studio. Analyzing it and seeing what else I can do to improve on it. But what am I typically listening to? Well, I do love listening to some Backstreet boys ahah yes I'm a big fan. I just LOVE their harmonies and song structure.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I'm busy almost every weekend actually! I am gearing up for a showcase in Toronto, Ontario called "Hooked" with some amazing musicians and I have a single release party I'm working on, on June 17 in London, Ontario at the Rosewood Ballroom beside London Music Hall. I have alot of smaller bar and club shows in between but those two are my most notable right now.
I started with a demo in my own studio but I decided I'd like to record this at Prevail Media Group In London, ONtario with Sean Hodge. An Engineer genius! He got the BEST vocal takes out of me. We just kept going and going and going ahaha until we got the right takes. Then pieced it all together. We did use some of the Ambient sounds I already played when I did my demo.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I'm releasing a new single called "Ready For The World" being released June 17. I wrote that one after a political Rally I went to. WOW was it inspiring! Definitly gave me a new voice and vision. Of course, inspiration for this song.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you for believing in me! It's because of YOU that I've gotten as far as I have. I'm honored to have you as part of my journey. xoxox