Laura Cheadle: Traveler Guitar Official Endorsed Artist
Interview conducted on March 09, 2021
By Dan Locke
If you’re longing for some real music that you can feel in your heart, lyrics that speak to your soul, and a live performance with the power to blow the roof off the sky, you can stop right here. If you’re tired of all the staged choreography, blinding light shows, capes, costumes, lip-synching and auto-tunes that seems to have taken over live performances, you have found a place to rest, refresh, and renew. Welcome to the world of Laura Cheadle.
Happy Birthday:
thank you! I had a wonderful birthday month 🙂
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in a house of music. There was constantly music being played that inspired and awakened me in ways that I knew wasn’t happening for my friends in school. I always felt like I understood music because it was a part of my life from the time I was a little girl, jamming with my dad and brothers and the many musicians who would pass through. There was nothing unusual about walking into my dad’s home studio and hanging out with people that I would see on TV that weekend. So, I guess I was never intimidated by the ‘rich and famous’ and always felt comfortable in that world.
How did you discover music?
I don’t feel like I discovered music; it was always there for me, like laughter. It was something that made everything better and managed to always make me happy.
How did you start to write music?
I always wrote songs as a young child, just growing up in a musical family, but I truly started writing when I was a teenager after a hard breakup. I think that is when I picked up the guitar and found my soul in more ways than one.
Describe your music:
My music has grown up as I’ve matured and evolved, but I guess the one thing that has been consistent, is that it’s always coming from a soulful place. Sometimes, it’s more R&b influenced, sometimes pop, sometimes blues and sometimes stage-stomping funk!
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My parents bought me a beautiful Takamine acoustic for my first solo tour and I still have it! It plays beautifully still. This is the guitar I wrote all of my early songs on.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
I am a Brand Ambassador for Traveler Guitar and a big fan, so I play several of their guitars 🙂
What was your first performance like?
I have been on the road with my dad since I was about four years old. But, I’d say my first time being on stage under the spotlight and playing my own songs was an incredible and indescribable experience. When I debuted my first album to a sold out crowd in Philadelphia, that was the rush of a lifetime! I’ve been riding that rush ever since, and there will always be a piece of it in every show I do.
What makes a good songwriter?
I think what makes a good songwriter is someone who knows how to connect to that part inside themselves that can touch that same place in other people through their words and music.
What is the process of writing your music?
There isn’t a technical process for me, I write based on feel. It’s different when I’m alone and feeling inspired or when I show up with my guitar on my back for a co-write. The only real process for me is being open.
How was it to win the musician of the Decade?
Rewarding! I’ve worked very hard all my life with my music and it was a beautiful statement of validation for me.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I’m a registered BMI writer
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
“Can’t Be In Love With You.” Yes, this was recorded but you won’t be able to find it anywhere unless you have the original CD 🙂
How did you become the brand ambassador for Traveler Guitar?
This was a beautiful manifestation between my manager and I. I had been playing Traveler guitars for a number of years, and a master plan was put in place that thankfully has resulted in a beautiful affiliation.
How was it to open up for Peter Tork of the Monkees? Did he give you any words of wisdom?
Peter was my favorite person to ever open for. He treated us like gold, applauded enthusiastically at our sound check, and even brought me and my mom (a diehard fan of the Monkees,) up on stage to sing with him. He will always be my favorite person I shared the stage with. He encouraged me to always be myself and shine.
Tell me about “Spend My Days” And tell me also about your album “Shine This Lifetime”?
‘Spend My Days’ is one of those unique songwriting experiences. The beginning of the song came so naturally; like a sunrise. After I wrote the first verse and chorus, I knew I needed to bring someone in to finish. My manager, Sherry Marcus came over one evening and locked right into the space where I left off. It was a seamless collaboration where we were able to align with the same universal feeling, and communicate it in a way that has touched many other people. The goal for the new album is to do just that. I want to bring sunlight where it is so needed and touch that place in the listeners that reconnects them to hope and positivity.
What is your favorite track on your album?
I can’t pick one 🙂 However, ‘Shine This Lifetime’ and ‘Spend My Days’ are two of my favorites so far!
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I am a strict vegan and I run 6 miles daily! I take my health and fitness very seriously 🙂
What are you feeling about streaming music?
As a musician, I learn to adapt to where people are listening and the means that they use to do so. It doesn’t change the music I make.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I certainly grew up in a digital age but I learned well from my dad, and vinyl is so beautiful to listen to. I would love to release a vinyl record… it’s definitely on the wish list!
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
I love discovering new music, even if it’s from a long time ago. I recently discovered Brenda Russell. I wasn’t even alive when she was recording her first album but I sure love it, and it’s been inspiring my writing as I listen. My dad and music manager taught me well to appreciate older music. I’m jealous I missed out on the hippie era!
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
You can’t stop the unstoppable force.
How was it to play with your dad during the lockdown. Did this bring back memories of your childhood?
My dad is in my band and is my musical director. He comes on all the tours and plays all my shows, and during the lockdown we’ve done a number of livestream shows together.
How was it being asked to give beginner guitar lessons on rockongoodpeople for their YouTube channel?
This was great and very recent! I met Next Level Guitar at NAMM 2020 where I was showcasing Traveler Guitars and performing live. We filmed our first interview there, and just did this follow-up video, and it’s had quite a fantastic response already! This was recorded live from my studio at home, and I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do together.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and are using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I love Netflix and Hulu!
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
We all need to find ways around the obstacles that have come with this lockdown, and with over 30,000 followers on Instagram, trust me, you find ways to get creative and stay in contact with your fans 🙂
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I love acting and improv so that would be fun too!
What is your happy place?
In a room full of like-minded magical and creative people truly creating.
What is being a Hippie?
To me, I am a modern day hippie. It symbolizes freedom to be yourself and to be confident enough to color outside of the lines.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I look forward to being on a stage again with a real audience for that unmatched exchange of energy. In the meantime, I am doing everything I can to stay connected every way possible with my music and the people it speaks to 🙂
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