Laurel at Oslo Hackney

1^st March 2024

Emily Downie

Shot by Nick Bennett

Emily Downie Shot by Nick Bennett

1 March 2024

Starting out learning to write and produce tunes in her bedroom studio, synth-pop artist Laurel has left her mark on the industry with sultry, high-energy and thick-with-emotion tracks. Having connected with millions of listeners on her biggest hits, this artist knows how to write the perfect hook that will keep the crowd on their feet all night. 

With long platinum hair and a black latex bodysuit, Laurel’s striking look for the evening, brought together with her effortless stage presence, created a sense of cool confidence that connected with the room – something that was evident the moment she stepped out onto the stage. 

Best I Ever Had got attendees going with its infectious disco-pop intro and easy sing-along melody. She matched this effervescence when performing the bubbly pop track Obsessed, taking the mic and striding across the stage to sing to lucky crowd members at the front. The set was relatively simple but the lighting brought the performance forward, illuminating Laurel and her band in an array of dancing blues, purples and pinks.

The artist phased into each song with a small talking intro, engaging nicely with fans and maintaining the energy. Her ease at speaking to the sold-out venue was clear, with anecdotal jokes along the way and references to her mum selling merch at the back of the room. Laurel also mixed in a more intimate story, sharing her personal connection with the venue in which she had experienced her own love and loss.

She also delivered some exciting news for the night with the announcement of her new album release, Palpitations, in June of this year, which she will be releasing with Communion Records.

Laurel slowed the atmosphere down with her undemanding Life Worth Living, where she stood still with her guitar in front of the mic and delivered a relaxed performance of the track.

The artist is most known for her pandemic release back in 2020, Scream Drive Faster, in which she sings about her exhilarating experience living as a Brit in California. She closed the show with an electric high by finishing with this dynamic banger.

Laurel brought an unmatched energy to the room and left the crowd buzzing from the euphoric passion her performance delivered. With live vocals that were as polished as her recordings, listeners were sure to leave the venue that night with a sense of stimulated delight.

Emily Downie
Photos: Nick Bennett

Wild Things is available to stream now while Palpitations is available for pre-order. For further information and future events visit Laurel’s website here. 

Watch the video for the single Wild Things here: