On the Radar: Laura-Mary Carter
Laura-Mary Carter, renowned musician, explores the vibrant Brighton music scene and its influence on her work. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on her creative journey, the evolution of her solo career, and her experiences with Blood Red Shoes. Carter offers insights into her inspirations, recording process, and balancing contrasting musical projects.
Photography and Interview JC Verona
Unravelling Brighton's Musical Tapestry. What makes the Brighton music scene special, and how has it influenced your music?
Brighton has always been known as a haven for misfits and creatives. Its small size is a plus for musicians because everything is within walking distance. It’s close enough to London while offering numerous venues, rehearsal studios, and a supportive tight-knit community where we look out for each other.
It’s hard to pinpoint how Brighton has influenced my music directly, as I draw inspiration from many places and experiences due to my travels. Although I didn’t grow up in Brighton and haven’t always lived there it has always been a creative base for me. The summers are beautiful and the winters bleak, but I feel at home there when I am back, which perhaps brings out a more authentic side of me in my music.
It's been nearly three years since your last release. Can you share any memorable experiences or moments from the recording sessions of your new album? What inspired the themes and narratives woven.
When I released my EP three years ago, I was just testing the waters. It took time to figure out my solo music direction, especially with my band, Blood Red Shoes, constantly touring. Finding time and the right mindset was tough.
Now, with more time and life experiences, I’ve written my most genuine music and lyrics yet, focusing on heartbreak and the ups and downs of trying to make relationships work with an unusual lifestyle like mine. I think a lot of women in music will relate to this.
I recorded this record in East London collaborating with two producers and some extra musicians. A stand-out moment was adding strings to my record. Hearing my melodies turned into a quartet was so beautiful!
Has touring across the US shaped your sonic landscape and musical perspective?
Touring the United States over the past decade has no doubt influenced my music. My (extreme) curiosity drives me to explore, and the vastness of the States fuels me in my creativity with photography and art.
Recently I was in Texas, where I saw incredible musicians in an old honky-tonk, the standard is so good and it’s like being in a movie all the time. I love travelling in general you meet characters and learn so much about other perspectives and it really helps with your personal growth too.
“It took time to figure out my solo music direction, (..) Finding time and the right mindset was tough.”
Your solo project exudes a more melodic and introspective aura compared to the energetic dynamism of Blood Red Shoes. How do you reconcile these contrasting musical identities? What aspects of yourself do you express through your solo work that may not find a home within Blood Red Shoes' repertoire?
I’ve always had two musical sides: one that wants to rock out and another that’s all about feeling and emotion. If you’re familiar with Blood Red Shoes’ back catalogue, you’ll hear both sides.
The biggest difference is in the lyrics. As a duo, it feels strange to sing very personal lyrics, so we tend to focus on shared experiences and each other. With my solo work, I have the freedom to sing about whatever I want, and I’ve enjoyed that freedom a lot. It’s a different brain I guess you could say.. in how I approach both projects.
Before starting Blood Red Shoes, I was really into 50s and 60s music, DJing vinyl around London. This era has always been a part of me, and combined with my love for the 90s, I feel my solo work captures a vibe that blends all my musical influences somehow.
As an artist, how do you maintain creative autonomy while collaborating with others? Are there any particular musicians or albums that have recently captivated or inspired you?
I think at this point, I’m the most comfortable I’ve ever been with collaborating, but also the most sure and in control of the music I’m making. For this record, I went in with the songs fully written on my little Spanish nylon guitar, and then I worked with two producer-musicians. We would jam the songs and come up with the direction. It’s been exciting because I am limited in the instruments I play, but I have so many ideas. It’s been great to have these top-class musicians bring my ideas to life. I’ve been really inspired by my youth in terms of the sounds. I was an 80s child, and the toys of that era with creepy adverts are etched into my mind. I was inspired by some of those sounds and the music of the 60s, lyricists of the 50s, and Motown rhythms.
“I was an 80s child, and the toys of that era with creepy adverts are etched into my mind. I was inspired by some of those sounds and the music of the 60s, lyricists of the 50s, and Motown rhythms.”
What sets your upcoming album apart from your previous work?
I think it’s the most ‘me’ of any music I’ve put out yet. I can’t explain why, but maybe it’s timing, maybe it’s age and experience. I don’t know, but it feels very authentically me, and I don’t think it’s exactly what people will expect.
Word Association. When you think of 'Guitar,' 'Touring,' 'England,' 'Love,' 'Elvis,' and 'Grieve,' what emotions or memories come to mind?
I think of learning the guitar myself and wondering how the hell I did that pre-YouTube, and how I had the determination to do it because these days I struggle to concentrate on much.
Touring just makes me think of my whole adult life. It’s pretty much all I know and something I think I’m pretty good at now.
England as a word makes me feel a bit depressed, but maybe it’s because it just reminds me of rain and greyness and the English countryside also I’m the only “English “ person in my family pretty much.
Love makes me think of disappointment and pain as well as happiness.. a reason to be thankful that I have great people and family in my life. It’s mostly what my songs are about, so I guess it’s inspired me a whole lot.
Elvis makes me think of my apartment because it’s a shrine to Elvis at this point. There’s no corner where he isn’t there looking at me, haha.
Grief makes me feel so sad for people in this world who have had to suffer unimaginable pain.
What's on the horizon for your solo career? How do you envision your artistic trajectory evolving alongside your contributions to Blood Red Shoes?
I believe both can coexist. However, I need to see where this path takes me first, as I’ve spent 20 years working and building an audience with BRS. This is almost like starting again in some ways. I’m up for the challenge and truly believe in what I am doing; it’s exciting to express myself in this way. I’m not just a one-dimensional musician. I suspect most musicians aren’t, but we don’t always have the time, or other aspects of life take precedence. I’ve pretty much given up the idea of a “normal” life, so I might as well get all these ideas out of my head and share them with people. I have to create; it’s both a curse and a blessing.
Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring musicians embarking on their own creative journeys?
Never give up … you will have days where it all feels pointless but just keep true to your vision and be curious about the world and people and anything that inspires you.
About Laura-Mary
Laura Mary Carter is a British singer songwriter based in Brigton. She is best known as one half of rockers Blood Red Shoes made her solo debut in 2021 with the release of the mini-album, Town Called Nothing.
To see more of her work, listen to her on spotify or follow her on Instagram
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