France is not commonly known as a hotbed for homegrown blues rock musicians. But Laura Cox, a fast rising blues rock guitarist/singer from France is going a long way to changing that image. The young musician rips riffs off like a veteran musician with a panache and energy that are irrepressible. At times, the musician, whose mother is French and father is English, seems to be channeling the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Cox’s YouTube videos helped launch her musical career, and her last album “Burning Bright” certainly lives up to its title with an array of fiery blues rock gems. We had a chance to learn more about her burgeoning career and plans in a recent E-mail interview.
How important has YouTube been for showcasing your music?
I started uploading videos on YouTube in 2008, way before I started playing in a band. I feel really lucky because at that time there weren’t many guitarists (let alone female guitarists) covering classic rock solos on the Internet. I think that’s why people liked my channel and it really helped get some exposure for me and my band.
How difficult has it been for you to gain wider attention as a blues rock musician from France?
Unfortunately Rock n’ Roll isn’t very popular in France, so we already knew it wasn’t going to be easy… But that’s also what’s motivating us- it’s a challenge. We’ve been touring a lot in France these past 3 years in bigger venues every time, and I hope we can keep on doing that, even with the coronavirus getting in the way.
What influence did your father have on your passion for rock and blues music?
My father wasn’t a musician, but he always listened to great music, and I had the chance to grow up discovering all of that. From country music to classic rock, or even hard rock… That’s the kind of music that makes you wanna start playing the guitar !
What are your favorite songs on your last album « Burning Bright »?
I don’t really have a favorite song on this album, but there are songs I particularly enjoy to play live. Maybe it’s weird, but the ones I enjoy the most aren’t the ones with technical stuff and big solos. Actually, I think « River » would be the one I’d choose, because I only play some chords on that song, and I can just focus on the vocals, and let go of everything else.
Where have you played in France?
I think we played in every French rock venue ! I still want to play big French festivals though. Hellfest is on my dream list… We were supposed to play at Hellfest last June, but it’s been postponed to next year, due to the current coronavirus situation.
Have you played in other countries besides France?
We often tour in Germany. I really love it, because we feel they have a real « rock culture » there, and we love returning every year.
We’ve also been to the UK, Spain, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, and Italy… We love discovering new places, new people and new cultures.
What have been your main musical influences?
Back when I started playing, my three heroes were Slash, Mark Knopfler, and Joe Bonamassa. I learned a lot trying to play my favorite solos, spending months to figure out how to play a specific part, etc. I think that in a way, they really helped me become the musician I am now, and especially to improve my technique.
Now, I tend to listen to more recent bands like Blackberry Smoke, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, Rival Sons, etc. My influences changed a bit these past few years. I’m less into guitar hero stuff, and more into songwriting.
When do you plan to release your next album?
I wrote a lot during our first quarantine back in March… Now there’s a lockdown again here in France, but I hope I’ll get to rehearse with my band soon, and arrange these new songs together with the band.
I still don’t know when our next album will be released, but we have some material. So, hopefully, it will be released next year !
Do you have plans to play in the US in the next few years?
I went to the US for the first time last January, because I had the chance to go to NAMM with Gibson. It was an incredible experience.
For now, our priority is to keep on touring, and it’s already hard enough, with the virus keeping us in lockdown every 2 months. It’s getting really complicated to make plans for the future too.
Touring in the US has been one of my dreams for years. Unfortunately I don’t see ourselves getting there within the next few months. Let’s just hope everything will get better soon !
You mentioned that you viewed yourself more as a guitarist than a singer. How much more comfortable are you with singing now?
I’m still trying to put those two skills together at the same level. At first, I only cared about guitar, but I quickly realized that vocals were the first thing that peopl listening to. I’ve been working on that a lot, and I can’t wait to record our next album. Being on the road for months defintitely helped me get the confidence I didn’t have before.
