Laura Frank released her long awaited debut album, Life in the Front Seat this month. The album, cultivated over the last decade is one of growth, intimacy and story-telling. Featuring singles How Do We, Get What We Deserve, God Knows, I Know, Broken Hearted Cowboy, What Do We Tell The Kids, We Won’t Stop Runnin’ and Living My Life On The Front Seat, we already had a taste of what to expect from this record, and Laura shares a little more about the release below.
“Thematically it’s a melting pot — empowerment and vulnerability, trust and uncertainty, love and loss and the environment and everything in between. There are punchy, upbeat rock songs and beautiful, heartfelt ballads. Something for everyone, no matter what you might be going through.”
The Queensland based alt-country singer has long shared her love of rock poets like Bruce Springsteen or Brandi Carlile, as well as heralding Lady Gaga as a key inspiration. However, we were keen to find out some artists a little closer to home that she loves, so here are her top 5 female artists in Australian country music, and her favourite release by each:
1. Tori Forsyth
Favourite release: Broke Machine.
I adore this song and always have. It was a staple when I was a full time cover musician. Now that I know Tori, I adore it more. I love that she is creating authentic work and her voice is so unique (and amazing to listen to live!)
2. Kasey Chambers
Favourite release: Can it be an album? haha – I love every song on The Captain.
That album was one of the few reasons I started songwriting. I admire Kasey’s career and she is a pretty legendary human!
3. Missy Higgins
Not technically country, but a FAVE.
Favourite release: They Weren’t There
The Sound of White was the soundtrack to my teenage years, my favourite song is the closing track on the album They Weren’t There. Missy helped me through a lot of dark days and experiencing my ‘first love’.
4. Fanny Lumsden
Favourite release: Millionaire – Such a great road trip tune!!
Fanny is one of the hardest working women I’ve ever come across! Just getting shit done as a strong independent woman and artist.
5. Ruby Gill
Favourite release: Some Kind of Control
I only just discovered Ruby Gill (which seems crazy!) But her songwriting is incredible. I could listen to her lyrics all day! There are so many great tunes… but I keep coming back to Some Kind Of Control.
To celebrate the release of Life In The Front Seat, Laura will be playing a special intimate launch show in Boonah QLD on the 15th of October, before hitting the stage at Groundwater Country Music Festival between the 16th and 18th.
You can listen to the album here.
And follow along with Laura here.