Not often do we get to speak to people who have shaped the indie circuit in the UK so much and in so many practical ways: through their deeds, positive attitude and willingness to work with everyone. Laura Jayne is one of those people. She deserves proper recognition for her work. This interview is way overdue, we know, but in our small way we want to pay our respect to a woman who uplifted many and championed countless artists throughout the years.
Laura has just released her brand new single “90 Days” after two years hiatus and we could not miss this brilliant opportunity to sit down with her and ask her some questions. She answered them in her usual manner: with humour and gusto. Despite some tough moments recently, she is the very definition of strength and she will still have some great advice for any artists out there.
Please read the interview below. And listen to “90 Days” – a brilliant rock piece inspired by country and southern rock. It’s like Alannah Miles meets Amanda Marshall, a tune that is so full of soul that it overflows, while retaining its pop choruses and radio friendly appeal.
We have reviewed your three singles to date: “That’s Reality”, “Kiss Me on a Friday Night” and “Blue Fairy”, but this is the first time we have the honour to interview you for Indieterria. It may not sound like this from the text but we are very excited. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Laura Jayne: Hiii, I am Laura Jayne! I am from the North East of England and am a singer/ songwriter. I also host a radio show called the Indie Bass for a local radio station called CVFM! I am supporting independent artists from the UK and all over the world.
According to our blog regulars “Kiss Me on a Friday Night” is one of the best pop-rock songs that were released in the UK in the last five years. It’s hard to argue with that finding. The single had such a great combination of a retro feel and fresh energy. Patti Labelle meets Heart, with a killer solo to boot. Do you remember what inspired it?
Laura Jayne: Ohhhhhhh YES!! I remember the inspiration for it very well! Just listen to the words and the song tells you the exact story just as it was. First glances, texting, flirting, cheeky smiles, then during a drunken night and after being pulled in close, me taking the bull by the horns and going in for the first kiss. Shame it never transpired to more, some things just aren’t meant to be. But it is a moment, a memory that still makes me smile and is imprinted on my brain.
Every song you release shows a different side of you. “Blue Fairy” was almost acoustic and felt like a gospel composition with elaborate choruses and incorporation of call-and-response techniques. It was also your first Christmas single. Do you like to surprise your listeners, keep them on their toes and think about what Laura Jayne will come up with next time?
Laura Jayne: I just write what’s in my heart!! I speak about things that mean something to me and the rhythms and melodies just come along from that. I don’t believe in sticking to one genre of music. Do what you feel is right at the time, match it to what you feel when you are writing your lyrics. Then hopefully that feeling is captured by your listeners or interpreted into something that they can relate to.
After two years you are returning to music with new track “90 Days”. It is a glorious come back to guitar music but with elements of country, roots and southern rock. And we will be the first to admit, Americana suits you. This could easily be played anywhere from Florida to Appalachia to TexMex border. Basically, if not a dodgy administration and federal shutdowns, you could move to the States and show everybody how to rock. How do you feel about this song?
Laura Jayne: It’s a very deep song. And probably has many meanings to different people. It actually started out with a very different perspective. I wrote the chorus probably about 5 years ago, maybe more when my brother passed from his addiction. I could never find the words at that time to make the verses. I then went back to it the last few years and it morphed into a song about limerence: a state of intense, obsessive infatuation with another person, idealisation and a consuming desire for reciprocation of those feelings that just never happened and persistence of wanting to break that cycle to save yourself from the heartache.
“90 Days” has a surprising amount of spoken words. It starts with a message of encouragement to yourself. You are saying “I can do this” even before the music starts, then at the end you are heard reciting very fast, like you are arguing or advocating on somebody’s behalf. What a genuinely brilliant idea, almost like Debbie Harry in “Rapture”. Shouldn’t you add rapper to the list of your talents.
Laura Jayne: (laughs) I am not sure about that!! I did disagree with my producer over this part of the song (massive shout out to James “The Silver Fox” Henderson). My songs always start with a very basic idea on the acoustic guitar and I explained to James what I’d like. He’s the one who brings them to life. But I had the rap part much slower at one point. I went away and he did his thing. We both thought it didn’t quite sound right. As I was driving to re-record some bits I thought: “Hang on, we can do this better. if we move it here and I can speed it up” and then it just worked ! But I won’t be adding rapper to my list of talents (bursts into laughter).
Scientists say that it takes about three months (or 90 days) for an addict to break the vicious cycle of dependency from a substance. You claim the same can be applied to love. At least that’s the main take away from your single. It makes us curious. Have you ever been in a situation where your feelings were so strong that nothing else existed?
Laura Jayne: Yes!! Big time and that’s all I have to say about that!
In recent months, you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you underwent a life saving operation. How are you feeling?
Laura Jayne: I am getting there slowly, it’s been a rough ride with complications after surgery. I am tired easily, but am getting some of my strength back a little each day.
We have been following your recovery online and kept our fingers crossed for you. Are there any early signs people with ovaries need to be on the lookout for to diagnose cancer early?
Laura Jayne: Ovarian cancer is a tough one!! I’ve been very, very lucky! Over 40% of these cancers are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E as the symptoms are so vague and are usually passed off as other issues. Bloating, feeling full, needing to pee more frequently, bowel chances and pain are the most common things to look out for. But if you are concerned, keep asking questions to your GP!
You have been featured on the BBC Yorkshire program about cancer awareness. How did you get involved?
Laura Jayne: I only went for a cake and a cuppa 
. It was coffee morning for gynaecological cancer awareness month. I myself work within cancer care as my main job and have done so for about 20 years. I was asked by my specialist nurse if I would mind doing an interview as it gave the whole thing a different perspective.
We know you are still in recovery but we hope to see you perform live. Do you have any gigs planned? If not now, then maybe in the new year.
Laura Jayne: I missed out on playing Frontrow Festival this year due to my diagnosis but I’m already set to play in 2026 and I can’t wait!
You are not just a singer and multi-instrumentalist. You are also a radio DJ and promoter of new and unsigned music with a strong following online. From your own experience, do you think it helps to know both sides of the music industry?
Laura Jayne: I think it helps to know as much as you possibly can about all sides of the music industry. When you are independent, you have to do it all yourself anyway. But if you know your stuff you are less likely to get shafted by people as you know the questions to ask and the things that should be put in place before agreeing to play a gig, a festival or signing a contract . It’s so important to have a vast knowledge of every part of the industry. Mostly to protect yourself.
We have recently spoken to Christopher Nosnibor of Aural Aggravation, who like yourself is both a music writer and a performer. He said something very poignant about being part of the DIY circuit: “I’ve met many great people, and at this level, everyone – pretty much – is generous and supportive of one another”. How important is mutual assistance among musicians and other personnel when it comes to breaking new music.
Laura Jayne: Sooooooooo important!! Listen…. It’s the ripple effect isn’t it. How one small share from someone can trigger a chain reaction causing a series of wider and sometimes larger reactions. Much like ripples expanding on water after a pebble is dropped. If we all keep sharing and supporting, you never know who’s going to eventually see that post and think… wow!! These guys are amazing… and I don’t know about you. But if that happened to someone I supported, I’d be over the moon for them. And you never know when it’s going to be your turn.
Last question is always fun on Indieterria. Imagine you are responsible for giving tasks to participants of I’m a celebrity, Get me out of here. Which musicians/ bands are on the show and what obstacles are you throwing their way?
Laura Jayne: I’m giving this one to the lads from Nice Guy and I’d love to see them doing one of the eating challenges. They are all such different characters and I can imagine the chaos that would erupt between them all egging each other on and trying not to throw up!! 
You can follow Laura Jayne on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/laurajayne3w1m
https://twitter.com/LauraJayne3w1m
https://www.facebook.com/laura.lawton.94
www.youtube.com/@LauraJayne2023
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6n8ZQlWwfUUrLVeC3JLQ4T
Our previous coverage:
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/tag/laura-jayne
Additional reading:
https://www.tunefountain.com/laura-jayne-90-days
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 