Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Jones.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I wanted to be a teacher and a singer since I was a little girl. Who knew then that both would come true? I grew up as the typical southern girl singing in church and playing the piano. I was awarded a small voice scholarship in college, but music theory terrified me, so I did not major in music. I decided to go the “safe” route and become a teacher with a stable job and income rather than “risking” a music career. I kept my songwriting side hidden, writing poems and verses in my journal. It wasn’t until my early thirties that I realized my dream of being a singer/songwriter. After a chance night of karaoke with friends, they asked me, “Why aren’t you singing”? It was the next week I pinned my first complete “song” and sent it to my musical best friend (you know we all have one), and she loved it! Being older I’m the music business has been an issue. I’ve been told, “It’s a numbers game.” However, I’ve kept writing and singing, as I do it, for the love and my desire to create.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As mentioned, being an older woman in this business is not valued. It’s a huge slap in the face to experience this, as the wisdom I now possess compared to my 20s is astounding. Why would we not want to listen to the voices who have struggled, lived through life’s obstacles, and survived? The obsession with youth has only been magnified with social media as well. It is easy to compare oneself constantly and never feel good enough or young enough. However, aging women’s voices are needed now more than ever, and I love defying stereotypes.
I am so thankful I have not given up! For my latest EP, “Fairytales,” I worked with some of my musical heroes! Eric Dover, Roger Joseph Manning Jr, and Tim Smith can be heard on the title track and are all former members of my favorite high school band, Jellyfish! Also, Ward William’s, from my favorite band in my college years and adulthood, Jump, Little Children, can be heard on “Hide Away” and “Oz Unveiled” as well! It’s been surreal! Another bright spot with this latest EP was working with up-and-coming bluegrass legend Andrew Crawford, who recorded, mixed, mastered, and played on this creation!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My most important job is being a mother to two incredible humans. By day, I am a fifth-grade math/science teacher; by night, I am a singer/songwriter! I do my best to incorporate music into my teaching to help the students. So many resources are available for teachers to find songs that correlate with content to help students understand concepts. My students think it is very cool. I am in a band and write songs too. I even have a guitar they share during days with indoor recess! I encourage my children and students to pursue their dreams by doing the work myself. I wish someone had taught me the importance of resiliency as early as fifth grade and how pursuing our passions helps us overcome the pitfalls life brings to us.
What do you think about happiness?
Being with my children makes me happy, reminding me to stay in the present moment. I feel this way whenever I am creating in any form, whether it be writing songs, being in nature, or practicing yoga.
Contact Info:
- Website: Barleycoveband.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/barleycoveband?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/barleycoveband?wtsid=rdr_0PCLBoMmCastUhovW
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@barleycoveband
- SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/barleycove
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FOv2A6CTvtkYIpwCt1qTO?si=HjwXg5stR9GxBMAoes_Fvg
Image Credits
“Fairytales” album cover by Kelley Wills Brainflower, Designs “Barleycove,” photo by Audrey Wilson Photography Hoteye, Photography for Laura solo w/guitar
