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musicXport.nl
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Laura Jansen
goes transatlantic
Laura Jansen (1977) divides her time between Holland and The States. Studying
music, first in Rotterdam and from 2000 onwards at Berkley College of Music in
Boston, she moved to Los Angeles and became involved in the singer-songwriter
scene centred around Hollywood’s Hotel Café. Last year September, Universal
released her debut album, Bells, which collects two privately released EPs. Jansen
carries two passports, since her father is Dutch and her mother is American.
By Alfred Bos
MXP: How much of your time do you spend in The States?
Laura Jansen: “Before signing with Universal in The Netherlands, it had been about
three years between visits. As a struggling waitress in LA during the day and a
musician at night it was nearly impossible to pay for tickets or find time. I was
working 19-20 hour days sometimes to get by and all my extra money was being
put into finding cheap studio time and paying musicians to tour with me. All of
that has changed last year and it’s been amazing. In 2009 I travelled about five
times between Los Angeles and Holland. I’m getting used to the flight and the time
difference and love the combined experience of being in both places so frequently.
It keeps me firmly rooted to my foundations and I really do take the best of both
cultures with me.”
MXP: What is your average working day like?
“It really depends where I am. When I’m in Los Angeles you’ll find me in my
wonderful Los Feliz neighbourhood. I wake up relatively early and head straight
to my laptop. I’m madly obsessed with the power of the internet and what it can
do for musicians. I’m not one of those disciplined writers that write for the sake
of writing and can treat it as a job. Los Angeles is a place where I can retreat
into my own little bubble and I come out to play music with friends. The Hotel
Cafe is my living room away from home and you can find me there a few times a
week. Its where I see new and incredible songwriters, reconnect with my friends
as they come home from touring and it’s the only place in Hollywood where I feel
completely at home. When I’m not home my workdays are so different. There’s no
such thing as a typical day for musicians.”
MXP: How does the working climate for musicians in Europe differ from that in the
States?
“There are huge differences; both have pros and cons. I left Holland nine years ago
because I found myself getting stuck in a scene and a style that would have given
me a very comfortable life financially, but was making me very unhappy musically.
The pros of music in Europe in general is that there is an inherent appreciation for
the arts that I think is lacking in the States. Holland also allows room for singer
songwriters on the commercial level, something that is nearly impossible in the
States. The beauty of living and working in Los Angeles as a musician is that I am
surrounded by absolutely the best talents in the world. My own level of writing and
arranging has gone up so much because of the level of writing around me.”
MXP: Do you listen to singer-songwriters while at home?
“Ha! Goodness, no. For inspiration I tend to listen older music, usually from the
‘70s. I’m also really inspired by bands. Taking elements from rock, hip hop, reggae,
electronica and synthi-pop and adding them to girly singer-songwriter stuff is
where I have the most fun.”
MXP: Will you perform at Noorderslag as a solo act or with a band?
“The last club tour I did in Holland was completely solo. This time around, I’m
bringing my fantastic band from Los Angeles. I’m really looking forward to playing
at Noorderslag.”
Saturday 16 January @ 3FM Zaal, 22:30 - 23:10
www.laurajansenmusic.com
www.myspace.com/laurajansenmusic