Award-winning UK-based pop/rock artist Laura Musgrave returns with her vibrant new single, “Play Again” on Friday, November 1. Weaving angst-driven guitars with optimistic lyrical imagery, the track encapsulates the feeling of picking yourself up amidst life’s biggest challenges.
Laura Musgrave has garnered significant industry recognition for her work, including recent consideration for the prestigious GRAMMY Awards® in the categories of Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. She took home the ‘International Female Single of the Year (Gold Award)’ at the 2023 International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards and is currently nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards in Nashville, USA. Her music has found a global audience, with airplay across international radio stations, from the UK’s BBC Radio to stations in the USA and Australia, reflecting her rising influence in the pop-rock scene.
What’s the story behind this track?
It’s about those moments in life where you’ve been going through a difficult time and you’re finding your strength again. Starting to feel like you’re getting through to the other side of it all. You’re ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead, even if you’re not sure how you’ll do that just yet.
Any life experiences inspired you to write it?
I got sick for a while a couple years ago and couldn’t do anything at all. I had zero energy and felt so ill. I had no idea how long it would last, or how and when I’d be able to get back to doing what I loved. I was trying to be patient and hope for the best, but it was worrying. Luckily, I did gradually recover. I then started to think about times in life where your world stops, and you have to figure out how to pick yourself back up.
What’s the main message behind it?
There’s a key line in the chorus that sums it up well for me: “I’ll pick up the pieces and play again”. You’re not done yet, you’re ready to get back up, and work out how to move forward. It’s that determination and that inner strength that says “I trust myself to be able to figure this out”.
Why mix angst-driven guitars with optimistic lyrical imagery?
I love rock guitars, and wanted ‘Play Again’ to have a really energetic feel. Blending that sound with lyrics about being able to work through difficult times in life felt quite anthemic. Something that you could sing along to at the top of your lungs.
Who are your favorite artists of all time and why?
That’s a tough question! My favourite artists tend to be either singer songwriters and/or rock bands and artists. I especially love confessional songwriting, where it feels like the writer or artist is pouring their heart out. You’re hearing something that is deeply personal to them, and you can hear the emotion in the vocals as well. Perhaps not a surprise that Alanis Morissette is one of my favourites. Allso Paramore, Tori Amos, and Fiona Apple. And more recently, artists like Taylor Acorn, Cassadee Pope, and Charlotte Sands. They’ve all got that confessional writing style, and ability to tell a personal story in a song.
What’s it like being the recipient of ‘International Female Single of the Year (Gold Award)’?
It was really exciting and a lovely surprise! I was very happy to be a finalist, and was celebrating that with family and friends. I didn’t expect to win the top prize in that category. When I heard the results, I was so thrilled and grateful.
What are the main themes of your storytelling and what other topics would you like to explore?
My songs usually fall into one of two main themes: love and relationships, and overcoming challenges in life. There are so many moods and emotions you can write about in those themes alone. I definitely haven’t discovered them all yet! I’d like to find different aspects that I’ve not covered yet within those, and perhaps explore them from different perspectives.
What inspired the production and sonic aspect of this track?
A lot of early 2000s rock and pop-rock, and music from more recent artists that are also influenced by that era. For example, Avril Lavigne, Pale Waves, and Taylor Acorn.
What are your plans for 2025?
At the moment, I’m planning out my next year, alongside writing, and rehearsing. There will definitely be new music coming in 2025! I’m working on some new live performances as well… Follow along and say hello @lauramusgravemusic on social media.
