Laura Stevenson’s career did not begin as a solo singer-songwriter. The name of her band was called Bomb the Music Industry!—a ska-ish punk band that you’d never believe such a fair-voiced folk singer like Stevenson would be part of. But it was the experience she needed, learning to be on tour and to collaborate with other musicians, and how to believe in her own process as a writer. She later released her first album called A Record—a subtle collection of songs that quickly inspired a more cohesive second album called Sit Resist that was released just one year later.
Stevenson’s music is airy and gentle for the most part, until she surprises listeners and spins her vibe into something more commercial-pop, more polished and bubbly, as heard in songs like “The Healthy One.” But the core of her sound—where that vulnerability comes from—is what makes Stevenson such a captivating singer. Inspired by musicians like Liz Phair and the Replacements, Stevenson moved from Long Island to Brooklyn and then to upstate where she rid herself of over-thinking the creative process and just let it all seep from her—this unapologetic, brutally honest style of music that is apparent on Cocksure, her fourth album release.
Laura Stevenson (who used to be called Laura Stevenson and the Cans) has been on tour with bands like Against Me!, Kevin Devine, and The Gaslight Anthem. But from what it looks like now, she’s doing more than fine headlining all on her own.
Rough Trade
3/26
9 p.m.
$16
Axs.com
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