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Photo Credit: Rob Blackham
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In music, technical skill can impress, and catchy melodies can entertain—but what truly sets an artist apart is a distinctive sound. A unique tone, style, or voice allows listeners to instantly recognize an artist, creating a lasting impression and a deeper connection. Developing a distinctive sound is both an art and a journey, combining talent, experimentation, and personal expression.
Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, and Prince exemplify this principle. Clapton’s warm, blues-infused guitar tone has been instantly identifiable across decades, while Franklin’s commanding vocals and emotive delivery set a standard for soul music that few could replicate. Prince, meanwhile, blended funk, rock, pop, and R&B into a sound entirely his own, making every note unmistakably him. These artists didn’t just play or sing—they imbued every performance with personality, emotion, and originality.
Legends like Stevie Nicks, B.B. King, and Tom Petty exemplify the power of a distinctive sound. Nicks’ ethereal vocals and unique phrasing made Fleetwood Mac instantly recognizable, while B.B. King’s expressive vibrato and “Lucille” tone defined modern blues, and Tom Petty’s jangly guitar work and signature voice created a timeless rock identity. Contemporary artists continue this tradition: Adele captivates with her powerhouse vocals and emotional depth, Bruno Mars combines funk, pop, and soul into a sound uniquely his own, and H.E.R. fuses R&B, blues, and modern pop with a tone and style instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.
Creating a distinctive sound requires both confidence and exploration. It’s about understanding one’s influences while pushing boundaries, taking risks, and letting personality shape the music. Whether it’s through vocal timbre, instrumental tone, or songwriting approach, an artist’s individuality becomes their sonic fingerprint—something fans can instantly recognize and connect with.
Ultimately, a distinctive sound is what turns a good musician into an unforgettable artist. It’s not just the notes they play—it’s the identity, emotion, and originality woven into every performance, leaving listeners with an experience that feels both personal and timeless. and soul. Technical prowess may draw the eye, but it’s the musicality behind it that makes legends.
Our Opinion: Laura Evans’ Signature Sound
At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we believe that a truly distinctive sound is what separates memorable artists from the rest—and Laura Evans has it in spades. Her fusion of blues, soul, and Americana creates a tone that is instantly recognizable, yet emotionally expansive, drawing listeners into her world from the very first note.
Evans’ vocals carry a richness and vulnerability that make each song feel personal, while her instrumentation blends warmth and precision, giving her music both depth and accessibility. Tracks like What I’m Made Of showcase her ability to balance strength with nuance, crafting a sound that is as empowering as it is soulful. In our opinion, Laura Evans demonstrates that a distinctive sound is not just about uniqueness—it’s about authenticity, emotion, and the ability to make every listener feel connected to the music. She doesn’t just perform—she leaves an indelible mark on every ear that hears her.
ABOUT LAURA EVANS
Laura Evans is a Welsh singer-songwriter celebrated for her fusion of blues, soul, and Americana influences. Born on August 27, 1986, in Aberdare, South Wales, she was immersed in music from an early age, drawing inspiration from classic artists like Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, and Faith Hill. By age 14, she was composing her own songs, laying the foundation for her dynamic live performances and distinctive sound. With over two million streams on Spotify and significant radio support, Evans has built a dedicated following. In August 2024, she released the empowering single What I'm Made Of, added to BBC Radio 2's daytime playlist, as part of her upcoming EP of the same name, which leads into her second studio album. Her music resonates with themes of empowerment and resilience, reflecting both personal experiences and artistic evolution. Evans will continue celebrating her flourishing career with a UK tour in November 2025, marking the release of her new album Out of the Dark
When it comes to creating music that resonates, few artists manage to balance emotional depth with an unmistakable sonic identity like Laura Evans. The Welsh singer-songwriter has captivated audiences with her fusion of blues, soul, and Americana, delivering performances that feel both intimate and powerful. From her early compositions at age 14 to brand new album, Out of the Dark, Evans has consistently demonstrated a talent for turning personal experience into universal connection. In this interview, we dive into her creative process, her journey as an artist, and how she crafts a sound that is distinctly—and undeniably—hers.
INTERVIEW WITH LAURA EVANS AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Origins – You began writing songs at 14. How did your early experiences shape your musical style and sound?
Laura: I started writing songs as a teenager, and back then it was all about finding my voice and figuring out how to tell my own stories. I was hugely inspired by mix of artists from Fleetwood to Whitney Houston, these artists really showed me how powerful lyrics and melodies can be in connecting with people. Those early years taught me to lean into storytelling and emotion, which has stayed at the core of my music ever since.
Guitar Thrills: Influences – Artists like Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, and Faith Hill have inspired you. How have they influenced your approach to vocals and songwriting?
Laura: I’ve always been inspired by how lyrics can tell a story, especially in songs by artists like the Eagles. That storytelling really shaped my songwriting process, along with my love for powerful female voices and unforgettable melodies. I’ve always admired how Faith Hill and Bonnie Raitt can deliver such commanding vocals yet also sing something so soft and vulnerable that it completely stops you in your tracks.
Guitar Thrills: Distinctive Sound – How did you develop the unique blend of blues, soul, and Americana that defines your music?
Laura: I’m not exactly sure how it all came together, think it’s just a mix of my writing style and my love for those genres. I try not to overthink labels or categories too much as sometimes that stops the flow, for me it’s always about the song itself. If a song is good, it doesn’t really matter what genre it falls into.
Guitar Thrills: Songwriting Process – When creating a new song, do you start with lyrics, melody, or instrumental ideas?
Laura: this can vary but I usually always start with a melody and then the lyrics follow. Finding a great melody is always the best place to start for me and where I’m most inspired then it’s a weird wonderful magical process after that.
Guitar Thrills: Empowerment Themes – Tracks like What I’m Made Of highlights empowerment and resilience. How do your personal experiences influence your music?
Laura: My personal experiences definitely influence my music, when I wrote ‘What I’m made of’ I was feeling a little down and underestimated by the music industry and so I really channeled all those feelings of frustration and put them into a empowering song, which actually was a big success and very therapeutic for me, I think channeling anything you’re feeling happiness/ sadness, all of it makes for a great song and something people can connect to.
Guitar Thrills: Live Performance – How do you connect with audiences during live shows, and what’s your favourite way to engage fans on stage?
Laura: I absolutely love playing live it’s my favourite thing. Looking out & seeing fans sing along to my songs is just the best feeling in the world. I love to get close to my audience & treat them like they are in my front room, we laugh we cry, we dance, anything can happen!
Guitar Thrills: Studio vs. Stage – How do you translate the emotion and energy of your live performances into studio recordings?
Laura: I work really hard to push myself vocally in the studio. I try not to play it too safe and make a point of stepping out of my comfort zone, because that’s often where the best takes happen. One of the joys of recording is having the chance to try a vocal several times, I learn so much from listening back, and it helps me grow while making sure I capture the most authentic performance possible.
Guitar Thrills: Collaborations – Are there any ppl artists or producers you dream of working with to further explore your sound?
Laura: Ha! Where do I start!? There are so many artists and producers I’d love to work with. I’m a big fan of Chris Stapleton and Maggie Rose, and I’d love the chance to collaborate with them as writers. There’s also a great Nashville producer, Ben Tanner, who I really admire. And of course, there are incredible talents like Ryan Tedder and John Mayer who I’d be thrilled to work with as well, just to name a few!
Guitar Thrills: Overcoming Challenges – Have you faced any obstacles in your career, and how have they shaped you as an artist?
Laura: Yes, so many. Being an independent artist is really tough, because there’s so much more to it than just writing songs and performing. You must run it like a business, which means facing financial challenges, constantly working to hit goals, and keeping up with the demands of the industry, especially around social media. I had to take a break after experiencing burnout, but that time gave me a lot of clarity. It reminded me of why I started making music in the first place, and that’s what keeps me grounded and motivated as an artist.
Guitar Thrills: Future Vision – What’s next for Laura Evans: I’m really excited to take this album out on tour this November and play these songs with my full band. I’m also working on some collaborative releases for next year. I’d love to team up with some of my favourite artists and create something fresh. One collaboration already underway is with an amazing band here called The Cinelli Brothers, and I’m really looking forward to exploring more projects like that in the year ahead.
EPIC RESONATE
Laura Evans is more than a singer-songwriter—she is an artist who crafts music with heart, soul, and unmistakable identity. From her early beginnings composing songs at 14 to her new album, Out of the Dark, Evans has consistently showcased a talent for turning personal experiences into music that resonates with listeners. Her fusion of blues, soul, and Americana, paired with emotive vocals and dynamic performances, leaves a lasting impression on anyone who hears her. As she continues to evolve and explore new musical horizons, one thing is clear: Laura Evans’ music doesn’t just entertain—it connects, inspires, and endures.
