British born, LA-based singer/songwriter LAUREL has come back for me with her second studio album PALPITATIONS. Solidifying her knack for creating a captivating, introspective pop song that makes you want to dance, the artist journeys through desire, change, and freedom throughout the album. “Each song on my record can be felt as a palpitation," she says. "A moment of angst/adrenaline/love/sorrow/heartache/euphoria. Emotions that are so strong that they make your heart skip a beat.” We talked to LAUREL about how the album came to fruition:

We love the album. How does it feel to have it out in the world? What have you released with it?

It feels all sorts of weird! Partly incredible because it's been a long time coming - you get a pretty big emotional release when you release your work - but there’s another side of it which maybe you could say is like postpartum. You’re kinda grieving the album and giving it away - it’s pretty charged.

Where did you write it? Does your environment affect the music you make and the lyrics you write?

I wrote it partly in New York, Los Angeles, Provence and London. My environment absolutely affects my music. I think you can hear the sunny Californian ones compared to ‘Only One’ which I wrote in the English winter time in my old house in Clapton. The grey seeps through!

Who did you work with? How did they help to shape your sound?

I worked with Chrome Sparks on most of the record. We really did find this sound together, it’s like having a bandmate. You’re both coming with different influences and expectations and melding them together to make something entirely new.

How do you think you have evolved as an artist on this project? What can you see and hear that has transformed?

I felt pretty headstrong with this record. I wanted to do everything my way, as I had a clear vision. Now that I’ve put it out I feel like I’ve let that go, I feel more open minded for my next chapter and that honestly feels really refreshing and renewing. When a project takes a while you can really get stuck in, going over and over the same songs and themes and ideas. You can get a little lost. I feel like I learned a lot from creating this and feel like the next record will be better for it.

Is there a song you’re particularly proud of on the album?

I love ‘45 Degrees’, it’s the pop song I always wanted to write. On a personal level though ‘Deathwish’ is also a big one for me, it feels nostalgic when I hear it and soaked in my own emotions.

What was your biggest challenge creating this project?

Doing a full length just takes time, during the process you change a lot and are inspired by new things. There’s a desire to keep changing courses but you have to stick to one path.

What was the best moment?

I think producing ‘Change’ with Chrome Sparks was one of the best moments. When he wrote the digi flute part, that’s my favourite riff on the album.

Who is on the LAUREL playlist at the moment? What’s inspiring you?

Mk.gee, Sam Austins, Omar Apollo.

What’s something you’re passionate about, aside from music?

I like writing. I published a book a few years ago called The Mutterings of a Laurel, and have another one in the works.

What’s next?

I’m heading out on a European tour, and I’m writing another album!

Listen to PALPITATIONS here.

@classiclaurel