Laura Frank

So just who is Laura Frank? The dynamic singer-songwriter from QLDs dreamlike Scenic Rim is undoubtedly a star on the rise. Her edgy blend of country rock earned her the People's Choice Award for 'Most Promising Future Star' at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival. To follow it up, today she's unveiled her roaring new single, 'Days Gone By'.

'Days Gone By' is a song of metamorphosis. "I'm toasting to days gone by," belts the brazen country singer, as she sheds her skin; bidding adieu to the struggles in her past. "[It's] a thank you to the lessons learnt, the mistakes made, the journey had," she attests. "Or more accurately - a 'Thank you, but I don't need you anymore'."

The track opens with the steady chug of electric guitars – like a gentle beast stirring from slumber. By the song's emphatic chorus, it's wide awake. Frank's vocal soars effortlessly, unshackled from fear and doubt. "Over the years I put up walls and built castles around myself to protect myself from the disappointment, the failures & the mistakes," confesses Frank. "In more recent times I've started to knock those down and forge a new path. Without those experiences or lessons I wouldn't be the person I am."

The self-penned, self-assured bop was brought to life by ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer, Jordan Power (Kasey Chambers). It was recorded at Bernard Fanning's studio in the Byron Bay hinterland, which provided the perfect oasis for inspiration. "Being in the studio is maybe my favourite part of the 'music' process.  Hearing the song come to life.  Collaborating with other amazing musicians."

As Frank's lyrics suggest, the days gone by haven't always been smooth sailing. Only a few years ago she was pouring froths at a brewery, shortly after ending a long-term relationship and closing down 2 businesses which she'd run for the better part of a decade. Songwriting was her therapy, and Frank formulated the genius idea to leave her home in Brisbane for her family's property in the Scenic Rim.

"This 100% changed my life," exclaims the singer-songwriter. She now lives on 250 acres of eucalypt forest with her partner, Nick Morrissey, in a home they built together from recycled materials. "Because we were passionate about sustainability and being considered custodians of the planet it was important to us to lessen our impact on the environment whilst we were building."

However this is not the singer's only collaboration with Morrissey - together they produced the music video for 'Days Gone By'. "From the concept, to design, hair and makeup, set, videography to editing, Nick and I have been doing it with just ourselves." The stunning clip features panoramic hinterland vistas and Frank in the driver's seat of a 1950 Chevy. "It's the first time I've driven a left hand drive car… it was strange, but didn't take me long to get the hang of it!"

Frank has always been heavily involved in the arts. In fact, while attending dance lessons 4 to 5 times a week as a child, she discovered her passion for singing. "We were rehearsing for a 'Song & Dance' number in one of our dance classes when my teacher said to me … 'Laura… I think you can actually sing'."

Her career as a singer/dancer saw her perform in productions of 'Hairspray' and 'Grease' alongside heavyweights Travis Collins, Simon Burke, Christine Anu & Dami Im. Frank also found time to volunteer for the theatre company, 'indelabilityarts', who provide employment for people with disabilities (a company of which she's now the Producer) as well as 'Muso Magic' and 'Outback Tracks'; programs run by Chocolate Starfish lead singer, Adam Thompson, that provide songwriting opportunities to rural indigenous communities.

Frank has supported James Blundell on multiple occasions, as well as Chocolate Starfish and Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus) with her energetic live show. She's also slated to appear as a special guest for Daryl Braithwaite in March 2023.  If that's not enough indication of Frank's growing popularity - her hometown launch of the new single sold out of tickets in under 24 hours!

Laura Frank has proven herself to be "an artist that demands your attention" (Amnplify). 'Days Gone By' is a feel-good toe tapper and its energy is rivalled only by its authenticity. As she closes the chorus with "Stepping from the shadows to the light", you can feel the weight in her voice and believe she's lived every word.