Gemma Laurence is a Brooklyn-based indie folk singer-songwriter from the coast of Maine. Categorizing herself as “Sapphic folk,” Laurence takes inspiration from queer femme poets and songwriters from the past and present: Adrianne Lenker, Tomberlin, Elizabeth Bishop, Adrienne Rich, and Sappho to name a few. Having grown up on the coast of Maine and the hills of Oxfordshire, Laurence’s time on both sides of the Atlantic influenced her unique sound: a fusion of foot-stomping Americana with a hint of English folk. Laurence recently was just featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where she performed on the Instant Songwriters.
On “Lavender”, Laurence offers up a heartfelt, slow burn with an endearing folk-rock lilt and poetic lyricism reminiscent of Natalie Merchant. Splashes of banjo and crunchy guitar chords come together to add interesting layers to the chord changes while Laurence brings to light the trials and joys of a community whose stories have historically been under-represented in the Americana scene. Her second full-length album, Lavender, is slated for release on November 4th, 2022 on Better Company Records.
“Lavender” is a song I wrote for my best friend when she came out as trans. I wanted to write a song that would celebrate her transition, but also honor the hardships she’d been through to get to that point. It can be really hard coming out, so I think all of us queer folks need more anthems of queer joy,” says Laurence.
