Laura K Clarke is a Melbourne based singer-songwriter who's passion for music reflects in every aspect of her life. Often likened to a range of musicians she respects and admires including Wendy Matthews, Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell and Jewel, Laura’s folk/pop sound is sweet, soothing and honest.

Born into a musical family, Laura made her stage debut at age 6 singing an a capella "We are the world", but it was a further 12 years before she began actually studying vocals. With 2 years of coaching from multi-award winning blues artist Andrea Marr, Laura honed her craft and won several awards and competitions, but it was still years before she considered a career in music.

Laura began playing guitar and song writing in her early 20's, during which time her musical journey took her not only across the performing arts spectrum, but across the world. From London's acoustic lounges to cabaret shows in Portugal and Spain’s Canary Islands, Laura performed constantly while also working behind the scenes in production and venue management.

Upon her return to Melbourne, Laura's drive and determination resulted in performances at a range of events including the Royal Melbourne Show and The Melbourne Fringe Festival. She also secured a number of gigs at some of the city's best-known venues, including The Espy, Ruby's Lounge, Spencers Live and Curve Bar (The Arts Centre).

Complementary to the successful completion of a Diploma of Music Performance at Victoria University (2008/2009), Laura also participated in vocal and song writing workshops with some of America's finest teachers and writers, including Renee Grant-Williams (the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill), Wendy Parr (Regina Spektor) and Pat Pattison (John Mayer, Gillian Welch). She has also worked with some of Melbourne’s most talented writers including Angie Hart (Frente), Shane O’Mara (Paul Kelly, Lisa Miller) and Charles Jenkins.

Musically speaking, 2011 was a big year for Laura. She completed the recording of her debut EP “Looking For Inspiration”, with producer momo (Diafrix) and session musicians Damian Smith (M-Phazes), Mikey Chan (Direct Influence, Candice Monique), Pete Robinson (Russell Morris, Electric Mary) and Dean Matters (Andrea Marr, Eran James). She released the debut single “Do What You Say” to a sold out crowd at the Wesley Anne in Northcote and supported some of Australias finest talents, including ARIA award winner Monique Brumby and blues sensation Ray Beadle. Laura also shared festival bills with the likes of BONJAH and Lloyd Spiegel.

“Looking For Inspiration”, Laura’s debut EP, is released on April 27th and she tours Australia throughout June to promote it’s release. Always playing regular shows around Melbourne, and never one to settle with where her music has taken her, Laura is most definitely one to watch in every stage of her musical evolution.

More info at www.laurakclarke.com