Laura Barrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laura Barrett
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Barrett at the 2015 Canadian Film Centre Slaight Music Residency Showcase
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| Born |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Education | University of Toronto |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Indie pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | |
| Labels | Paper Bag |
Laura Alexandra Barrett is a Canadian indie pop singer-songwriter. She is well-known for using the kalimba in her music. The kalimba is a small, hand-held instrument with metal tines that you pluck.
Besides her own music, Laura has played in several bands. These include The Hidden Cameras, Henri Fabergé and the Adorables, Woodhands, and Sheezer.
Early Life and Education
Laura Barrett was born in Toronto, Canada. She studied English literature and linguistics at the University of Toronto. She graduated from the university in 2006.
Later, she went back to school to get a master's degree in education. She now works as a teacher for the Toronto District School Board.
Musical Journey
Laura started playing the piano when she was 8 years old. She had classical training, which means she learned traditional piano music. She later bought a kalimba online as a hobby.
Her first public performance as a solo artist was special. She sang a cover of "Smells Like Nirvana" at a "Weird Al" Yankovic tribute concert. Before this, she had been part of a band called Lake Holiday.
After her first solo show, she released two shorter music collections called EPs. She also worked as the music director for a play in New York City.
Albums and Projects
Laura released her first full-length album, Victory Garden, in 2008. It was released by Paper Bag Records.
In 2009, Laura took part in a documentary series called City Sonic. This series featured 20 artists from Toronto. Laura talked about her very first rock concert. She was 12 years old when she saw Rheostatics play at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
From 2010 to 2015, Laura played in a band called Sheezer. This was an all-female Weezer tribute band. They covered songs from Weezer's first two albums, The Blue Album and Pinkerton.
In 2010, Laura toured with the band The Magnetic Fields. She joined them for 11 shows across North America. The next year, she worked on the National Parks Project. She collaborated with other musicians and a filmmaker. Together, they made a short film about Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta.
Laura released her most recent album, Who Is the Baker?, in 2019. This was her first album in eleven years. Before this album, Laura also worked with Girls Rock Camp Toronto. She helped compose music for films like Porch Stories (2015) and Birdland (2018).
Discography
- Who is the Baker? (2019)
- Victory Garden (2009)
- Earth Sciences (2008)
