Glasgow singer who was 90s indie scene hit back with new single

Frontwoman Laura Donnelly sighs softly at the memory.

“It feels like a very long time ago,” she says, smiling. “I was so young. We did T in the Park, which just blew my mind, and toured to Denmark as part of this twin-town thing East Kilbride had with Ballerup. I was 16 and I hadn’t even been on a plane before.

“But it was a fun time, hanging out with all the bands coming in and out of EK Arts Centre, the Supernaturals, The Pearlfishers…Davie Scott from The Pearlfishers has kept in touch and he has been really supportive, helping to promote my music.”

She grins. “It was probably a bit too much fun back then. But connecting with people through music - I had found my tribe.”

There have been ups and downs in Laura’s life since then. Success with God’s Boyfriend led to even more with folktronica outfit Laki Mera, hailed by the music press as “a fusion of pastoral pleasures and latterday Portishead” and “folk roots, but happy on the dance floor”.

Laura Donnelly (Image: Robert Perry/Newsquest)

Founders Laura and producer and multi-instrumentalist Andrea Gobbi then split up after a nine-year relationship, although they remain friends (and Laki Mera continue to make music). She released her first solo album in 2020, to great acclaim, and she is back this spring with her new single, Blind Love.

Now on her own with two daughters – Maja, nine, and Ania, seven – and living in the West End – Laura explains the new song is about being careful who you fall in love with.

“I have had a string of relationships since I was 15, and I have always rushed to fall in love,” she says.

“I’m on my own now, for the first time in a long time, and it’s actually amazing.”

She adds, with a smile: “Life is about what I like and what I need, and it feels good.”

Blind Love is a beautiful swirl of bewitching vocals, thoughtful lyrics and warm instrumentals.

“It’s about as pop-py as I get,” she laughs. “I did everything in my home studio – writing, recording, producing, mixing, even the videos and the artwork…

Laura admits singing was never really on her radar as a “proper” career.

“I was always drawn to music though, even before I was in God’s Boyfriend,” she adds. “I used to daydream about being on stage.

“I’m quite a shy person, but on stage, something kicks in and I just go for it.”

At the start of lockdown, Laura – who is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art – was finding things tough.

“It was really hard, because I was on my own with the girls, there was no work, no income – I had to rely on family support,” she says. “I was sending out lots of job applications and quite often, there was nothing coming back, not even an acknowledgement. It was bizarre.”

She pauses. “Through all of it though, I never stopped writing. Making my solo album during that time really was my saving grace. It’s great to have music to help process my emotions, I have always done that.”

“My songwriting has always been a tool to process life and also document the highs and lows – I’m grateful that even in my darkest times I can still create something new that didn’t previously exist, and I can share it with anyone who wants to listen.”

With the new single out and a second album in the making, are gigs on the horizon?

“I do miss gigs, being part of a band - I sang backing vocals recently for Graeme Armstrong and that was the best experience,” she says, with a smile.

“I would like to perform again, but I’m not quite there yet.”

Blind Love, by Laura Donnelly, is out now.