Front Deck Boom Box: Lauren Housley

British singer-songwriter Lauren Housley released her third full length album, Girl From The North last week, through her own label Lovebird Recordings. Recorded with husband and long-time collaborator, Thomas Dibb in their basement studio, which they built underneath a food hall in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, Girl From The North features ten new co-writes by the couple and features the singles What's Troubling You Child, the atmospheric Stay Awake To Dream and the feel-good This Ain’t The Life. The album follows up her widely praised 2017 LP, The Beauty of This Life and Sweet Surrender in 2015.

We caught up with Lauren to find out what songs she’s listening to for this week’s Front Deck Boom Box.

Yola Ft. The Highwomen & Sheryl Crow- Hold On

This has become a bit of an uplifting anthem for me recently. The message is totally feel-good and there are so many of my favourite artists on one track, that it just makes me want to sing along. Yola’s voice has sooo much power and soul it lifts you up to the sky and keeps you there! 

Carole King - (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman

I’ve been listening to the whole Tapestry album a lot recently for the 50th Anniversary of the album. Every song on there is a timeless classic – it’s a complete masterpiece! It’s hard to pick a favourite but ‘Natural Woman’ always sends shivers down my spine. The beautiful simplicity of the lyrics makes you feel every single word.

The Paper Kites feat. Aoife O’Donovan - Climb on Your Tears

The production, vocal delivery and the lyrics to this song make me feel so nostalgic and really grab me by the heart. It’s like a big warm hug during these times of separation and worldwide loneliness. I cried when I first heard this song and it’s always a favourite to listen to on my headphones late at night.

Hiss Golden Messenger - If It Comes in The Morning

I’m a huge fan of Hiss Golden Messenger and this new song has everything I love about his music. A hypnotic slow groove, nostalgic lyrics and so much soul it hurts! I saw him live in London a few years ago and it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever seen, the audience were in a complete trance.

Natalie Hemby - This Town Still Talks About You

I first heard this song via a Spotify playlist and every time it came on I was singing along – I felt like I’d known it for years. The chorus is really hooky – I love it. I now play it all the time! I love the sentiment that a place holds memories of a person and it’s hard to separate the place from those memories. We can all relate to that feeling.

Keep up to date with Lauren Housley, follow her on Facebook here.
And check out some more of our Front Deck Boom Box series here.

Image: Supplied