tag:lauraoden.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=2News2021-08-25T17:16:50-08:00Laura Odenfalsetag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/67272572021-08-25T17:16:50-08:002023-11-07T13:04:04-09:00Authority Magazine: Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life<p>Authority Magazine Interview: An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman</p>
<p>Pace yourself. This is a long road trip. — Pay attention to the signals that your brain needs to restore bandwidth. For me it’s getting fixated on one task without making any progress or not being able to stay focused. That’s when I need to do something that engages my left brain. Take a walk, sing a song, doodle on some paper.</p>
<p>Read full article <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://medium.com/authority-magazine/laura-oden-of-pandere-shoes-second-chapters-how-i-reinvented-myself-in-the-second-chapter-of-my-6ecaf2e08591" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>
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<p>Learn more about <a contents="Pandere Shoes here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.pandereshoes.com/">Pandere Shoes here</a>.</p>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/45766362017-02-02T10:25:00-09:002023-12-10T07:44:27-09:00Kin Folk: Anchorage Press<strong>Author: Zakiya McCummings Anchorage Press<br>Feb 2, 2017</strong>
<p><a contents="Read In Anchorage Press" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.anchoragepress.com/arts-entertainment-music/kin-folk">Read In Anchorage Press</a></p>
<p>The dim lit bar is filled comfortably with chattering guests. Across the room, two women clink classes over their dinner plates. It appears as though everyone has arrived with someone else. Just after 7 p.m. a woman with sandy-brown hair and round glasses takes the stage. </p>
<p>“Hi everyone,” she says. The crowd cheers. “I’m Laura Oden.” </p>
<p>Oden is a familiar and constant presence in the Anchorage music scene. In the 90s she was one half of the duo Pagan Cowgirlz, but more recently she co-founded the Anchorage Music Co-op, helped out with Parlor in the Round and released her first full-length album,Alchemy. </p>
<p>Her Friday night show at TapRoot is a celebration of her second major release, Peel Back Another Layer. By the time Oden takes the stage just 10 minutes to eight, the crowd is warmed up from an opening set by Steven Bacon and gives her a booming round of applause. Local musicians Cameron Cartland, Jay Strange, Lena Lukina and Yngvil Vatn Guttu join her onstage. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/80264/bb3583e65374a89c9e0d06bc61a8638e3da1f2bd/original/img-3830-1.jpg?1486236197" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mark Ward</p>
<p>“We’re gonna play two sets for you,” she says into the microphone. “The first one is ten songs, and then we’ll come back for six more.” </p>
<p>The first set opens with “It’s Just Me,” a smooth, soulful track that allows Guttu to showcase her skills as a melodica player. Otherwise known as a key harmonica, the melodica has a rich, reedy sound that acts as a natural complement to Oden’s crisp vocals. </p>
<p>Oden is not particularly theatrical onstage; most of the time she sticks to her perch right behind the microphone. Her face often speaks just as loudly as her voice; she is expressive in her delivery, as showcased during her most popular track, “One Tattoo Girl.” </p>
<p>Although the backing band is full off impressive musicians in their own right, this is undoubtedly Laura’s show. They all seem to fade into the background, all eyes on center stage. The magic of Oden, however, is her unwavering desire to take the spotlight and shine in on those who elevate her live sets. </p>
<p>Guttu, who is well-versed in multiple instruments, has a couple trumpet solos and even showcases her skills on the ukulele. But it’s Lukina’s fiddle solo during “Sweetly Intertwined” that stuns the crowd. Her solo tells a tale of angst and uncertainty, saying more through music than can ever be said in words.<br> </p>
<p>Things take a deeply personal turn when Oden introduces “Little Sister.” </p>
<p>“2016 was rough,” she says. “Everyone in my family died. It’s just me and my brother now.” </p>
<p>She pauses, her lips tilted into a grin. “The good brother. The bad brother is dead now.” </p>
<p>“Little Sister” is a song about appreciation and gratitude. Oden’s voice is emotive and intimate. As a result, the song speaks to the soul of anyone with a cherished familial tie. “So nice to go home and not feel alone,” she sings. </p>
<p>The second half of the first set isn’t as engaging as the first. While the earlier tracks bring new life into a well-worn genre, many of the later songs bleed into one another. It’s not that they aren’t good; they are Folk-Americana in the most traditional sense, but they aren’t exciting. They don’t get your feet tappin’ like a good folk set should. </p>
<p>Oden reins things back in when she starts her second set, opening with “Sleep Song.” This is the best of Oden, a sassy, brash song that dares to demand more of a lover in front of a room full of strangers. “Throw me down and have your way with me,” she croons to the hooting crowd. “Sweep this pin-up girl off her tired feet.” </p>
<p>Following on the heels of this fun opener is another snarky track wherein Oden laments about the difficulties of being a single woman. Pausing for dramatic effect, she and Guttu sing into the mic, “Why the hell is it so hard to get down a man’s pants?” The crowd crazy, erupting into laugher and wolf-whistles. </p>
<p>Overall, Oden puts on a good show. When she shines, she truly shines. Her voice is crystal clear and warm. Often you get so swept up in the music that you don’t really pay attention to the lyrics and, while it could be detrimental, it just makes the moments Oden carries her lyrics over the music all the more special.</p>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/45766032017-01-12T09:55:00-09:002023-12-10T09:06:53-09:00For Anchorage musician Laura Oden, dormant decade led to a musical revival<p><strong>Author: Mike Dunham, Alaska Dispatch News 1/12/17</strong><br>Alaska Dispatch News Link: <a contents="https://www.adn.com/arts/music/2017/01/12/for-anchorage-musician-laura-oden-dormant-decade-led-to-a-musical-revival/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.adn.com/arts/music/2017/01/12/for-anchorage-musician-laura-oden-dormant-decade-led-to-a-musical-revival/">https://www.adn.com/arts/music/2017/01/12/for-anchorage-musician-laura-oden-dormant-decade-led-to-a-musical-revival/</a><br>"My father was a theologian and my mother was an actress," Laura Oden said with a slight grin and a little shake of her head. "So it was sort of inevitable that I'd become a songwriter." </p>
<p>Oden's second CD, "Peel Back Another Layer," is being released this month. Fans got a first-look preview at Tap Root Public House on Jan. 7 and the big party, at which Oden will be backed up by a full band, will take place on Jan. 27, also at Tap Root. </p>
<p>The nine cuts on the album, all but one originals, follow the familiar folk-pop layout of verse-chorus-repeat with a soft vocal sound and Oden's delicately intricate guitar work. </p>
<p>They ruminate on family loyalties, love, the meaning of life and whether or not the TSA actually makes travel any safer, all steeped in an ambiance of introspection. </p>
<p>"My heart has been / smashed wide open again / and I am fragile, my friend / from bone, to flesh, to skin," go the lyrics of "Try Again. "So throw me a new rope / and I will catch the end." </p>
<p>"All my songs are from personal experiences," Oden said. "They have a very organic feel." </p>
<p>Born in Oklahoma, Oden lived in New Jersey, Texas and Washington, D.C., before venturing to Alaska in 1993. "I came up in 1993 to visit a friend," she said. "I loved it, but I didn't think I could live up here. But when I got back to D.C. I found I couldn't stop thinking about Alaska. Even when I came up on that very first trip I knew the people I wanted to be around were here." <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/80264/2c6801bcaf6ffceddd96ede15b9173fd9a4fcbe2/large/lauraoden-02.jpg?1486234737" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p> (Photo Credit: Bill Roth / Alaska Dispatch News)<br><br>She moved up the next year and quickly enmeshed herself in the Anchorage music scene. With Isobel Morris, she formed the Pagan Cowgirlz duet — occasionally joined by third parties — and played coffee shops and festivals from Homer to Talkeetna, not to mention Anchorage bars like the Flight Deck and the Pioneer. </p>
<p>In 1996, Morris returned home to England. Oden continued to sing with other local musicians but let it drop after the birth of her daughter Chloe in 1998. For the first decade of the 21st century her guitar gathered dust. It may have been time well spent, she mused philosophically. </p>
<p>"We don't always appreciate the fallow times," she said. "There's a reason why these things sometimes get delayed."</p>
<p>In 2010, rather suddenly, she dusted off her six-string and plunged back into music. "It was so unexpected," she said. "I really didn't think I'd get back into music. But when it happened, it came out like a tidal wave, like uncapping a well." </p>
<p>Her first CD, "Alchemy," came out in 2013. She described the songs as expressing herself "experiencing the world with passion and an open heart … having faith and believing the 'magic' or alchemy needed will appear when needed." </p>
<p>In both "Peel Back Another Layer" and "Alchemy" the introspection of the lyrics seems to dominate the music, but Oden says her songwriting process always begins with a guitar chord progression or even a riff. Then comes the melody and finally the words, although she also journals and sometimes refers to previous entries for ideas that will get worked into the songs. </p>
<p>"I can't seem to work any other way," she said. </p>
<p>But she does do a lot of other work in the local music milieu. She's the founder and director of the Anchorage Music Co-op. It was originally formed with the specific intent of creating a "listening room" for musicians. "There aren't many venues in Alaska, but you need performance opportunities." </p>
<p>"There is a strong linkage between successful cities and their relationship to the arts," she said, adding that Anchorage has already taken some steps in the right direction with the city's Live. Work. Play. initiative. "There are plenty of businesses. We're just missing a lot of the links and infrastructure that other states and countries have long ago established." </p>
<p>The Co-op has presented showcases at various venues around town and led to a second project, the Under 21 Open Mic series. "We knew there was a need for young people to have the chance to perform on stage. You'd see them coming up for the first time shaking and nervous." The Open Mic experience helps them gain confidence and poise, she said. "The kids love it. Their parents love it. Their aunties love it." </p>
<p>In February she'll go with another dozen or so Alaska musicians to the big Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City, in part to learn what other places are doing to facilitate music and the arts.</p>
<p>Juneau broadcaster and musician Annie Bartholomew will be one of the Alaskans heading south. She described the event as a gathering of musicians, labels, journalists and industry people with workshops, talks and performances. </p>
<p>"I'm going to learn more about the folk scene and how to bring more people to Alaska," she said, "how to book talent effectively. It's really tough being off the road system, but there's a whole lot of talent in Alaska and my mission is trying to get documentation of it all." </p>
<p>Other Alaskans include Michael Howard, Yngvil Vatn Guttu and the Talkeetna [sic] Rafters. One aspect of the event that particularly interests Oden will be the debut of the conference's "Alaska Room," a hosted venue where Alaska talent will be showcased from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.</p>
<p>"I don't know how I get myself into these things," Oden said. "My own music and the Anchorage musical community are inextricably linked. I just can't help but put my toe in all kinds of things." </p>
<p>The timing of the new album has been propitious, she said. "I've had a lot of very nice opportunities coming my way, some really great shows lately." She particularly enjoys house concerts. "Absolutely the best way to experience music," she said. "Very two-way. Very conversational." </p>
<p>And Pagan Cowgirlz fans will want to note that Morris will be back in Alaska this year for a reunion with her old stage partner. </p>
<p>Oden said she spent a lot of time thinking about "Peel Back Another Layer." "The unifying theme of the album is getting to the next level," she said, "where you can express yourself more deeply."</p>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/45421962017-01-04T07:00:00-09:002023-12-10T07:51:12-09:00Adobe and Teardrops (Top 100 Musician Blogs)"Alaska-based Laura Oden has previewed her upcoming album with "Try Not to Cry." Oden's remarkable vocal performance makes this song, an attempt to grapple with a crushing loss, an arresting experience. Oden brushes against the confines of folk music and weaves jazz-like intervals into her delivery. This meditation is sure to stay with you after the last note fades and it has me excited for the full album."<p><a contents="http://www.adobeandteardrops.com/2017/01/song-premier-laura-oden.html" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.adobeandteardrops.com/2017/01/song-premier-laura-oden.html" target="_blank">http://www.adobeandteardrops.com/2017/01/song-premier-laura-oden.html</a></p>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/45421982017-01-02T07:00:00-09:002023-12-10T08:25:00-09:00Vents MagazineAs we kick off not only another exciting week, but a hopeful year as well – we have teamed up with Anchorage, Alaska based artist for the premiere of her newest single “The Best Things In Life”, perhaps the best soundtrack for a year we hope be somewhat less deadly than 2016.<p>Peel Back Another Layer, recorded in Anchorage by Evan Phillips and mixed by Glenn Barratt (Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass), is set for release early January on CD and digital formats. In February, Oden will be touring in support of the release, including a performance in the first Alaska Room at Folk Alliance International.</p>
<p><a contents="http://ventsmagazine.com/2017/01/02/premiere-laura-oden-releases-new-single-best-things-life/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://ventsmagazine.com/2017/01/02/premiere-laura-oden-releases-new-single-best-things-life/" target="_blank">http://ventsmagazine.com/2017/01/02/premiere-laura-oden-releases-new-single-best-things-life/</a></p>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/39221382015-11-10T04:57:57-09:002023-12-10T10:36:36-09:00Laura Oden on the Camille Conte ShowAlaskans are in the house! Singer/songwriter, Laura Oden is back home in New Jersey and talks about the female songwriters that influenced her growing up, why facing one's dream can be so terrifying and what's been going on since she touched down on the East coast!! And look who's walking around New York! Multi-instrumentalis, Yngvil Vatn Guttu another Alaskan that'll be in New Jersey Saturday night when the dynamic duo take the stage in Madison. Fabulous conversations! Enjoy.<br><br>http://thecamilleconteshow.podbean.com/e/the-camille-conte-show-11-6-15/Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/33183432014-11-22T11:06:05-09:002022-08-03T02:12:23-08:00Tom and Laura TalkI took a moment to talk to my dad, Thomas C Oden, and ask some questions about music and its legacy in the Oden Family. I am so proud of my family and our long history of making music, in all forms, in all places, with so many people. Rock on Odens!10:15Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/29151822014-05-02T06:20:42-08:002023-12-10T10:27:10-09:00Golden Oden<p><strong>Anchorage Press </strong><br>By Jeri Kopet<br>Although she took a break from making music herself, Anchorage’s Laura Oden never really left the scene. Oden moved to Alaska in 1994 and began her local music career as one-half of an acoustic duo with Isobell Kimberley, eventually taking time off to focus on her family. “I played music when I first got up here, but I stopped playing music in 1997. Then I didn’t pick up again until 2010,” Oden said with a laugh. “It was a really big break, which coincided curiously with the age of my daughter.”<br><a contents="May 1, 2014 Read More Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.anchoragepress.com/arts_and_entertainment/golden-oden/article_62c9b256-d150-11e3-ad35-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">May 1, 2014 Read More Here</a><br> </p>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/20243852013-11-10T21:13:31-09:002022-09-16T04:32:05-08:00FM 88.9 KUEL Interview: Laura Oden - Girdwood, AKWhat a nice time I had visiting this great community radio station. Thank you to Karen Rakos and Flower Girl. Look forward to the next Girdwood trip.36:41Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/18890292013-10-20T12:13:40-08:002023-12-10T07:44:02-09:00Music: Fall Concert PicksLaura Oden performs in Wasilla and Anchorage. Page 22-23. <a contents="Click here for online article." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://issuu.com/make-a-scene/docs/make_a_scene_october_2013">Click here for online article.</a>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/18884572013-10-20T08:58:16-08:002022-09-07T23:52:51-08:00The Camille Conte Show - 9/26/13Fantastic conversation with singer/songwriter and co-counder of the Anchorage Music Co-Op, Laura Oden who performs live in the Rock Lives Studio!35:02Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/18029652013-07-24T21:00:00-08:002023-12-10T07:33:21-09:00Hot picks: Ted Stevens Day, Laura Oden, First Tap<b>Anchorage Daily News</b><br><br>The young Anchorage songstress is touring the state this summer to promote her first album, "Alchemy." You can catch Laura Oden live at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Spenard Farmers Market, under the historic Kut Rate Kid windmill next to Chilkoot Charlie's.<br><br><a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.adn.com/2013/07/25/2991664/hot-picks.html">July 25, 2013 Read More Here</a>Laura Odentag:lauraoden.com,2005:Post/18029662012-04-03T21:00:00-08:002023-12-10T07:56:36-09:00Interrogation: Laura Oden<b>Anchorage Press</b><br>
By Ben Histand<br>
Back in the mid-1990s, Laura Oden was performing regularly in Anchorage as half of the singer-songwriter duo the Pagan Cowgirlz. Then, somewhat abruptly, she took an unintentional 15-year hiatus from music. “I had a baby, I got married,” she says. As significant as those changes were, there was more to it. “[Music] was completely blocked for me. I couldn’t sing a note, I couldn’t remember a chord.”<br><a href="http://www.anchoragepress.com/arts_and_entertainment/music_article/interrogation-laura-oden/article_d4ed1b80-7eb8-11e1-8d26-001a4bcf887a.html"><br>
April 4, 2012 Read More Here</a><br>Laura Oden