WAIM 174: Singer/Songwriter Laura Veirs

As Laura Veirs set out to make her new album, Temple Songs, she committed to the idea of making a record with no masters. She chose not to use a producer and opted to play and record all of the instruments in her home studio, The Temple Of Bloom. Unsure if she had the chops or the technical acumen to pull off a full record of songs completely by herself, Veirs pieced Temple Songs together one take at a time, using a set of guidelines that would help to keep her work focused and grounded. The result is a resplendent album of gorgeous folk tunes that play as much like a family photo album as they do songs on a record.Veirs was powered to take this bold artistic leap after a difficult divorce and an unexpected love affair that led to her second marriage. There was even a time when Veirs saw herself never getting married again, but life has a way of surprising us. Day to day life at the Veirs household is a somewhat chaotic affair with a quartet of teenagers living with Laura and her husband.With a new record in the can and ready to roll, Laura Veirs is about to hit the road for several weeks of touring across the UK and the US throughout the summer and fall of this year. Laura and I discussed the realities of the road in 2026 as costs for gas, food and lodging all continue to creep northward. We also talk about the beauty of the simple house concert, and we cover some of the harsh truths of living on the road for long stretches of time.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C-------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Laura for joining me. You can find out all about Laura and her work at https://www.lauraveirs.com/ and you can snag her terrific records wherever you get your music.The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe