She won the hearts of the biggest publications in the world. Vogue, Nylon, New York Times, and she did it all on her own.

In 2014, I was lucky enough to be the first New Zealand publication to interview Laurel Arnell-Cullen, better known as Laurel. That publication was never released, but still to this day she is one of my favourite artists, and I wanted this to live somewhere.

When I first heard ‘Fire Breather’, I was obsessed. I remember living in Australia at the time, and heard her on Triple J. Her haunting vocals and sonically playful production completely stopped me in my tracks. She’s not like anyone else, and it’s the best feeling when you find that new artist that makes you feel excited about music again.

The British South-coast born, Los Angeles based pop artist released her debut album ‘Dogviolet’ in 2018.

Going back through my notes from a decade ago, she had planned to release a debut album in 2015. There were

Laurel Arnell-Cullen,[1] better known as Laurel, is a British indie musician based in London. Laurel received critical acclaim for writing, recording and producing all her music in her bedroom studio in London.

I caught up with her in November ….

Tell me about yourself.

I'm twenty years old, from the south coast of England, and I spend every moment of all my days creating music.

You grew up somewhere between Southhampton and Portsmouth, and you spent some time in LA. Where do you live mostly now? How did all of that happen?

I live in London now, I moved here 2 and a half years ago, but I seem to always be living out of a suitcase between the south and the city, and sometimes America! I love changing places, it inspires new music in me. This all happened when I uploaded my first song 'Next Time' on the internet! And I somehow ended up here!

I read that when you were seven you wanted to be like Britney, and later changed your mind to Laura Marling. Amazing by the way. Who are your big musical influences now?

I take influence from a huge amount of musicians now, I used to just have one musical idol but as I've got older I seem to appreciate a much wider selection of music. I've currently been listening to the new alt-j album, and my friend sivus new album! They're both awesome start to finish.

You write all your own music right? I know people have very different processes for writing. How do you like to write? What works for you?

I like to write alone the most. It's how I get the most out of myself even if there are people in the house I don't like it so much. There's something about solitude that allows you to go deeper into yourself and explore your thoughts more.

Your sound is very unique and pure. What inspired this style?

I have no idea it just seems to be what I naturally write. I spent a long time after my first song next time trying to be more experimental and venturing into 80s beats then all acoustic I went full circle and came right back to the start. I naturally write slightly darker brooding music.

Tell me about the new album - how's it coming along? 

Yeah it's all going great I've finished it about 3 times and then completely changed it all over again. I just write far to many songs and feel different every day. I am as fickle as you get.

Are there any artists out there you'd love to collaborate with in the future?

There are many I would love to, the top of my list is Arcade Fire, and then maybe Tyler the creator.

Can you give me a brief rundown of what your typical week looks like at the moment? (I want people to understand the work that goes into making music).

Well because I write and work on my own mostly I usually just wonder around I never have a plan as I don't have to work on anyone's time schedule. Every week is very different, but I spend most days in my studio (the studio of Ermentrude) writing, I go to the gym mostly every day too. And on the weekend I usually go back to the south and spend time in the country side with friends.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Paulos new album, Karen Os where the wild things soundtrack, and chet faker.

Who's your biggest personal hero?

Probably the owner of my Managment company Sarah Stennett she is a big inspiration.

What's the biggest challenge or lesson you've had to learn so far in your musical journey?

Patience, and that nothing is ever certain until you've done it!

Is a trip to New Zealand on the cards in the future?

I would love to! I've actually got a lot of family in Australia so I'll have to stop off next time I visit!!