“July Flame” burns bright midwinter

As a sneak peak to her headlining show at Higher Ground, folk singer Laura Veirs performed for an audience at Brennan’s Pub on Feb. 12.

A relatively well-known singer, Veirs became famous for collaborating with Colin Meloy of the indie rock band The Decemberists. She also gained attention when one of her songs, “Rapture,” was featured on the ABC drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Veirs’ show at Higher Ground is part of the tour for her seventh studio album, “July Flame.” The album, which Meloy has already deemed “the best album of 2010,” was released on Jan. 12.

Veirs describes her music as indie folk. Some of her musical influences include “old country blues” artists such as Mississippi John Hurt and Elizabeth Cotten.

She first started writing music at the age of 19, while she was a student at Carleton College in Minnesota. She and a few of her friends started an all-girl punk rock band called Rair Kx!, though she eventually became more interested in folk music.

Despite the large changes her musical style has undergone, Veirs said that she’s kept to a “do-it-yourself” mantra.

After graduation, Veirs moved to Seattle, where she released her self-titled debut album in 1999. It was stripped-down and recorded live with just her and her guitar.

While living in Seattle, Veirs became close friends with Meloy.  She opened for The Decemberists when they toured and sang on one of their albums, “The Crane Wife.”

Veirs hopes that her fans feel something when they listen to her music. She avoids clichéd lyrics and creates strong melodies to bring an emotional response.

“I hope that it elicits the same gut reaction that I feel, as opposed to having them analyze it in their heads,” Veirs said.

Although she records solo, Veirs has recently begun to tour with a backing band, the Hall of Flames.

Recently, Veirs started her own record label, Raven Marching Band Records. She released her most recent album on this label in the U.S.

“I’m happy to call myself an independent musician because I have my own record label [now],” Veirs said.

Veirs has a lot to look forward to in the near future. She plans on signing several recording artists to her label.

Additionally, she is expecting her first child, due this spring, on her “July Flame” tour.

While she has been a solo artist for 11 years, her recent success and acclaim has given her bigger and more ambitious prospects for the future.

“I feel more confident that I can make a living on my own as a musician,” she said.