Back by popular demand, the Aron Theatre is keen to welcome Wendy Laurier and her band on May 22 for a concert featuring the songs of Karen Carpenter, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt.

To get listeners ready for the show, we asked Wendy to tell us about her musical background, her love for her chosen artists, and how she prepares for a live concert. 

How did you get started with your musical career?
I knew that I wanted to be a singer from the age of around three or four.  I was always singing with TV music programs and thoroughly enjoyed that.   I grew up singing in school groups, church choirs and bands, and also at family functions, weddings, funerals etc.  I enjoyed many years competing in vocal competitions, with some great achievements winning several regional and even international competitions.  These achievements allowed me to reach my goals in that vocal area, but I was seeking other challenges so I began a professional career in performing.  And here I am today.

Your performance of songs by Linda Ronstadt impressed our crowd at the Aron last time you were here. Why did you choose her songs? 
Linda Ronstadt has always been one of my favourite singers.  Her genres are so varied, which intrigued me because I too love to sing many different genres.  So a show of Linda Ronstadt music was perfect!  She sang rock, country, pop, R & B, ballads, American Standards, Operetta, and Mexican music.  In our full Linda Ronstadt show we include all of these genres (with the exception of operetta).  

This time you're adding Karen Carpenter and Carole King to your lineup - what is it about their music that speaks to you? 
Adding Karen Carpenter and Carole King to the show is an exciting addition for me, and are definitely crowd favourites too!  Karen and Carole were two other female artists that I listened to a lot (and still do).  Karen Carpenter’s smooth and easy voice instilled a love in me for that easy style of music.  Carole King’s TAPESTRY album was a staple in my music collection and I simply adore these songs.  I am thrilled to add these songs to the show to make it a show celebrating the Women of the 1970’s allowing the audience to experience this variety.

You've played on the Aron stage before - what is this space like from a musician's perspective, what do you like about this venue?
Intimate and small-town settings and stages are my favourite.  I feel closer to the audience and can easily feel their energy coming back to myself and the band.  The Aron Theatre has some incredible history and I love how the town is keeping this theatre alive.  This positive energy radiates through the entire venue making our experience both on and off stage a wonderfully memorable experience.

What's your process in taking a song and making it your own? 
When I learn a song, I listen for what the original writer wanted to say in the lyrics.  Then I notice that some of the lyrics actually match some of my own life experiences or feelings, or possibly those of other people.  The melody of a song also tells a story for me.  It takes me on a journey.  Then when I perform the song, I allow myself to deeply feel the melody and lyrics, knowing that the audience will also journey with me through this experience. 

Who are some of your favourite contemporary female singers and what do you like about their sound? 
The first female singer that I listened to a lot when I was young was Barbra Streisand.  I found her voice to be so interesting, and her style and recordings very unique.  Along with Karen Carpenter, Linda Ronstadt and Carole King, I am also very fond of other female singers like Carly Simon, Sade, Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, and many many more.  The rock band Heart was another great favourite of mine.  Ann Wilson, the lead singer of Heart, has vocal skills that are very difficult to master, but I’m hoping that one day my voice will allow me to do this.  

How do you prepare for a concert? Do you have particular vocal warmups or a routine before your performances?
The best way for me to prepare for a concert is to rehearse the music a lot, and have all of the details of the show looked after prior to the show.    Being prepared brings relaxation for me and therefore allows me to have an enjoyable time on stage with the band and with the audience.  Vocal warm ups such as humming, lip trills, and singing vowel intervals are my most common pre show warm ups.  

Sample Wendy Laurier’s singing on YouTube

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