Entertainment
A Breath of Fresh Air
The most rewarding feeling as a creator is to contribute to an already-existing creation you admire and look up to. In the case of Colorado-based producer Laura Brehm, EDM and the production that she enjoys provide the backbone of her music, sounds that weave the perfect bassline for her vocals and lyrics. A driving force in the world of electronic music and a strong solo vocalist, she has been adding to the ambiance of some of her favorite tracks as well as creating her own. CULTURE sat down with Brehm to have a few words with her about her approach to songwriting, her passion for music and her appreciation for the leafy green plant.
“Some of the ideas, thought processes, and experiences I’ve encountered while high have worked their way into some of my songs.”
How do you feel about the genre you are a part of? What kind of support do you have?
Although I make music in many different genres, I’d say the biggest scene I’m a part of is EDM. Knowing that I had never originally planned to get involved in EDM, it’s been a very interesting turn of events, and I feel really lucky to be where I am. I’m able to focus on my singing and songwriting skills while working with so many talented producers all over the world. It’s very exciting! Thanks to several of the EDM labels, Monstercat especially, I have an extremely supportive and loyal fan base. I also have so many amazing colleagues, and they provide a lot of support in going through all of it together as well. Outside of music, I do get encouragement from my family and friends too, and I feel very fortunate for that.
How do you feel about cannabis legalization so far? Could anything be done better or differently?
Being from Colorado, it’s not surprising that cannabis has been legalized here. I fully support it, and I think it should be legalized in many other places as well. Honestly, if alcohol and cigarettes are legal, I don’t see any reason why marijuana shouldn’t be. One thing that could be done better is having designated places to smoke in public in the states that it’s legal in, such as you would find in Amsterdam. It’s not for everyone though, and I believe it affects each mind differently. I think there should also be more strains that are very mellow for people who want to try it for the first time, or for people who may experience anxiety, paranoia or any other negative side effects, so that they can have more of a relaxing and enjoyable time with it.
Have you ever worked cannabis into your music as a theme? If so, how?
Lyrically and obviously, I don’t think so. But spiritually, yes. Some of the ideas, thought processes, and experiences I’ve encountered while high, have worked their way into some of my songs.
How has cannabis affected your life and creative processes?
I used to smoke recreationally quite often, but in recent years I have only smoked on occasion if I wanted an uplifted state of mind for a certain purpose, such as writing a song. Some of the songs that I ended up writing in this state turned out to be my best songs, but it was very hit or miss. I think it opens up your mind a little more than it normally would, and you are able to see things from a different perspective while tapping into areas of creativity that you’ve never explored. The interesting thing is that you always have a different experience every time you smoke, so you never know how it may affect your creative process.
Check out Brehm’s most recent Breathe EP and remix EP of the tracks on Breathe, and be on the lookout for new music being released soon.
