LAURIE WRIGHT

Competing against 543 up and coming artists to secure a slot on the Lakefest Main Stage alongside Gaz Coombes and Johnny Marr, Cheltenham’s very own rock n roll legend Laurie Wright firmly secured his place in the grand final. The singer songwriter was right at home at the competitions final, which took place at Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter last month. The final saw the winners of the three regional semi finals come together for the ultimate battle of the bands. On the day, Laurie Wright faced competition from WALLS, BARSTAFF, Leon O’Leary, The Chase, Jordan Hemingway, Kisskie, Morning Tourist and eventual winners Two Pounds Down. Despite not collecting the grand prize, Laurie Wright is looking forward this weekends Lakefest where alongside the other finalists, he will take to AMPED! stage.

Laurie is definitely one of the more accomplished artists to come from the competition. From an early age, Laurie was actively chasing the rock n roll dream and aged just 16 he had already ticked Glastonbury festival off the bucket list. The associated heavy lifestyle soon caught up with Laurie which ultimately impacted his musical path. Today though, Laurie is a new person. Over three years sober, Laurie is ready to drop his debut album, Get On The End Of It, to be released next month. Steadily gaining notable industry appreciation after his win with The Libertines ‘Talented Fans’ back in 2020, Laurie continues to show growth as an artist. He has recorded in the legendary Albion Rooms studio and even worked alongside producer Paul Stacey (Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds). Rock n Roll never sounded so good and sobriety never looked so inspiring.

Describe your sound in three words?

Rock And Roll

Congratulations making it all the way to the Amped final last weekend! How did it feel to get down to the final 10 out of over 500 artists?*

It felt like a serious privilege being in the final. The Semis were so hard I was surprised to make the final. But the final was even harder than that, the likes of 2 pounds down and the chase, it was never gunna be an easy ride. But yeah, buzzin to be in the final 10 from 500, I’m very proud of myself and the boys for achieving that!

The competition was strong, did you have a favourite to win (from final or semi finals?)

I’m glad 2 pounds down won, as I think they were the strongest all things considered. The Chase were also incredible, and EchoGecco and Alex Ohm from the semis were particularly impressive acts.

As with all Amped finalists and semi finalists, you will still play this year’s festival on the dedicated Amped stage. What can festival goers expect from your Lakefest set?
Rock And Roll – crazily energetic catchy songs and strong lyrics. An absolute riot is what you’ll get from us

Who are you hoping to watch at Lakefest?

2 Pounds Down, The Chase, Alex Ohm, Echo gecco, Kisskie and Siracuse. I’m not arsed about anything outside the Amped stage really, as that’s the future of music in that tent. So get your arses down there.

If you had won, what would you have the £5K prize been put towards?

Our monumental vinyl and CD bill which is still outstanding for the debut album, and our producer’s bill for the debut album, which again is still outstanding. We’re in the shit really, but hey ho rock & roll will get us there by hook or by crook, I have every faith. Even if I’m still on the dole and we are monumentally fucked, As John Lennon said: ‘it’ll be alright in the end. if it’s not alright, it’s not the end.’

What else do you have planned this year that you would like to share with our readers?

We’re Just about to drop the debut album, and to celebrate we’re embarking on our biggest ever headline show to date. @ Camden Underworld October 21st. It’s gunna be class! Just gotta get this first album in to the ears of our target audience and go from there, but we’ve got a solid plan.

Finally, if we see you at the bar what are you having??

Alcohol Free Beer I’m afraid! Ex alcoholic 3 and a half years clean!