Bec Laughton

Upon first viewing this album, its artwork gives the impression of a giant box of Redheads matches. Peek inside you’ll find a singular redhead, ready to ignite the flame with her doo-wop pop sounds.

This little ginger tinkerbell Bec Laughton hosts pipes of fire, with her tunes apparently anchored by the sole desire to make you shake your booty. Swinging through different moods like a bipolar Tarzan, By The Fire hosts strong lounge and jazz infusions, with strong hat tips to the pop dance tunes of today. This little Brisbane babe blends these elements well, creating consistency while keeping it interesting and being backed by a powerhouse 10-piece to give this record some delicious bite.

The sassy creature who has earnt the nickname ‘Lion Lungs’ was a recent nominee in the Independent Music Awards, bringing back ‘70s funk and saucy blues and a whole lot of grooving. Not to mention her grunts; I didn’t know a grunt could be sexy until a few of these tunes entered my earholes. I grunted my way to work this morning. It didn’t work for me – not nearly as sexy. - Rip It Up

Upon first viewing this album, its artwork gives the impression of a giant box of Redheads matches. Peek inside you’ll find a singular redhead, ready to ignite the flame with her doo-wop pop sounds.

This little ginger tinkerbell Bec Laughton hosts pipes of fire, with her tunes apparently anchored by the sole desire to make you shake your booty. Swinging through different moods like a bipolar Tarzan, By The Fire hosts strong lounge and jazz infusions, with strong hat tips to the pop dance tunes of today. This little Brisbane babe blends these elements well, creating consistency while keeping it interesting and being backed by a powerhouse 10-piece to give this record some delicious bite.

The sassy creature who has earnt the nickname ‘Lion Lungs’ was a recent nominee in the Independent Music Awards, bringing back ‘70s funk and saucy blues and a whole lot of grooving. Not to mention her grunts; I didn’t know a grunt could be sexy until a few of these tunes entered my earholes. I grunted my way to work this morning. It didn’t work for me – not nearly as sexy. - Rip It Up

REDHEAD Bec Laughton set the stage on fire at Easterfest over the weekend with a booty-shaking performance which included aerial acrobatics and sensational dancers.

The vocal powerhouse with lungs that defy her petite frame had fans clamouring towards the main stage as guest performers The Ice Cream Factory and Riddim Kulcha entertained with aerial and dance displays.

The Brisbane singer's performance, which came just before headline acts Peter Furler and Audio Adrenaline, will no doubt boost her international reputation.

Laughton, who has just returned from a US tour, was nominated in the 2012 International Independent Music awards, adding to her recognition five times for the Q Song awards over the past three years.

She took out the winning song for her track 'Holy Love' and came close with her highly commended 'Sensation', both of which feature on the EP 'At First Sight'.

'Holy Love' also received international marketing interest one of Germany's biggest phone companies.

Laughton has featured on ABC radio, Triple J and landed #5 most played album on 4ZZZ.

She has featured in the Spiegeltent for Brisbane Festival alongside her beloved Kimbra and at the Brisbane Powerhouse for the annual 2High Festival.

She has supported international R&B act Zhane`, James Blundell, The Rooftops and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

According to her website, the young songbird has roots in jazz being trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Raised as a theatre orphan she has also dabbled in musical theatre for over a decade.

Laughton landed her first lead role in a major production at age 16 years.

Playing Dorothy in the motown musical The Wiz she received rave reviews and the nickname "lion lungs".

"A little doll saturated in soul her tasty vocal chords bring back sassy soul, 70s funk and saucy blues,'' is how her website describes her.

"Mouth watering melodies, heart melting lyrics and divine booty shaking beats.''

If her Easterfest show is anything to go by, she will be one to watch out for. - Sunshine Coast Daily

REDHEAD Bec Laughton set the stage on fire at Easterfest over the weekend with a booty-shaking performance which included aerial acrobatics and sensational dancers.

The vocal powerhouse with lungs that defy her petite frame had fans clamouring towards the main stage as guest performers The Ice Cream Factory and Riddim Kulcha entertained with aerial and dance displays.

The Brisbane singer's performance, which came just before headline acts Peter Furler and Audio Adrenaline, will no doubt boost her international reputation.

Laughton, who has just returned from a US tour, was nominated in the 2012 International Independent Music awards, adding to her recognition five times for the Q Song awards over the past three years.

She took out the winning song for her track 'Holy Love' and came close with her highly commended 'Sensation', both of which feature on the EP 'At First Sight'.

'Holy Love' also received international marketing interest one of Germany's biggest phone companies.

Laughton has featured on ABC radio, Triple J and landed #5 most played album on 4ZZZ.

She has featured in the Spiegeltent for Brisbane Festival alongside her beloved Kimbra and at the Brisbane Powerhouse for the annual 2High Festival.

She has supported international R&B act Zhane`, James Blundell, The Rooftops and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

According to her website, the young songbird has roots in jazz being trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Raised as a theatre orphan she has also dabbled in musical theatre for over a decade.

Laughton landed her first lead role in a major production at age 16 years.

Playing Dorothy in the motown musical The Wiz she received rave reviews and the nickname "lion lungs".

"A little doll saturated in soul her tasty vocal chords bring back sassy soul, 70s funk and saucy blues,'' is how her website describes her.

"Mouth watering melodies, heart melting lyrics and divine booty shaking beats.''

If her Easterfest show is anything to go by, she will be one to watch out for. - Sunshine Coast Daily

Bec Laughton is a girl who intends to go places. She’s succeeded in being nominated for various gongs and represented the land of the long weekend in the 2012 International Independent Music Awards. The Brisbanite may have won best electronic/dance track at the 2012 Queensland Music Awards for her song M&R, but this debut EP proves she is much more than just the darling of the 18-year-old, if-I-have-one-more-absinthe-shot-I’m-going-to-vomit-on-my-new-ankle-breaker-heels crowd at Krave.

The disk oozes old-style chic, well depicted by the ‘40s beach babe pinup photo on the reverse of the CD case. Recorded in Melbourne town under the watchful eye of Jan Skubiszewski (Cat Empire, Bliss n Eso), it’s a polished effort that displays the versatility gained from Bec’s formal jazz training and her background in musical theatre. Holy Love 2 funks up with motown vibes, boosted by the fully-sprung, heavy duty vocals of Nina Sione (aka Ni.Na). Miss Rachael Everett-Jones adds extra cachet with her supporting vocals in Now or Never (Shoo be Doo). Title track Girl By the Fire is a highlight, serving as the platform that lets Bec dazzle us with the complex vocal textures of a true diva. Closer Tied Up carries all the sassiness of Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes. There’s a lotta stormy soul in this lass which deserves watching. - BMA Magazine

Bec Laughton is a girl who intends to go places. She’s succeeded in being nominated for various gongs and represented the land of the long weekend in the 2012 International Independent Music Awards. The Brisbanite may have won best electronic/dance track at the 2012 Queensland Music Awards for her song M&R, but this debut EP proves she is much more than just the darling of the 18-year-old, if-I-have-one-more-absinthe-shot-I’m-going-to-vomit-on-my-new-ankle-breaker-heels crowd at Krave.

The disk oozes old-style chic, well depicted by the ‘40s beach babe pinup photo on the reverse of the CD case. Recorded in Melbourne town under the watchful eye of Jan Skubiszewski (Cat Empire, Bliss n Eso), it’s a polished effort that displays the versatility gained from Bec’s formal jazz training and her background in musical theatre. Holy Love 2 funks up with motown vibes, boosted by the fully-sprung, heavy duty vocals of Nina Sione (aka Ni.Na). Miss Rachael Everett-Jones adds extra cachet with her supporting vocals in Now or Never (Shoo be Doo). Title track Girl By the Fire is a highlight, serving as the platform that lets Bec dazzle us with the complex vocal textures of a true diva. Closer Tied Up carries all the sassiness of Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes. There’s a lotta stormy soul in this lass which deserves watching. - BMA Magazine

Bec Laughton
October 14th 2012 @ The Workers Club
Reviewed by Michael Kean (Tone Deaf) on 18 October 2012

Bec Laughton and her highly talented band deserve a much larger audience than those who went to the Workers Club on Sunday. Despite the inviting, candlelit atmosphere of the chipboard-walled room, the venue fails to conjure what should be many more numbers attending the gig.
It is around 9.30pm when Laughton and her band finally take the stage. They open with ‘Holy Love’, one of her most fun and funky songs.
Laughton is a true performer; her voice is commanding and versatile. Engaging with the audience, she possesses huge confidence without a hint of egotism or arrogance. Despite the poor turnout, Laughton & Co. give it their all, encouraging the small, yet dedicated, audience members to dance and sing along to their tunes.
Although they tend to master a bluesy jazz with reggae undertones, refusing to limit themselves to one genre. Laughton’s vocals switch between quasi-a cappella to scatting to screamo to a sweet serenade, while the band seamlessly adapts to the different styles.
One of their songs even incorporates a ukulele with the odd bit of hard rock. These talented musicians not only produce a clean, solid sound but also play with a true fervor and passion.
A delightful homage to 90s pop involves Laughton’s original song incorporating the Captain Planet theme, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It”, “CoCo Jambo”, and “Happy Days”. It’s hard not to be charmed by their genuine and energetic performance.
Laughton and her band finished with one final odd number, “Loop De Loop”, a strange combination of 50s swing dance and pop funk.
Bec Laughton is a delightful performer, genuine in confidence and engaging for the audience. It’s a shame that more people did not show up to her show on Sunday. Her band’s multi-genred, multi-talented innovation is deserving of a far greater audience
- Tone Deaf

Excerpt ...

Up next was Bec Laughton with a nautical themed stage setting. In all honesty, she blew me away. Put three vocalists in sailor hats, with keys, bass, guitar, drums, and a cajon and you get something full of soul and funk. This was as professional as an up and coming band can get. I found myself unintentionally pulsing to the music, and feeling the funky-reggae-soulfulness that this small white young lady was throwing in our faces. This is a good thing. The three-part harmony between Bec and the other two singers, a girl and a guy, was delightful! Their voices meshed so well together within the songs, and that made the whole package just that much more amazing. Something that really stood out for me, in this band compared to Miss Elm for example, was the passion and presentation on stage. Every member was a part of the music, especially the three singers. There was not a second where they were not moving or getting into the groove of the songs their were playing. Also, Bec Laughton’s vocals in themselves? Beautiful. Simple, and powerfully intense.

Jan 29 2012, Bree Cohen, the AU Review - The AU Review

Excerpt ...

Up next was Bec Laughton with a nautical themed stage setting. In all honesty, she blew me away. Put three vocalists in sailor hats, with keys, bass, guitar, drums, and a cajon and you get something full of soul and funk. This was as professional as an up and coming band can get. I found myself unintentionally pulsing to the music, and feeling the funky-reggae-soulfulness that this small white young lady was throwing in our faces. This is a good thing. The three-part harmony between Bec and the other two singers, a girl and a guy, was delightful! Their voices meshed so well together within the songs, and that made the whole package just that much more amazing. Something that really stood out for me, in this band compared to Miss Elm for example, was the passion and presentation on stage. Every member was a part of the music, especially the three singers. There was not a second where they were not moving or getting into the groove of the songs their were playing. Also, Bec Laughton’s vocals in themselves? Beautiful. Simple, and powerfully intense.

Jan 29 2012, Bree Cohen, the AU Review - The AU Review

“Bec Laughton featured flashing her cheeky smile and fabulous vocals …
her vocal prowess and physical agility gave warmth and humour …”
Josh McIntosh, HUB MAGAZINE - Hub Magazine

“Bec Laughton featured flashing her cheeky smile and fabulous vocals …
her vocal prowess and physical agility gave warmth and humour …”
Josh McIntosh, HUB MAGAZINE - Hub Magazine

“With a seriously cute and talented Bec Laughton”
Nigel Munro-Wallis, ABC RADIO - ABC

“With a seriously cute and talented Bec Laughton”
Nigel Munro-Wallis, ABC RADIO - ABC

“Bec Laughton … an accomplished and confident performer
who easily engages her audience.”
Anna Rice, TIME-OFF ENCORE - Time Off Encore

“Bec Laughton … an accomplished and confident performer
who easily engages her audience.”
Anna Rice, TIME-OFF ENCORE - Time Off Encore

“Bec Laughton proves that good things come in small packages.
Brisbane is sure to see more of [her] in the future.”
Pat Watson, COURIER MAIL - Courier Mail

With a petit frame and fair skin you hardly expect the soulful voice that comes out of singer/songwriter Bec Laughton. The fiery songstress whipped up a storm at RNA Showgrounds for the Queensland Cancer Council Relay for Life. With her unmistakable heartfelt lyricsim, irresistable grooves and intoxicating stage presence you can't help but stop and stare. Her eclectic palate that fuses blues, jazz, reggae, brit-pop, hip hop and gospel, always has one thing - soul. Her performance featured sounds from across the globe including musicians from Fiji, Peru, Tonga, India, South Africa, New Zealand and the Torres Strait Islands. Of particular highlight was the Q Song Award winning track 'Holy Love', and highly commended 'Sensation'. - City South News

With a petit frame and fair skin you hardly expect the soulful voice that comes out of singer/songwriter Bec Laughton. The fiery songstress whipped up a storm at RNA Showgrounds for the Queensland Cancer Council Relay for Life. With her unmistakable heartfelt lyricsim, irresistable grooves and intoxicating stage presence you can't help but stop and stare. Her eclectic palate that fuses blues, jazz, reggae, brit-pop, hip hop and gospel, always has one thing - soul. Her performance featured sounds from across the globe including musicians from Fiji, Peru, Tonga, India, South Africa, New Zealand and the Torres Strait Islands. Of particular highlight was the Q Song Award winning track 'Holy Love', and highly commended 'Sensation'. - City South News

EP Review: 6 out of 6

"Local soul powerhouse Bec Laughton has just released her debut EP 'At First Sight'. What a fiery songstress, a record shrouded in mystery. When it comes to recording, Laughton clearly has sound quality as paramount importance. Anthony Lycenko (Pete Murray) is ridiculously good at what he does. A truly special recording."
- Time Off

Local musician Bec Laughton is building a name for herself as a truly talented songstress. Spirited, sultry, and entirely individual, Bec has the passion, drive and commitment to go far - as anyone who here has seen her perform tonight will attest. She speaks with us post show about the challenges and delights of following her dream and shares some insight for those who may be yearning for a life of music.

“Our home in Rochedale South was a house of music indeed,” says Bec.
“My dad, Peter, who is now a production manager with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, ran a home studio downstairs, while my sister ran dance
rehearsals upstairs. Needless to say, inspiration was everywhere.”
That inspiration led her to musical theatre, and as her teen years progressed, she embraced soul, blues and fashion with equal gusto: she combines them all in
her electric stage shows like we have seen tonight in Brisbane.
Bec has not looked back since then, and her love of performing grows with each show she does. “The best thing about performing is the ability to take people away,” she says. “For just three minutes, or three hours, depending on how long the gig is, you can live in the moment where the rest of the world just seems to stand still.”
Bec’s music and her look are closely intertwined – both are inspired by yesteryear, but with a modern, funky twist. “Vintage fashion and styling has always been very dear to my heart,” she said. “My look matches my music which draws on influences of jazz, blues, soul and funk from the 50s-70s and topped off with the modern quirky deliciousness of alternate pop.”
For other young people wanting to break into the music industry, Bec’s advice is simple but wise – practice, practice, practice – and have a thick skin. “It's not talent alone that will ensure success, but passion and persistence.” Bec’s latest EP, ‘At First Sight’ really shows off her signature soulful style.
- Logan City News

MOST people are guilty of belting out a tune while behind the wheel, but generally they don’t pick up awards for their efforts.
But that is where Brisbane's Bec Laughton differs from most.
This month the 21-year-old musician picked up one of the Queensland top songwriting awards for her tune Holy Love, a piece she came up with while driving home from the Gold Coast one day this year.
The song, which is centred on her relationship with God, took out the gospel/spiritual category of the Q Song Awards, beating hundreds of entries from across the state.
And while Laughton admits the song’s composition was a little unorthodox, she says all her best inspiration comes while on the road.
“I generally do my songwriting in the car, which is very irritating because I don’t have a pen and paper when I’m driving,” she said.
“It’s normally at the height of some emotion and I start singing, and when I get something good I keep reciting it until I have a verse and a chorus of some kind.
“I use my good old mobile phone to record about 20 seconds of sound at the time and then I get to a guitar or a piano as soon as I can.”
Laughton picked up prizes valued at $1000 for her efforts.
The award-winning track is part of her debut six-track EP, which will be launched later this year.
Listen to Holy Love at www.beclaughton.com - Albert & Logan News