Laura Meets Musicians

David Acuff's life-motto is very simple: "What doesn't kill you makes you funnier!" and he must have survived to a lot of killer attacks, because he's one of the most hilarious people I've ever met through Instagram! I started following him this past autumn thanks to a comic reel that made me laugh in a bad day and his content makes me smile on a daily basis since then.  Acuff is a writer and filmmaker in Los Angeles, CA, and he is also a full time Producer-Editor for the Walt Disney company. He enjoys doing voiceover work for Audible.com book projects as well as animated characters. He also wrote/edited the feature film "Restoration" distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and I discovered he did stand-up comedy in the past, that is no surprise at all! His eclectic talent probably finds its origins in his childhood. David grew up the son of an Air Force Colonel and lived all over the USA. But being the new kid every year in school taught hi...

I recently met the canadian singer-songwriter Frances Hope to talk about her latest single "STAY" based on her past trauma in a toxic relationship, and in one of that magic moments that happen when two people connect sharing similar experiences, we couldn't stop talking and confronting each other about this topic. This post is dedicated to all the people that are in, or are healing from, a toxic relationship. We tend to think that only love relationships can be toxic and that the victim is always the woman - this is certainly what happens more often, but any relationship (friendship, or even workship!) can be toxic and hurt in the same way. So, even tho this conversation is written from the perspective of two women (me and Frances), I hope that it can help in some way every person who need to read that we all are vulnerable, that it is normal to feel in a certain way and that it is possible to find the strenght to be free and to heal. But before, let's meet her! Fr...

In my wonderful journey interviewing indie musicians from all over the world, I noticed that a lot of female musicians complained about the difficulties of being a woman in the music industry and some of them pointed out the low number of female indie musicians who can break as professional musicians. Those difficulties have different causes , from the sexualization and harassment issues to the struggle to have their music taken seriously and be part of a band, for example. Also the fact that not-so-young women - who still would have a lot to say with their music - are mostly ignored. These issues add up to the general difficulties that every indie musician faces every day, man or woman. Nevertheless, I'm positive that the trend is slowly changing as recently I'm watching several talented women taking their way to success in the indie music scene. Also the increasing number of female independent artists submitting their music to my page gives me hope for the future. I can'...

In Part 1 of my conversation with Scott Martin , a guitarist based in Brooklyn (NYC), we talked about the role that guitar has in his life. One of the things I suddenly noticed about him is his strong and very recognizable style on stage, based on dress style, personality and moves, melted with a professional knowledge of the instrument . I also noticed that his Instagram profile is full of little stuff about guitars so, out of curiousity, I asked him if he could share with us tips&tricks for fellow guitarists. It sounds like he has A LOT to say about this topic, so I managed to make a separate blog post! I had a great time reading his answers even tho I can't play guitar, and I'm sure guitarists will find precious little tricks here!!  Scott, which are 5 "must-to-have" for a guitarist (could be instruments or personal skills)? "I think that you could stand to have a few things as a solid part of your arsenal of gear, sure. I mean, as a pro, I have A LOT o...

Eddie Van Halen said "A guitar is a very personal extension of the person playing it. You have to be emotionally and spiritually connected to your intrument" and the guitarist Scott Martin understood the assignment well. He is a singer, songwriter and producer hailing from Brooklyn, NYC.  Scott Martin is the guitarist and one of the primary songwriters in Bulletproof Messenger - a successful modern electronic rock group with several millions plays and thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify, as well as national and international touring experience. He has also built up a successful career as a solo artist, with his music being characterized as commercial and melodic indie rock, demonstrably showcasing his love of classic songwriting and arrangement. When I first met him through Instagram, I remember thinking "Wow, guitars are almost a religion for this man!" - but without exaggerating too much, I really think that he brought love for guitars to another ...