Everything Girl

There are many kinds of Journeys that we take in life: the one from child to woman, from wannabe to star, and from the place we’re born to the place we eventually live. In part one of our interview with Laura Bell Bundy, we discuss her Kentucky roots, her writing process, and the way she chooses the parts she plays.

First, I’ve seen various media referring to you as both Laura and Laura Bell. Which do you prefer, and which should we use for this interview? Do you use the Southern version of your name solely in connection with your music?

I don’t have a preference, really. But, most people call me Laura Bell as a first name. I guess it’s easier to remember and I like it. It’s not solely in connection with the music. My Grandparents last name is “Bell” so I got it as a middle name and somehow it has become a part of my first name. I love my Grandparents and my family so much so it’s nice that I get to carry their name in mine.

Next, please tell our readers a bit about yourself, in your own words.

Oh, this is a question that requires a novel! I am still trying to figure out who I am and I am sure I always will be… But on the surface, I am Kentucky Girl who has spent a portion of her life in NYC. I’m a bit of a split person. I’m a southern girl who is independent and likes to roam around NYC with an iPod just people-watching and getting song inspiration from my own experiences and the experiences of others.

I think love is the most important feeling, word, concept and reason to live. And, by love… I mean that in its truest sense - not just romantic… although, I tend to enjoy that as well. My uncle Robbie says “The Answer is usually somewhere in between.” I believe that whole-heartedly. Nothing is black and white in life. Everything is somewhere in the gray or middle. There will be extremes of happiness and sadness and joy and pain but the mixture of those makes us who we are and fuels our lives. As a performer and a songwriter, living in the middle place is necessary. It’s where I “feel” the most… And my job is to “feel” and convey emotion.

I’m a bit of a workaholic, but I love what I do and I couldn’t breathe if I didn’t do it (sometimes I can’t breathe when I do it! LOL… I get excited and I just shake my junk a little too hard). At the same time, I have learned that I require time alone and to just chill without having to be “on” or please others. I don’t watch much TV but I’m currently addicted to CNN, Bill Maher and the Daily Show. When I do watch fictional TV, I watch Mad Men, Battlestar Gallactica, Rome, and the new show Fringe. Love them!!

I enjoy reading…when I’m left alone enough to do so. I like taking long airplane rides because no one can call me and I can read! I read a lot of non-fiction. I think it’s important for people to be well read, and be responsible for their own education. There is so much to learn and not enough time… and learning goes well beyond a classroom.

I love my family and they fuel me tremendously. They are my support system and I could not ever do what I love if I didn’t have theirs.

Lastly, I am a bit outspoken and I tend to occasionally put my foot in my mouth. I don’t get offended by much or take things too personally so when others do, it’s not as easy for me to relate… especially if it’s about something fairly silly.

I don’t have tolerance for intolerance. But, I will often justify someone’s actions based on what I know their experience has been and that allows me to sympathize.

Okay, now I’m just getting heavy… I think you can get the basic idea…

Your bio (on your website) says that you’ve been performing professionally since you were nine. Did you always know you wanted to be an entertainer?

YES. Always. Were your parents supportive? YES, YES, AND YES!

You’ve originated roles in wildly popular musicals (Amber Von Tussle in >Hairspray, and of course Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: the Musical), but you’ve also played Glinda in Wicked, and other roles originated by others. Can you talk a bit about the difference between creating a role vs. taking over a part? Are there different pressures/goals/responsibilities for each, or is it just purely about the work?

There are definitely differences. When you originate a role, you are much more involved in the creative process of bringing the story to life. I did the readings of both Hairspray and Legally Blonde. Legally Blonde also did a workshop six months prior to rehearsal that I was involved in. When you are involved this early in the process, the role tends to be created around your abilities, strengths, sense of humor and timing, vocal range, and emotional depth. You are truly collaborative with the creative team.

I LOVE originating roles because I LOVE the early creative process so much. It takes a lot of teamwork, focus, compromise, speaking up and understanding of how to tell a story properly. You can always put your stamp on any role that you did not originate, but it’s never quite the same because the role will have always been originally written for a specific person that is not you. You may find the certain lines must always be delivered like the original person delivered them or they lose the laugh… or you may find that the originator had a different vocal range than you. … You can also discover things about the character that the originator didn’t explore. It’s all fun and it’s all rewarding if you always play the truth and literally throw yourself into the role!

How do you choose the parts you play? Is it a matter of auditioning for anything that seems interesting, or are you able to be really picky?

I guess you could say I’m picky. But, I’m pickier about projects in their entirety than the roles. I either get a feeling that I can play a character well or I don’t. I like to pick characters that have characteristics that are different from other characters I’ve played. I like to stretch my creative muscle, and challenge myself. I try to read the scripts for projects before I decide to go audition for them.

Your most recent role, Elle Woods can often be misinterpreted as a stereotypical “dumb blonde,” but at the same time, intelligent women (of all hair colors) find something really empowering about her. What drew you to this show, and this character?

Well, Elle may be blonde, but she is not dumb. She just walks to the beat of her own drum. She is smart and wise in non-conventional ways. Her intelligence and ability to learn can never be underestimated. She just didn’t spend a lot of time prior to Harvard learning things that came from schoolbooks. She spent her time soaking up information that she was interested in—fashion, boys, Chihuahuas, and all things girl! But, her can-do positive spirit is what draws people to her. She believes that people are innately good and trust worthy so she gives them the benefit of the doubt. She also believes she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to and do with integrity and enthusiasm. This kind of energy and attitude is inspiring to all people let alone women! Elle was definitely inspiring to me as well. I learned a lot from her.

Let’s talk a bit about your music, specifically your CD: Longing for a Place Already Gone: Country music and Broadway show tunes would seem to be vastly different, but I’ve always thought they share the similarity of telling strong, personal stories. Do you agree, or disagree?

I totally agree. Country music and Musical Theater are always committed to telling a story, and I think that’s why I am drawn to both of them. They are also a joy to perform because there is an emotional or comical element.

I’ve seen/heard you refer to your style, at least on this CD, as “Y’alternative.” Can you explain that term for us?

Well, it’s sort of alternative country. Country done a little outside of the norm. But in reality, it’s really more reminiscent of the traditional country sound I grew up listening to: Dolly, Loretta, Patsy, Merle, and CASH.

Has country music been a long-time love? What inspired this recording?

I love country music! Love it! Love it! Love it! I’m from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. I think it would be criminal if I didn’t. When I write music, it seems to just come out country or Memphis soul. It’s very natural for me. I like the stories and the emotional pull I feel when I listen, write or sing it. I decided to record Longing For a Place Already Gone while I had six months free waiting for Legally Blonde to start rehearsals. I wanted to do an album that was representative of my music influences and me. I wanted to make an album that was not over produced and felt more like older country or rock albums. I wanted it to feel real. I left mistakes and imperfections. I didn’t use auto tune. I wanted it to be honest… and fun. I was lucky enough to have a producer who understood what my vision was, Larson Paine… then it kind of morphed from there.

I noticed that you co-wrote a number of the songs on this CD. Are you the lyricist or the composer, or a bit of both? What’s your writing process like?

I’m both. But, my main instrument is my voice. I come up with melodies and lyric/song ideas; I record them on a recording device - tape recorder or iPhone - and then often collaborate with another songwriter who is more proficient on guitar or piano. I find that the lyrics are where my focus is, more often than not. It all depends. Sometimes I come up with song ideas and sometimes my co-writers do and then I expand on them. Every song comes together differently.

Many of the lyrics on this CD show off a spunky sort of humor. Is that reflective of your “real” personality? Do you have a silly side?

OMIGOD Yes! I have to suppress it. I don’t take anything, including myself too seriously. I love irony and innuendo, and I love putting them in my songs! The CD is very reflective of my personality. A radio DJ once told me “If ever an album were to wink at you, this is the one.” I take pride in that… even if I’m not supposed to.

Laura Bell Bundy’s CD, Longing for a Place Already Gone, is available from iTunes, Napster and on Amazon.com. Check back at the beginning of February for part two of our interview.

Melissa A. Bartell likes strong coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate. She earns her living writing web-copy for an Internet marketing firm, dabbles fiction on the side. She lives near Dallas, TX with her husband, two dogs, and more computers than anyone really needs. She is the Managing Editor here at All Things Girl. Find out more about her on our About Page, or check out her blog at MissMeliss.com

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