When she last played at Electric Picnic in 2019, 22-year-old Alice Laffan from Stradbally just did cover versions. “It’s amazing to be back this year playing my original music,” she told Laois Today.
“I’m playing at Electric Picnic again this year, thanks to an amazing competition, Electric Youth.
“It’s a fantastic competition run by Youth Work Ireland Laois that allows young local talent to break through into an arena that is otherwise hard to enter.
“Electric Youth is an amazing opportunity and an experience I’d really encourage any aspiring musicians in the area to try out for,” she said.
Fans can catch three ‘Just Alice’ gigs at the Hazelwood stage: Thursday from 7.45pm to 8.15pm; Saturday from 2.50 to 3.10pm and Sunday from 2.05 to 2.25pm.
Alice who attended school in Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise, has been playing guitar and singing since she was 13, and has been performing live/gigging since she was 17.
She is currently studying for a degree in commercial modern music with a specialisation in vocals, at BIMM (The British and Irish Modern Music Institute) Dublin.
“I’ve loved music from an early age. My passion for music was ignited by a teacher I had in primary school, the late Lorraine Maher, an amazing singer/songwriter.
“Her passion for music and encouragement really unlocked a love for music and singing I didn’t realise I had. I still credit her for kickstarting my musical career.
“My uncle gifted me a ukulele when I was 13, and I loved it. Shortly after, I began taking guitar lessons,” said Alice who describes her sound as ‘a kind of folk-pop’.
“I take inspiration from lots of amazing folk/pop singer/songwriters like Passenger, Joni Mitchell, Noah Kahan and Hudson Taylor.
“Songwriting is an outlet for me. I’ve only recently been sharing my original music, and have really been enjoying connecting with people through my songs,” she said.
Her most memorable gig to date was playing at Carlow Arts Festival in July.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
“It was my first time performing a full original set and emotions were high. It was an amazing experience and such a supportive environment.
“I have been gigging as much as possible this past year. I have played lots in Carlow – Carpe Diem, Scraggs Alley, Youngblood Sessions Carlow, Carlow Arts Festival as well as, Monasterevin Street Fest and loads of local spots including Ramsbottom’s Stradbally, Castletown, and now Electric Picnic,” Alice said.
“These gigs mean a lot to me. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to play my original music at one of the biggest festivals in the country. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.
“The Thursday night gig is being held to celebrate the power of the female voice so there will be some other amazing women in music performing.
I’m really excited for the line-up this year. I’m looking forward to seeing The Killers and Muna as well as other winners of Electric Youth, some amazing young talent who will be playing the Hazelwood stage on Saturday and Sunday,” she said.
Buoyed by her EP selection, Alice is planning to record and release music this year and gig as much as possible while she is studying.
After the thrill of her performances on home turf, she is looking forward to playing as part of Culture Night in Scragg’s Alley, Carlow on September 22. “It will feature some amazing artists – Fenix, Beef Supreme and Duane Ayres”.
SEE ALSO – Laois Councillor hits out at early Electric Picnic date for 2024 and says he ‘won’t support it’
