5 Songs I Love w/ Jo LaRue

We sat down with Jo LaRue after the release of her stellar new tune 'Stay Wild, Have Fun', to discuss what influences shaped her unique sound. Be sure to check out the single at the bottom and follow her on socials!

I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel To Be Free - Nina Simone 

This song is an all time favourite of mine. The combination of classical piano and jazz elements in both Nina’s voice and instrumentation is such a beautiful combination. Nina has so much feel and genuine soul in her lyrics and strong vocals. The gradual build of the instruments along with her voice works so well. I feel that music can genuinely bring Unity and this song just communicates that one message. That we are all the same and being brought together can bring peace and a sense of freedom in itself. Lyrically Nina inspires me so much. 

Avril 14th - Aphex Twin 

Although this is an instrumental piece, the piano is so beautifully arranged. I love to write soft and ambient sounds when playing and recording piano. I find some of his music just so easy and peaceful to listen to. He really has such a gift. I love music that can make me think or to reflect, to be relatable. I really enjoy creating instrumental piano pieces which is something I will also be releasing in the future. I grew up playing classical piano which helped my technique and musical ear so much. 

Whine & Grine/ Stand Down Margaret - The Beat 

Ska and Reggae have always been an influential genre of mine. The lyrics of this song particularly are a voice for the people who struggled while Maggie Thatcher was still Prime Minister.”Stand Down Margaret” “Too Much War in The City, Love and Unity, The Only Way” Community is such an important part of music and can bring such a strong message at times. Similar to Nina’s lyricism, I feel Ska and Reggae tend to have a relative message of Unity and love. This is a message in itself I love to bring to my music. 

The Fall - Rhye 

For me, this is one of the most beautiful songs I think I have ever heard. The mix of strings, simple rhythmic piano and voice works so well. Lyrically there’s so much feeling and I think Rhye really sings and speaks from the heart in their music. Being vulnerable and honest in your music can bring so much. Not only to the listener but to you as the artist. I know when my heart is in a song I have wrote. This would be a real favourite song of mine that I tend to play repeatedly!

This is the Day - The The 

The theme of this song is change, falling behind and growth all in one. It reminds me of going through life in my 20s, how we can never turn back time, only live forward. This makes me appreciate life and getting better, knowing it’s okay that sometimes falling back or behind is part of the journey. I think the lyricism is really inspiring and mix of instruments gives the song such variation.

Jo LaRue - ‘Stay Wild, Have Fun’