In a 2023 profile I prepared of well-known London area singer-songwriter and Forest City London Music Awards recipient, Laura Gagnon, she told me, “I’m a road warrior at heart.” Since that story was published, the Port Stanley resident has kept up her busy schedule of live performances in and around London, throughout Canada, and abroad.
I caught up with Laura as she was in the throes of organizing and preparing for The International Women’s Day – Women In Music Showcase, being held at London’s Palasad Social Bowl on Sunday, March 8th.
What follows is an updated Q&A Interview with Laura about her career and the March 8th event. (The Interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
Q. Tell me a little bit about your upbringing. Was yours a musical home?
Very much a musical home! My parents are both professional musicians, and once a week, they’d have band rehearsals at our home in the garage when I was very young. The garage was connected to our kitchen, so you can imagine me singing all the tunes in the kitchen at the top of my lungs while they’re practising. Ha-ha!
Q. Do you remember the moment when you made the decision that music was going to be a big part of your life?
In our previous interview, I talked about Grade 10, but the more I reflect on my life and career, I realize it was much earlier than that. Recently, I discovered old VHS tapes of me singing and playing piano, and I could see how much I loved it. I was shy but determined! My first TV appearance was on “Rogers TV” for the Salvation Army. You can actually watch these on my Instagram account. The glimmer in my eyes really says it all.
Q. Has the piano always been your primary instrument? Do you play any other instruments?
I definitely started with piano, and then singing came not too long afterwards. It gave me the foundation for pitch and how notes worked together. The sound was beautiful to me. I then tried to learn the sax and trumpet, but that didn’t stick. Ha-ha. Then I picked up the drums. I can jam pretty well with musicians but not well enough to play a big show. I’ve recently picked up the flute, so we’ll see how that goes!
Q. What have your musical influences been over the years?
Going way back to when I was eight years old, it started with the Wizard of Oz and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” I was enchanted by Judy Garland. It grew into a love for Disney songs. My favourites were Snow White, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Then along came Alicia Keys, who introduced me to soul and a female artist who could play and sing piano. The sassiness of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera followed, and then the range and sensitive tone of Mariah Carey really started to shape my musical world.
Q. Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally.
I’ve had the privilege of playing with some pretty exceptional musicians, but also some really amazing groups like the Extreme Tour, based on guiding the lost out of the dark with music. I’ve written with Guess Who Guitarist, Dale Russell (may he rest in peace). An incredible producer, songwriter and human. Gary Martin of the Touring Funk Brothers is another exceptional musician who taught me how to better connect with an audience through just one single note. These three stick out to me because they’ve had an incredible impact on my career.
Q. What types of gigs have you played over the years?
Oh wow! I’ve played festivals like CMW, VENUEXVENUE, World Fest, Ribfest and conferences. I sang the Canadian and American national anthems in France for a tree planting ceremony for the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge. At MMA events, London, ON City Council, Ottawa, ON City Council, baseball games, hockey games, soccer games. Performed in Nashville at Rocket Town for an industry showcase and many songwriter showcases around Canada.
Q. Tell me a little bit about any recordings you have made in your career.
It all started with writing a song for Remembrance Day, “In Our Hearts”. I wrote it based on many veteran ceremonies I’ve sung at. I wanted to give something back to the community that had supported me for so long. Two days before their ceremony, I asked if I could perform “In Our Hearts,” and they said yes, absolutely.
Now, at this point in time, the song hadn’t been recorded yet, and I wanted to see if it was worth diving into, and it was. There was an overwhelming need and feeling to get this song professionally done. I recorded the song at Prevail Media Group, and they brought it to life! Fast forward a year, and I get a message in my Facebook inbox from a woman asking if I have sheet music for the song. I didn’t at that moment, but I quickly wrote a lead sheet for her and sent it off.
I asked her if she could send me clips of her singing group practising and performing it. I also wanted to come see the performance and hear them in person. I asked where they were based, and she said Australia!! Darn, that’s a bit far! Ha-ha!. But I was so honoured that they picked my song to sing for their Remembrance Day ceremony. They found it on YouTube! Thank you, Moss Vale High!
Q. Other than the March 8th International Women’s Day – Women In Music Showcase, what projects are you currently pursuing?
Right now, I’m working on a couple of singles, one to be released in about five weeks called “Blue Eyes”. It’s a soft, stripped-down, cuddle vibes kinda song. The song feels like a warm hug, chicken soup for the soul and the feeling of getting tucked into bed as a kid. I remember that feeling well. I’m really excited for this one and honoured to be working with a really amazing producer, Randy Mead, out of London. After that single, I’ll be releasing another single, then an album.
Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Laura Gagnon, the musician and Laura Gagnon the individual?
Since we last chatted, a lot has changed, and it’s been an amazing adventure and gift. 2025 was a big year for me. I was signed to an indie label, Big Records World (Canadian label), signed to a Management/Booking label, Grace Musicians Management Group (NYC Label), and toured the United States performing and helping the homeless with a group called The Extreme Tour, as I mentioned earlier. I’d like to expand on “The Extreme Tour” because it was the pivotal point of my career. It took me out of business mode and reminded me that I’m an artist and I have a bigger mission than just playing show to show, hoping to increase my followers.
I forgot to connect with my audience and be warm for them, be gentle with myself. I forgot that silliness is okay and actually inspires humans to be themselves. That tour reminded me why I started this career in the first place. I think it’s our job as musicians to help, heal and be kind to those who aren’t kind to themselves. To give them permission to be themselves. When lost, you help them find their way. The amazing part about that is that, in turn, sometimes in helping them, they help you. Selflessness is the key to success. Being YOU and no one else and just showing up. TRUST. I will be going back on tour with this amazing team, but also be touring a string of shows in New York City soon.
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The Doll House Showcase Presents International Women’s Day – Women IN Music Showcase
Q. The Facebook post for the event suggests that it has been 10 years since you have done one of these showcases. Why is that? What has motivated you to revive the showcase in 2026?
I organized and ran The Doll House, a showcase for female musicians from 2016 to 2018, which allowed me to play with many amazing female musicians like Sarah Smith, Nikki James, Carly Thomas, and many others. It was all about empowering female musicians and working as a team to accomplish our goals and being there for one another when things got tough.
The past couple of years, I’ve been asked if I’m going to be bringing this showcase back to the city by multiple musicians and showcase goers from the previous years. I thought, as it has been ten years, this would be the perfect time to bring it back.
Q. Do you have any other partners in organizing and staging this event?
I have been doing all the organizing and staging. I’ve done all the marketing, posters, video and picture promo, radio interviews, TV interviews, including setting up the flow of the artists and booking the venue.
Q. Are similar events taking place in other communities?
Yes! It’s quite amazing! Ottawa has two of them, “Girls To The Front” and “Vox Femme”, and Burlington has “Harmonia”. I know of many others, but those are the ones that stick out in my mind. I’ve performed at two of them.
(Watch Laura in this segment from Roger’s TV What’s Up London https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18MR5Ubrsv/)
Q. Where are the proceeds from the event going?
Most of the proceeds are going towards My Sisters Place – a vital London, Ontario charity operated by CMHA Thames Valley that provides a safe, welcoming centre and essential services for women experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness – and the participating musicians. In true Doll House Tradition, there will be a tip jar for all musicians to share. “It’s A Doll House Tradition To Tip The Musician!”
My Sisters Place has the same mission as the Doll House, which is to protect and create awareness of the dangers of one’s surroundings. It advocates for women to speak out and be heard. To work together and heal through music and community. When we first started this event, that was the main purpose, so women in the music scene weren’t alone and could call on each other. It was created as a safe space, like My Sisters Place.
Q. Tell me about the artists who will be performing on March 8th. What genres of music will be represented?
The artists are women who have been busting their butts in the music scene worldwide. They aren’t just local heroes but international inspirations. They come from all walks of life. Some have been with the Showcase from the beginning, and some I have met in the past year. They come from Quebec, Guelph, Port Dover, London, Kincardine, Port Stanley and Toronto. Each musician is pushing boundaries every day to create that safe space for the young musicians coming up. Easy to talk to, open to tell you anything and help you where it’s needed. Sometimes an in confidence ear.
The lineup includes myself, Anne Moniz, Cinzia and the Eclipse, D’eve Archer, Gillian Davies, Angelina MacKinnon, Felicia McMinn, Rachel Dara, Andrea Matchett, and Kate Channer. Musical genres presented will include Pop, Folk, R&B, and Rock. (Editor’s Note: Photos of the participating musicians appear below.)
Q. Where can readers get more information about the individual artists?
Each artist has an Instagram account and a website. They’re all on social media, so they’re easy to find. I urge you to follow them, comment on their pages and tell them what inspired you when you saw them perform.
Q. Do you plan on making this an annual event again?
That’s a great question. I haven’t decided yet. But I think this is a great idea.
Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about the March 8th event?
This isn’t just a showcase. These events have always been about networking and connection, storytelling, and just making sure we all get a little bit of love. There will be merch for sale, so please bring cash. That goes directly to the artists. We have an amazing host named TIA G, who is a champion of women owning their energy, advocating for being yourself, and is a bright light in our sometimes very dark community. We are so excited to have her!
IF YOU GO:
What: The Doll House Showcase Presents: International Women’s Day – Women in Music.
When: Sunday, March 8th at 6:00pm.
Where: Palasad Socialbowl, 777 Adelaide Street N., London, ON.
Tickets: $10 cover charge at the Door. An All Ages Event.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1920189272180409/
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
(Tia G.)
(Anne Moniz.)
(D’eve Archer.)
(Gillian Davies.)
(Rachel Dara.)
(Kate Channer.)
(Angelina Mackinnon.)
(Felicia McMinn.)
(Andrea Matchett.)
(Cinzia And The Eclipse.)
Q&A Interview with Laura Gagnon conducted by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager of The Beat Magazine 2025.
If you have a story idea or would like to become a Volunteer Writer for The Beat Magazine 2025, you can reach Richard at richardyoung@thebeatmagazine2025.ca
The Beat Magazine 2025 