By Katie Ryan
Prairie-born singer-songwriter Laura Hastings is singing a new tune or two lately.
The Lloydminster native musician recently released her newest album, a four song EP showcasing songs about love, lost love and hope. And while Hastings said she has grown musically since the release of her first album, Butterfly, Border City residents will hear a familiar voice on Hastings’ Perfect Strangers.
“I think for anyone who heard my last album, Butterfly, they would probably not recognize me now to be honest,” she laughed “But in a good way. I have full instrumentation on this new EP.”
Hastings said the album offers a variety of songs that are bound to hit a chord with listeners. Among the songstress’ favourite songs on the album is “The Thought of You.”
“Just because from where it started to where it is now, I am really happy with the process of recording it and coming up with sweet instrumental lines. I just think it’s so dynamic and so intense, the feelings of first love,” the Trinity Western University graduate explained.
“I hope that for the musicians who hear it (album), they hear the way that I have challenged myself and I hope that they hear a little bit of my influences in it like Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap or Feist. I hope that they hear something cool and something challenging. I hope the people that maybe just want to appreciate it for the lyrical value, I hope that people get it. That it means something to them and that it’s not just another song on the radio.”
Hastings said Perfect Stranger was met with a welcome response at a sold out show in April, a month before she convocated from Trinity Western with her bachelor’s degree in Music.
“That was a really fun show to put on. We had tonnes of family and friends there that kind of influenced my career,” said Hastings of the show held at the piano bar she has worked at in Langley, B.C.
“Being at Trinity Western University and being in such an academic environment involving music has really broadened my horizons. When I wrote many of the songs I really tried to challenge myself musically, as well as vocally and lyrically, in every way I guess to really challenge myself and create something that I was really proud of.”
The summer months will see Hastings move to North Vancouver to pursue another degree, in the fall this time in Music Therapy at Capilano University. Inspired by a music therapist who worked with a child contending with dyspraxia, a motor learning difficulty
that can affect planning of movements and coordination as a result of brain messages not being accurately transmitted to the body, Hastings applied to the program.
“He was told he would never be able to brush his teeth or communicate with people – no coordination – but through the use of music therapy, the music therapist was able to help him be able to do those things,” she said.
“Just seeing what the music therapist was able to accomplish with him was so inspiring. I know the power of music, I know that it can be used as such a healing tool and I really wanted to know more about that. Not just talk with people about it, but know how to create situations where people that need to express themselves or need healing can achieve that.”
Before she hits the books though, Hastings said she plans on promoting her music, meeting more producers and industry members. Hasting’s full plate also includes preparations to partner with International Justice Mission to do a project to raise awareness on human trafficking and funds. In the works as well is a potential opportunity to have her music featured on the soundtrack to a reality television drama. 
Local fans can look forward to a “homecoming” Hastings show, tentatively scheduled for the first week in September too. With a future filled with opportunity ahead of her, Hastings is optimistic for what’s to come.
Perfect Stranger is available on iTunes and locally at Verses and CD Plus. For more information on Hastings’ upcoming shows and latest projects check out Hastings’ Facebook fan page or www.myspace.com.laurahastings.