The funky, pop soulstress herself, Laura Cheadle is off to a very strong start for 2025! Now complete with an all-girl band and a new single, “Air Gets Tight”, to drop on March 7 plus an upcoming EP release, Laura Cheadle & The Girls are off and running! A tour just kicked off that has dates scheduled out to December 2025 nationally along with a stop in Paris! This Philly sensation proves why she is one of the hardest working women in the music business and only knows one speed: FAST…FORWARD! I was so happy to talk with Laura Cheadle again about the new band, latest music & tour and much more! Laura’s successful career continues with Laura Cheadle & The Girls taking the world by storm!
Jimmy Rae: It’s been awhile since we last spoke and so much to talk about I see! You’ve started up an all-girl band, are about to embark on a BIG tour and a debut EP & single about to drop March 7! Never a dull moment for the Funky Soulstress Laura Cheadle, so why should I be surprised!? I know the creative juices are always flowing for you Laura and want to ask how is this particular chapter in your career shaping up so far?
Laura Cheadle: Oh, yes! The creative juices are flowing out of control! The all-girl band came very organically and the world sure is responding at a beautifully rapid pace! We are not only advocates for women in general, but for the LGBTQ+ community with all that is going on in the world. Everyone deserves the right to equality, no matter their gender, color of their skin, or sexuality. We advocate through JOY which makes the entire live performance a blast of girl power!
Jimmy Rae: We have to talk about this new group Laura Cheadle & The Girls that features your wife, Michelle! How did this idea come about and can you talk about each member and their roles in the band?
Laura Cheadle: When I met Michelle, I heard her play guitar and it clicked that we could do this band together. We flow so much in our relationship and it’s flowing equally in the band setting! Michelle plays bass and guitar, I sing and play guitar and we have an East Coast drummer Emily Roane as well as a West Coast girl drummer Kristyn Guernica! It’s amazing how the power of music with female empowerment mixed in that draws crowds!
Jimmy Rae: I just took a listen to your new single titled “Air Gets Tight” that is set to be released March 7. I was extremely impressed with the overall sound & feel as it’s poppy, soulful and funky all at the same time! This single is incredibly catchy and I know it will be received well by audiences everywhere. What’s the premise behind the song and why is “Air Tight” being chosen as the featured single for the arrival of Laura Cheadle & The Girls?
Laura Cheadle: This song was written with my wife Michelle. It’s truly about having anxiety and finding that person that calms you down & you can have stillness with. With all of the chaos in the world right now, we all need powerfully positive songs!
Jimmy Rae: Can you tell the Skope readers about the upcoming, debut EP from Laura Cheadle & The Girls and how does this record shape up stylistically?
Laura Cheadle: The full EP will be out this summer, which features all positive songs about love and joy. We all need it! This sound really embodies Pop/Soul/Rock and Indie with notes of funk! This was produced by Will Brown in Philadelphia!
Jimmy Rae: I see Laura Cheadle & The Girls has a tour starting up with dates scheduled out all the way until December 2025. I noticed a lot of spots on the east coast, including many stops in your home state of Pennsylvania, and also hitting the south and even Paris, France! Have you played at the any of scheduled venues and how many new locations this time around? Also, are there any spots, in particular, you and your bandmates are looking forward to?
Laura Cheadle: Oh yes! We are so excited! We leave for SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas March 12th for a few showcases! This is my first time showcasing there, so I’m elated! We are playing many new places including Pride Festivals in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, North Carolina and more! It will also be my first time in Paris :) Most of these locations are brand new , which goes along with the theme of the new band! I have a few dates with the family band as well with returning venues. Here is our full schedule! More to come! Tickets at Lauracheadle.com/dates; Come join the joy!
Jimmy Rae: What’s the mindset for Laura Cheadle & The Girls when it comes to this music tour? Will there be any sightseeing along the way and if so, what areas are you most excited about visiting?
Laura Cheadle: This is going to be a blast because we get to visit so many parts of the country that I never really explored before! I will definitely be hitting up all the vegan friendly spots in each state /country. The schedule is so packed that sightseeing may have to be brief, but we will make it work!
Jimmy Rae: When recording music or trying out new songs, how does that overall process work for Laura Cheadle & The Girls?
Laura Cheadle: I am collaborating a lot with my wife Michelle where we are writing these songs together, based on our personal experiences together. One of the new songs on the upcoming EP is all about driving in the USA and our experiences on tour, put into a love story. We then feature our drummer. (I even featured Papa Cheadle on some tracks!)
Jimmy Rae: What are some noticeable differences between the music of Laura Cheadle & The Girls vs. Laura Cheadle the solo artist?
Laura Cheadle: Laura Cheadle & The Girls are a pop explosion with elements of even alternative music. It’s so fun to use my voice with different genres. It just works!
Jimmy Rae: Based on our previous conversations, I believe you own cats. For all the animal lovers out there, could you tell us more about your furry friends and their names?
Laura Cheadle: Oh yes! If you’re on my social media, you will see my kitties Lily and Peter. They are the absolute loves of my life! I hope to bring them on tour (if they behave!) hehe
Jimmy Rae: This is a list of people you’ve either opened for or shared the stage with: The Jonas Brothers, Sister Hazel, The Spin Doctors, Average White Band, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Kasim Sultan, John Oates/Hall and Oates, Terrance Simien, Peter Tork of The MONKEES, Garland Jeffreys, Constantine Maroulis, Ryan Cabrera, Derek Forbes, The Stars From The Commitments, John Sebastian, Marc Broussard, Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Quite an impressive list Laura! Do any of these experiences stand out as extra special to you and why? Any cool stories you could share with the Skope Universe involving your time with these notable acts?
Laura Cheadle: My favorite act to ever open for was Peter Tork of The Monkees. He has since passed away, but my mom was such a fan of his! He even brought her on stage! He made me and my band feel like family and even sat in on our sound check. Many people you open for aren’t this gracious so I will remember this forever! Miss you Peter!
Jimmy Rae: What’s the outlook for Laura Cheadle & The Girls moving forward and what can fans expect to hear in the future?
Laura Cheadle: You can expect many tour dates, a joyful/fun new album, a new music video and a whole lot of girl power! We will always advocate for women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community!
Jimmy Rae: Ending on a positive note as I always do, I know you are an avid runner and into health and fitness. Exercise is key and wonder what types of activities might you recommend for beginners to help people get going and get started? Lastly, any upcoming races you’re signing up for and what sort of preparation do you recommend to people looking to run or walk a 5K or higher?
Laura Cheadle: I would definitely recommend starting at your own pace! Lately, I have been alternating on the stepper machine as well! Even if you walk, it makes a difference! I am too busy to do any races, but I certainly exercise every day!
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By Jimmy Rae
