Lauri Preston: The Soulful Voice of Modern Blues Rock

Lauri Preston is a dynamic American blues rock singer and guitarist known for her powerful vocals and gritty, authentic songwriting. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she achieved a significant commercial milestone with her 2018 album 'Midwest Gothic,' which debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Blues Albums chart and spawned several radio hits.

Early career

Born in 1985, Lauri Preston grew up immersed in Chicago's rich musical heritage, citing local blues legends and classic rock radio as early influences. She began performing in city clubs as a teenager before independently releasing her raw, self-titled debut EP in 2009, which caught the attention of regional label Delta Sound Records.

Breakthrough

Preston's major breakthrough arrived in 2015 with her sophomore album 'Steel River,' released on Delta Sound. The album's lead single, "Rustbelt Heart," gained traction on AAA radio formats and propelled the record to number four on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, eventually earning a gold certification for over 500,000 units sold in the United States.

Key tracks

Rustbelt Heart — This anthemic single defined Preston's heartland rock sound and became her first nationally charting song.

Queen of Swords — A harder-edged track that showcased her formidable guitar skills and became a staple of her live shows.

Steel River — The title track from her breakthrough album is a slow-burning ballad that highlights her vocal range and lyrical depth.

Gravity's Pull — This 2020 collaboration with veteran guitarist Mike Campbell became a standout track on her third album.

Following her breakthrough, Preston toured extensively and earned a reputation as a compelling live performer. Her third studio album, 'The Long Haul' (2020), debuted at number one on the Billboard Blues Albums chart and featured a noted collaboration with guitarist Mike Campbell on the track "Gravity's Pull." She has since performed at major festivals like Austin City Limits and continues to write new material, maintaining a consistent presence in the modern blues rock genre. For fans of Lauri Preston's style, several other artists explore similar terrain. The Black Keys share a foundation in blues rock updated with modern production. Gary Clark Jr blends fiery guitar work with soulful vocals in a comparable manner. Grace Potter delivers a similarly powerful vocal performance within a rock context. The Record Company captures a comparable raw, vintage-inspired rock and roll energy.

Lauri Preston's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic rock FM stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven sounds. Her hits are frequently featured on online rock radio streams and alternative rock radio stations seeking authentic, roots-oriented artists.

You can hear the music of Lauri Preston on radio stations featured right here on our website. Discover her powerful blues rock anthems and deep cuts by tuning into the stations available on onairium.com.