SPC Student

Looks to Become New Country Music Sensation

Jennifer Conlee, co-news editor

Country music is about to meet its match in Megan Laurie, an Australian cutie who traveled to the United States in 2004 just to attend South Plains College.

“I came to SPC,” explained Laurie, “because it has the best music program in the world.”

Laurie, 24, took up country music at 11, and started playing consistently at 13.  In Australia, she obtained three consecutive Champion of Champion titles, Victoria, South Australian, and Queensland. She is the only person to have all three titles.

"I grew up touring Australia, following the country music circuit,” Laurie says. “While my friends were playing sports and partying, I was at home learning lyrics, charting and writing songs, practicing my guitar and honing my vocal skills. Music has always given me an outlet to express my thoughts and emotions.”

At the age of 22, she came to SPC, following in the footsteps of other country stars who first came to the college, such as LeAnne Womack, Richie McDonald, Jed Hughes, Dan Bletz of Biscuit Burners, and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks.

"South Plains College gave me the opportunity to study under the guidance of some of the most respected tutors in the music industry," said Laurie. “I like how everyone here is so supportive. I’ve been so well received, and I thank God every day that I found this place. Everyone is so eager for things to happen, and so supportive of each other.”

Laurie has been awarded SPC’s “Outstanding Female Songwriter of the Year for 2003-2004 ,” “Female Country/Swing Vocalist of the Year for 2003-2004 and 2004-2005,” “Female Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year for 2004-2005,” “Female Country/Swing Instrumentalist of the Year 2004-2005,” and “Female Entertainer of the Year for 2004-2005.”

“I think Megan is a true talent,” says Scott Faris, director of guitar studies at South Plains College. “She’s a fantastic singer and one of the best songwriters we have ever had here at SPC.”

Laurie’s participation with “Thursday Nite Live” has given her much exposure throughout Hockley County, but that’s just the beginning.  

“It is easy to forget that Megan Laurie is just in her 20s,” said Faris, “Her musical maturity and positive approach are beyond her years."

Laurie’s self-titled album, which is on the Fillee label, will debut May 5.

“After the CD comes out, I’m going on tour,” she said.

 The CD, for which she and Cary Banks, chairperson of the Creative Arts Department, co-produced, was recorded partially at Studio 84 in Lubbock, and partially in Nashville, Tenn. Laurie wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the CD.

“Megan Laurie is one of those special people that has touched my life in a very profound way,” said Banks, who considers himself a friend of Laurie. “She is a genuine artist, a heck of a good songwriter, and a genuine joy to know and work with.”

Laurie, whose influences include Hank Williams, George Jones, and Johnny Cash, already has gigs in North Carolina and New York lined up.

“When I play a gig,” says Laurie, “It’s good to know that when people come out after having a bad day, I can make their day a little better.”

Laurie is set to graduate in May, and already she has a bright future ahead of her.

 “Great things await our little ‘Aussie,’ says Banks, “and I know the world will be so blessed by her songs and voice.”

Currently, Laurie’s song, “Kissin’ The Wind” can be heard on 99.5, The Bear, or KRBL-FM, The Rebel, in Lubbock. For more information about Laurie, you can visit her Myspace music page or at www.meganlaurie.com.

"I am who I am, I do what I do,” says Laurie.” I work hard, search for new roads and set the scene for my own individual style."