Certain girls exude confidence. They sit by themselves at curbside cafes, donning colorful scarves and eating large salads. They are solo, lying on a blanket in the middle of Ault Park reading. In the corner of the coffee shop, laptop open, cell phone away, they sit with their hair in high buns and ordering vegan chili.

This is the girl I think of when I think of Laura Veirs. She seems like she would be at home in any situation - completely gracious and down to earth.

Laura Veirs is a folk singer from Colorado. She released her seventh album, July Flame, this year. Her simple melodies and nostalgic lyrics put your ears at ease as they proceed to stick in your head for hours on end.

“My brother introduced me to the guitar at age 18,” says Laura of her musical beginnings. “The best early band I was a part of was an all-women's punk band called "Rair Kx!" We wore mechanic's suits and raced all around the stage.”

Laura’s songs paint pictures as her round voice drifts about the guitar. Her whimsical cover-art (all done by Carson Ellis, a Portland based artist) is the perfect accompaniment for the 13-track album.

“I think in visual terms when writing lyrics,” is Laura’s answer for the obvious visual association her songs bring. “I'm often picturing the scene of what I'm talking about, so capturing some of those images in the artwork for the website and album is very important to me. I think it helps people make a deeper connection to the music when the artwork is appealing.”

What can we expect from Laura in the future? Well, we can expect her to have her first child any day now. The singer would like to “tour with her family and baby, make more great records, collaborate with artists, work on music for film and continue to grow as a singer, songwriter and guitarist.”

Fun fact: Laura was co-captain of her high school swim team (I was co-captain of my high school swim team, too, along with another girl named Laura).

Laura’s personal pet peeves: “It annoys me to play in clubs without green rooms (backstage rooms), and sometimes even if there's a green room there's no bathroom, so as a pregnant lady this is tough. Also, it's frightening how many people download music illegally and for free now; it's as if there isn't any guilt in it.”

-Audrey Schnur

For a limited time only download "July Flame" by Laura Veirs right here on NikeWomen.com