Nashville may be known around the world as the home of country music, but every so often an artist comes along who pushes the boundaries of what Broadway can sound like. Laura Walsh is doing exactly that, bringing a bold blend of pop and rock to stages up and down Nashville’s most famous strip.
Walsh describes her sound as a crossover between artists like Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, and Avril Lavigne — high-energy pop with a rock edge. Her latest single, “Bad Boyfriend,” released May 1, leans fully into that style while delivering a message many listeners can relate to.
“It’s calling out ego and wrestling with feelings toward someone who needs to learn how to love themselves properly before trying to be in a relationship,” Walsh explains.
While pop-rock is now her signature sound, Walsh didn’t start there. Like many artists who arrive in Nashville, she initially leaned into country music.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Walsh moved to Nashville in 2018. Music has been a part of her life since childhood — she began playing in the fourth grade and started performing professionally at just 20 years old.
“I was sort of pushed into the country genre and went along with it — grateful for that and I wouldn’t change it,” Walsh says. “But when I moved to Nashville, I quickly realized I’m a pop girl with a rock twist through and through. I admire country music, but I know what’s in my blood.”
Before the pandemic, Walsh partnered with Musicians On Call, performing for patients in children’s hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and other healthcare facilities. The experience left a lasting impact on her and reshaped how she views performing.
“While I love playing late on Friday nights at Aldean’s — the energy in that room is always insane — nothing beats the one-on-one connection of singing to someone who desperately needs a ray of sunshine in their darkest hour,” Walsh says. “It’s the most beautiful transaction of musical connection I’ve ever experienced.”
Today, Walsh continues to build her audience across Nashville. You can often find her performing on Broadway at venues like Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Luke Bryan’s, FGL House, and Casa Rosa. She’s also a regular performer at Electric Jane.
Looking ahead, Walsh plans to release a music video for “Bad Boyfriend” and continue writing and performing new music as her career evolves.
For Walsh, the goal is simple: keep creating and see where the music takes her.
You can stream “Bad Boyfriend” on all major platforms now. To follow Laura Walsh and stay up to date on upcoming shows and releases, visit her social media pages @laurawalshmusic.