Interview with Laura Veirs

Portland, Oregon musician Laura Veirs released her 14th solo studio album, Temple Songs, on August 14, 2026. The North's Christine Dean talked with her about the album, which came after a long period of transition. After splitting from her husband Tucker Martine, who also produced her previous work, Veirs began taking more control over her releases. On Temple Songs, Veirs had full creative control, for the first time writing, arranging. recording and and producing the album and playing all the instruments herself (with the exception of some saxophone added to a couple of songs by her current husband). What she was aiming for, Veirs shares, was something that sounded human, not polished. The conversation also touched on her connections to Minnesota, including a college stint in an all-female punk band.