Today we’d like to introduce you to Audra McLaughlin.
Hi Audra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Audra McLaughlin — a Philly soul and Americana artist originally from Philadelphia, now based in Nashville. My sound blends soulful storytelling and rock & roll grit — think Janis Joplin meets Chris Stapleton and Bonnie Raitt — with the powerhouse vocal chops of Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey. I was a finalist on NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake), which helped me step into who I truly am as an artist — raw, emotional, and deeply connected to every lyric I sing.
My journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the woman and artist I am today. I’ve learned that healing and growth come from facing yourself with honesty, grace, and faith. Through that process, I found my voice again — and with it, my purpose.
My songs speak about overcoming, self-worth, women’s empowerment, and learning to love yourself through the hard times. They’re about finding beauty in the climb — because the mountain’s incline is where the growth happens.
Today, I’m living in gratitude and using my story and my music to remind others that no matter what you’ve been through, you can rise, heal, and shine brighter than ever
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has shaped me into the artist and woman I am today. For a long time, I was my own worst enemy. I struggled with self-worth, body image, and constantly worried about what others thought of me. I had a hard time standing up for myself and often held back from being my authentic self.
In 2014, I had the incredible opportunity to be on NBC’s The Voice. It was a life-changing experience, but when I was eliminated, I took it really hard. I thought my career was over and spiraled into a place of fear and doubt. Still, I kept going — playing shows, writing songs, and opening for other artists. As the “Voice” spotlight faded, I didn’t have the right team or the guidance to build on that momentum. I was young, learning as I went, and making mistakes along the way.
In 2016, I faced one of my toughest battles yet — I developed a vocal cyst and had to undergo surgery. I had to completely re-learn how to sing and use my voice, which was terrifying. I was struggling emotionally at the time and coping in ways that didn’t serve me, but even through all that, something in me refused to give up. I moved to Nashville, finished my vocal treatment at Vanderbilt, and worked hard to rebuild my confidence.
When I finally stepped back on stage, I was scared — but that moment became a breakthrough. Since then, I’ve continued to grow through challenges like anxiety, depression, and heartbreak. And now, I’m over two years sober — something that completely changed my life. Sobriety gave me clarity, peace, and a new sense of purpose.
Every obstacle I’ve faced has taught me resilience, self-love, and faith in something greater. Today, I use my voice and my story to empower others to believe in themselves and know that no matter how hard the climb, you can rise stronger, wiser, and more grounded in who you truly are
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Philly soul and Americana artist based in Nashville. My sound mixes the grit of rock & roll with the heart of soul — kind of like if Janis Joplin, Chris Stapleton, and Bonnie Raitt had a jam session. I’ve been through my fair share of trials and tribulations, and I think that’s what makes my music real. I write from a place of truth — about self-worth, overcoming, empowerment, and learning to love yourself again.
What sets me apart is that I don’t sugarcoat life. I talk about the hard stuff — the heartbreak, the healing, the moments when you question your worth — but I always bring it back to hope. I’ve been sober for over two years now, and that journey gave me clarity, faith, and purpose in my art.
I want to be the voice for the misfits, the outcasts, the ones who thought they weren’t worth it — the ones who’ve been bullied, broken, or felt unseen. I want my music to remind people that their story matters, that their scars are beautiful, and that they can rise from anything.
What I’m most proud of is how my songs connect with people on a soul level. When someone tells me that a song helped them through something — that’s what it’s all about for me. I make music for the fighters, the dreamers, and anyone learning to love themselves again
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker. One of my biggest fears has always been financial security — I know I can always make a living through music somehow, but that fear still creeps in from time to time. The truth is, chasing a dream means stepping out on faith every single day. Leaving the only life I’d ever known behind to move to Nashville was one of the scariest and riskiest things I’ve ever done. It’s a city full of talent and opportunity, but also full of sharks — and you have to learn how to swim through them while keeping your integrity intact.
Sometimes taking risks comes with consequences, but those lessons have become a big part of my story. Every risk I’ve taken — whether it was moving cities, stepping back on stage after vocal surgery, or choosing to be vulnerable and share my truth — has helped me grow into the artist and woman I am today. At the end of the day, the biggest risk you can take is believing in yourself when no one else does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://audramclaughlin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audramclaugh?igsh=cmY1MGxjcGJmaXEy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JF3z5ddqh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@audramclaughlinmusic?si=3ROuuApB7cMo5wAs
