Laura Ballance, Bassist

Charlotte native Laura Ballance is the bassist in the rock band Superchunk and co-founder in 1989 of Merge Records, along with bandmate Mac McCaughan. In 2013 she announced that she would no longer be touring with the band due to worsening hyperacusis. Despite this, she has remained in the band. Their latest album is What A Time To Be Alive released in February 2018. Laura lives in Durham, North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Last year, Laura and McCaughan were selected by Southern Living magazine for its “Southerners of the Year 2017” list. Laura has been a staple in the independent music scene for more than 30 years with Superchunk, while also running Merge Records. Merge Records was a pioneer in downtown Durham, moving there in 2001. The company is well-known in the community for organizing company volunteer events and matching their employees’ charitable contributions.