2009 may have been the year that female musicians dominated Britain's musical landscape, but 2010 is already ear marked to belong to 19 year old prodigy Laura Marling.
Creating beautiful folk pop, but laced with a realism edge of depression and unrequited modern love, the Hampshire born singer songwriter released her first four song EP at just 17 - My Manic and I (2007) - after support slots with Jamie T, who asked her on the tour after witnessing her second ever gig. Since then the wise beyond her ears folk star has, released a second EP, London Town, plus her first album Alas I Cannot Swim in 2008, which was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize, along with a string of singles - all accompanied by strings and piano.
Influenced by Neil Young, Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Will Oldham and more, Laura's garnered a huge following in the UK independent music scene. No doubt helped by her being an ex-member of Noah and The Whale, Laura performed on their debut album, Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down; Noah's lead singer Charlie Fink produced her debut. Laura's also performed on The Rakes' Suspicious Eyes and the Mystery Jet's song Young Love.
An incredible and precocious talent, expect to hear more Laura worship in 2010 - when her Ethan Johns-produced second album I Speak Because I Can is set for release in March.
Currently on a sold out tour of Australia and New Zealand, Laura then heads to the US in February for her first stateside dates, then back in the UK for her biggest shows to date in April.
Wether you wait for her new record or sample her insane talents live, to whet your appetite, here's some videos of Laura's timeless but spine tingling folk-pop. Enjoy:
