Albums: Alas I Cannot Swim, My Manic And I EP, The London Town EP

Laura Marling (born 1st February 1990) is an indie folk star in the ascendance whose striking melodies and wise-beyond-her-years vocals could melt even the iciest of hearts, mixing the strength of Regina Spektor with the intelligence of Carole King and the acoustic lushness of Joni Mitchell. The 19-year-old small town girl - Eversley, United Kingdom just outside of Reading to be exact - sings about love, lust and romance, the futility of religion, self-loathing and human psychology. Each one of her songs is a mini-blast of prime poetry, gorgeous melody and sublime songwomanship.

She began playing the guitar at the age of three, first being taught the blues by her father in front of the family fire, and has been in thrall to the songs and lyrics of the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, James Taylor and John Mayall ever since. It’s not just the “golden-oldies” that Laura admires; she also harbours a rather deep love for alt.country’s favourite son, Ryan Adams. “He’s brilliant, there’s nothing that even comes close, he can paint the most amazing pictures in your mind.” Laura’s already hugely popular with indie’s big hitters; Jamie T personally invited her on tour with him last year after being hugely impressed by her gorgeous modern folk-pop when he caught her playing just her second ever gig.

She was also a member of Noah and the Whale until May 2008, contributing vocals and instruments throughout, and can be seen in the Five Years Time video playing a recorder. Laura’s part of the extended Way Out West family, having played five eminent shows at the label’s Brentford FC night before the club was finally moved on. The London Town EP is in the spirit of a testimonial to the label and a recognition of all the support they’ve given her.

As well as the title track - a swinging strut of a song - the EP included She's Changed - a more telling look into the mindset of a teenage girl than anything you could get via watching a whole series of Skins; Failure, a marvellously mature mellow pop masterpiece which takes in everything from the futility of religion and fading rock and roll stars to aching self-doubt, and Tap At My Window, a song, as Laura says, “influenced by that Philip Larkin poem.” Since The London Town EP, Laura has recorded an album, Alas I Cannot Swim, which was released by Virgin on 4th February 2008. The album was originally released in a large Song Box, containing mementos and trinkets personal to the songs, as well as a concert ticket. The singles from the album include My Manic And I, Ghosts and Cross Your Fingers.

The album was nominated for the 2008 Mercury Music Prize. www.lauramarling.com/

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