Laura Marling
Today's musical landscape is liberally scattered with a slew of young and talented female singer-songwriters, with the likes of Kate Nash, Duffy, Lily Allen and Adele all breaking through in the last couple of years alone. One very different prospect however is 18 year old Reading lass Laura Marling.
Even at her tender age Laura is already an accomplished artist, as her debut album 'Alas, I Cannot Swim' clearly illustrates. A collection of dark, modern folk songs that could easily have been written by someone twice her age, her knowing lyrics are shot through strong characterisation and emotional turmoil. But that's not to say that her songs are downbeat in any way as they somehow always manage to retain an element of optimism and love.
As well as her solo work Laura can also be found providing lyrics for indie folksters Noah and the Whale as well as collaborating with the more mainstream Rakes and the Mystery Jets, but it's as a live solo performer that this slight young girl has amazed audiences across the country. Her passionate performances entrance and astonish, not least because it's initially so hard to believe that a voice so powerfully steeped in folk tradition can come from one so young. Take this then as the perfect opportunity to share in the magic of one of the UK's true rising stars as the exquisite Laura Marling arrives at this year's Bestival.
www.lauramarling.com