LAUREL
At just four years old, Laurel discovered her passion for singing. By seven, she knew exactly who she wanted to emulate: Britney Spears. That dream shifted at 13 when a friend introduced her to Laura Marling’s New Romantic. Inspired, Laurel traded pop for folk, picked up a Spanish guitar, and began crafting her sound.
Now 19, the singer-songwriter from a small town near Southampton has evolved into an artist known for her cinematic, self-penned, and self-produced music. Laurel’s haunting blend of piano, strings, and beats underscores her sultry vocals, while her poetic lyrics turn heartbreak into captivating art. Influences from her early love of pop and folk are evident, but her music remains distinctly her own—crafted in her London flat using simple equipment.
Laurel’s career began with a bold step: uploading her demo, Next Time, to Soundcloud at 17. The raw, heartfelt track earned her a record deal with Sony and introduced her to the world of professional music. A move to London and trips to Los Angeles followed, where she collaborated with industry heavyweights like Lester Mendes and Diane Warren. However, Laurel found her true voice by returning to her roots—writing and producing her own music.
Her breakout track, Blue Blood, released in 2013, captivated listeners with its ethereal quality and emotional depth. It garnered significant attention, climbing to No. 3 on Hype Machine and earning comparisons to Lana Del Rey. Laurel followed up with a string of impressive releases, including Firebreather and The Desert, both of which showcased her ability to weave haunting melodies with evocative lyrics.
In 2014, she unveiled her debut EP, To The Hills, a collection of lush, orchestral tracks that established her as a unique voice in alternative music. Later that year, she released Holy Water, an EP featuring darker, heavier songs that highlighted her range and artistic growth.
After experimenting with electronic sounds on her 2015 Allelopathy Mixtape, Laurel began shifting her style once more. With indie rock singles like Life Worth Living and San Francisco, she embraced a rawer sound that resonated with a new audience. Her versatility earned her recognition as Apple Music/Beats 1’s first-ever Artist of the Week and a deal with the renowned indie label Ninja Tune.
Laurel’s journey reflects her dedication to evolving as an artist while staying true to her instincts. Her acclaimed PARK EP solidified her position as a rising star, and fans eagerly anticipate the release of her debut album, expected in early 2018. Whether crafting folk-inspired ballads or venturing into indie rock, Laurel’s artistry continues to captivate and inspire.
LAUREL online: Instagram – SoundCloud – X – Website – Spotify