Laura Izibor releases her stunning debut album Let The Truth Be Told through Atlantic Records on MAY 18TH. The album is preceded by the single âShineâ, released on February 23rd (digital) and March 2nd (physical).
Drawing stylistic comparisons to seminal soul singers such as Candi Staton, Roberta Flack, and Aretha Franklin, Let The Truth Be Told anchors itself firmly in classic R ânâ B, combining a reverence for the traditions of vintage soul with a thoroughly refreshing twist of modern sensibility, layered with Lauraâs powerful, honey-tinged vocals. Written and co-produced by Laura herself, Let The Truth Be Told is a fitting display of a formidable talent at work.
Born and raised in Dublin, the piano-playing 21 year-old began working on her debut at 17, recording Let The Truth Be Told over the course of four years in a diverse range of cities: New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dublin among them.
From the breezy sunshine pop of âShineâ - the forthcoming single to be taken from the album, to the dreamy love lament âIf Tonight Is My Lastâ and the gospel-infused âMmmâ, itâs Lauraâs incredible ear for melody and feel for a groove that sparkles.
Her vision for the album was clear - âIâve written this album because itâs my truth. Itâs a sincere record and it has a feel of survival in it as well,â says Laura. âI didnât want to be anybodyâs protégé. Itâs very tempting to put in the reinforcements, but for my debut album I wanted it to be 100% from me.â
Not that Laura needs any help â she has already won accolades usually reserved for more established artists â Hot Press recently declared her to be "undoubtedly one of the greatest voices Ireland has ever produced, a brilliant soul singer, an exceptional performer and a fine songwriterâ. In the US, music bible Rolling Stone tipped her as one of the hottest âArtists To Watchâ, whilst in the UK, she has been tipped across the board as an artist to watch this year.
As well as performing numerous sold-out shows in Ireland, Laura has opened for luminaries such as Angie Stone, James Brown, The Roots, Jamie Cullum and Al Green. Lauraâs music has been included on several movie and TV soundtracks, including, âNanny Diariesâ, starring Scarlett Johanssen, the Hilary Swank film âP.S. I Love Youâ, the hit TV show âGreyâs Anatomyâ and more recently Seven Pounds (Will Smith).
Introduced to the piano at 13 years old and having played ever since, Laura made Irish music history in 2006 by becoming the first unreleased artist ever be nominated and to win a Meteor Irish Music Awards (Irelandâs Brit Award). Having shaped and honed her signature sound, and about to release her much-anticipated debut, 2009 looks set to be an incredible year for Laura. Expect big thingsâ¦