Hot shots 2004: Laura Isibor
Last year, there was one clear, overwhelming winner at the Jacob’s/2FM Young Songwriter of The Year Competition (the same competition that brought Naimee Coleman to the attention of the industry).
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Fifteen-year old Dubliner Laura Isibor sang the self-penned ‘Are We Compatible?’ with a soulfulness, worldliness and genuine passion that thoroughly belied her age. Not only is she blessed with an extraordinary voice, but it is her songwriting that’s really setting her apart from the pop herd. After scooping her competition winnings, the schoolgirl bought a 16-track and the rest, as they say, is history.
As a result, Isibor has already been compared by those in the know to a younger, more effervescent Alicia Keys, and on occasion, Samantha Mumba. But rather than follow the tried-and-tested pop puppet route, Laura is instead pursuing a more adult and discerning approach to her music, and has already professed an interest in self-producing and writing all of her own material.
Laura has already supported jazz wunderkind Jamie Cullum, and has played her own headline show in Whelan’s, a venue which she is not yet old enough to drink in. For the time being, her management are introducing her to various producers and co-writers so that the now-16 year old can learn her craft. Understandably, several A&R sources have been in feverish pursuit of the star since her discovery at the competition. For now, regular trips to the UK offices of the major labels are a prominent part of the singer’s weekly schedule, and several US label bosses are just starting to court the star-in-waiting.
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