In a time when NZ is abundant with great female vocalists, a new name is set to emerge that will make you sit up, take notice and give thanks to whatever it is that blesses us with this talent. That name belongs to Lauren Anne Mitchell.   Currently based in Christchurch, though Marlborough-born, Lauren has worked with a host of local talent including Flip Grater, Trillion and Matt Barus {in the RDU Throwing Shapes show}, with Solaa {at the ‘07 NYE party in Chch}, with Rare Shot Blues and with The Dukes (playing support for INXS, Gomez and at the MTV kick start NZ finals as well as working on their third album). Her song "Better Than it Seems" was voted in the Top 50 suggested artist list of the VH1 International song of the year competition and has collaborated with Oakley Grenell, Hamish Clark {Breaks Co-Op} and the Nomad.   Though there’s the small matter of her solo debut album, the stunningly, achingly, gorgeously affecting and aptly titled ‘Debut’. A sparkling collection of seductive soul and jazz that reveals her undeniable talent as both a singer / songwriter and musician, ‘Debut’ comes from a place of honesty and is wrapped in a genuine soulful groove, a distinctly NZ form of soul -– not for nothing has Lauren been described as “Alicia Keys from the Pacific”.   Through out her life Lauren has been influenced by music that’s very diverse including song writers like Pearl Jam’s Eddie Veddar, Bic Runga and Bjork. Once she started into Jazz her versatility as a vocalist became clearly apparent and her love for soul and jazz influenced her vocally and musically. Vocalists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Ella Fitzgerald and Julia London and others such as Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Roy Ayers and Dave Douglas are all reflected in her soulful, heartfelt songs and superb piano playing.   Lauren has also spent time in Brazil, learning fluent Portuguese and travelling to Paraguay and Argentina, all experiences which she has brought to her songs on ‘Debut’ -– and also live, when she performs with her group The Nativa Band.