Ones to Watch in 2011: Laura Warshauer

    Laura Warshauer is a singer/songwriter that you all need to know about. The New Jersey native released her LP, The Pink Chariot Mixtape June 14th, featuring production by Thom Panunzio (Bruce Springsteen, Nelly Furtado) and newcomers Ned Cameron, Andy Baldwin, Peter Hong, Jason Miller, Rob Whited, Robert Lee Parker and Matt Breunig. The nine track album showcases Warshauer’s versatility as a “genre-crossing” artist, with her music dipping into the realms of both pop and rock. Her new single, “Wishing Well,” will be shipped to radio outlets starting today, July 1st.  Laura uploaded a live performance of the new single on YouTube June 25th, so check it out HERE.

    When listening to Laura Warshauer sing, you might notice bits of Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush…even Imogen Heap, but rest assured, she’s not a copy cat by any means. Warshauer is a complete original, through and through. While many artists almost exclusively take an introspective approach to songwriting, Warshauer looks to current events to keep her music both relatable and captivating. Her latest current events-inspired track, “To Will and Kate, Meet Me at Exit 109” is a beautiful, heartfelt ode to Prince William and Kate Middleton, who’s wedding ceremony captured worldwide attention a couple of months ago. Inspired by Warshauer’s experiences with the royal couple during her time as a freshman at the University of St. Andrews, the track was a viral success, amassing over 88,000 views on YouTube since it’s May 1st release. The song was also featured in People Magazine, The Gothamist, the Daily Mail, Paris Match, AOL Music as well as a live performance on New York/New Jersey’s News 12.

    Back in 2010, Laura Warshauer was selected by BMI, Songmasters and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame as the 2010 recipient for the first ever Buddy Holly Award, acknowledging young singer/songwriters for being “true, great and original.” No stranger to live gigs, Warshauer recently performed at this years SXSW where she was part of the Billboard Showcase at Buffalo Billiards and at BMI’s Express Rocks! Music Lounge. Look out for more tour dates this summer, as she prepares to start promoting her album and single all over the U.S. In the meantime, you can catch Laura and her band at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, CA on July 14th, Lestat’s in San Diego on July 20th and at the FMQB Triple A conference in Boulder, CA on August 10th.

    Download The Pink Chariot Mixtape on U.S. iTunes HERE and pick up “To Will and Kate, Meet Me At Exit 109” on iTunes HERE. Laura Warshauer is truly an up and coming talent worthy of my ‘Ones To Watch in 2011‘ title.

    Check out Laura Warshauer on the web: