Wasted in Jackson

Raised in the Tennessee town of Jackson, Lauren Pritchard spent her youth listening to soul music while plotting an escape from small town life (hence the album title). She eventually settled in London, but those early musical memories stood her in good stead. The twenty-two-year-old's soul and country heritage provided rich inspiration for her debut album. Wasted in Jackson was made with the British tunesmith Eg White, and it was a perfect combination of Pritchard's aching vocals and White's ear for a glorious pop hook. Coming across as a lovesick hobo with a heart of gold, Lauren excels on worldly ballads, but also tackles up-tempo material with aplomb. You might also remember Pritchard from the (sexy) musical Spring Awakening(!).