Lauren Pritchard / Tinashe / Pete Lawrie

"Oh, I'm no temptress, but I'm no angel either..." purrs the southern belle with the lush throaty lull. Lauren Pritchard is a female and an artist that I believe defies categorisation; she can act, she can sing, she can write, but her appeal almost lies beyond all that; it is mesmerising, mystical and melodramatic. When she performs her particular brand of deep southern soul, she draws you in to a dream-like state, where your emotions are struck with every piano key. How apt therefore, that her label decided to include her in their new breed showcase tour, entitled ‘Island Life’. I can think of no better voice to entertain me on a desert island, than that of the Tennessee triple threat.



Lauren Pritchard's set was relatively short; just seven tracks performed in total, allowing label-mates Tinashe and Pete Lawrie to also take to the Mancunian stage. I'd never been to The Deaf Institute (or Trof as it's referred to by the local student population) before this night, but had heard very good things about it; they weren't wrong. Defined as a Cafe Bar and Music Hall, the venue is split over three floors, with the top housing a breath-taking performance space. The space was cosy yet ample, with striking flock wallpaper, a makeshift pew-laden hideaway at the rear where guests could sit comfortably whilst watching the show, a viewing gallery and a significantly-sized bar area running alongside the right-hand side. It was love at first sight for me.

The petite brunette with the brimming talent took to the stage around 8pm, beckoning her guests closer. It was this same unassuming nature that first drew me to the London-based singer-songwriter; stumbling across Pritchard's social networking pages, it was clear to see that she regularly and actively engages with her fans; answering questions, updating them with news and new tracks and just generally asking how their lives are going. I appreciate a genuine nature and an air of unpretentiousness from an artist, or indeed any member of the human race; these days it seems to be a rare trait I find. Kicking off her set with 'Stuck', Pritchard pulled no punches as she filled the venue to the rafters with her amazing vocal range and skills on the ivories. This track speaks about that most rare of feelings; the feeling that you get when you realise you're happy to tie yourself to another person, because even if you are emotionally stuck in that situation, that isn't such a scary thought as long as they are there. I like an upbeat romantic ode! This was the last night of the short UK tour and Pritchard said that she had been sad at that conclusion, but had met some great people and hoped to return very soon. The captivated crowd clearly shared in that hope.

'Bad Time To Fall' and the title track of her upcoming debut album 'Wasted In Jackson' followed, as Pritchard told the crowd of her deep affinity and regard for her hometown; despite her knowledge that she had to leave in order to pursue her song writing and performing dream. I find it often to be the case that successful artists express a similar notion; the notion of feeling their talents had been stifled somehow in their hometown. Perhaps this is what separates true passion from a pipedream; the extent to which you're willing to change your life for something you desire, whether that is a surroundings change or a more internal one.



Pritchard dedicated her set to the recently deceased soul legend Solomon Burke, whose music had been a huge influence on her. Next up was my particular favourite album track 'When The Night Kills The Day'; co-written with Ed Harcourt and produced by Marcus Mumford. The eerie epode to the fear of losing yourself and being led astray, was Pritchard's first single release and the crowd showed great appreciation for the performance. A stunning cover of the TLC hit 'Waterfalls' followed; to be fair I think that I actually preferred this version over the original. The sublime soul sound of 'Painkillers' followed, delivering an equally flooring vocal performance, which left the crowd aching for more.

Pritchard's next single 'Not The Drinking' is released on October 25th through Island Records, with her debut album 'Wasted In Jackson' hitting the shops and the internet on the same day. I can't wait for the opportunity to hear Lauren perform her whole album live in the near future and I predict big things for this artist.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.