Hackney-born 25-year-old singer Paloma Faith has been collecting critical acclaim throughout 2009, and it's easy to see why. Her songs shine with soulful pop perfection and the unmistakable stamp of her inimitable persona. She draws on influences as diverse as Billie Holiday, Etta James, P J Harvey and Edith Piaf. Like her music, Paloma's story never fails to thrill. In the lead up to her becoming a singer, she has been a magician's assistant, trained contemporary dancer, St. Martin's alumni with an MA in theatre direction, a performer in burlesque shows, and an actress. Paloma wrote her debut album in the UK, Sweden and America and recorded it entirely in London. The album features writing collaborations with Ed Harcourt, Jodi Marr (Mika), Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Kylie), Steve Robson (Take That) and Jorgen Elofsson. Epic. 2009.

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