Only one person has ever won the International Song Writing Competition (based in New York) while before being signed to a record label and that artist is a New Zealander by the name of Gin Wigmore . Although she may still be relatively unknown, this 21 year old’s anonymity will certainly not last. Gin’s showcase performance at the intimate Toff in Town aimed to highlight her truly unique vocal talents and song writing ability and succeeded in both in the highest regard.

Gin (short for Virginia) began with a track called S.0.S and her husky delivery, resembling a cross between Macy Gray and Amy Winehouse instantly showed-off her amazing vocal talents. This was followed by the catchy and upbeat Under My Skin which had even the most serious and influential of the crowd tapping along. Hallelujah came next (the afore mentioned song-writing competition winning song), which is a heartfelt ballad dedicated to her late father and the honest emotion on offer in the live version was truly touching. Emotive lines such as “You’re a man who I believe will never die” married with the unique ‘forceful but frail’ vocal style highlighted Gin’s ability to deliver believable raw emotion, critical to the success of singer/songwriters. The single to be released off the EP These Roses is a truly wonderful track and is the perfect representative of Gin’s talents, especially given the lustily sung live version. Gin’s personality shone through both in between and during songs, possessing a charming and relaxed candour that could easily be mistake for Australian-esque characteristics. Gin finished with Golden Ship, another great song that only heightened the anticipation for her upcoming EP.

When that EP is released through Island records, Gin Wigmore will undoubtedly become a renowned name, as a vocal talent like this can’t be ignored.