AN ISLE of Wight musician, celebrated for her slacker-pop, has been selected to perform at the forthcoming South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

Lauran Hibberd, 22, has gained significant momentum in the past 12 months, having released half a dozen singles and an EP in 2019, as well as securing a sought-after slot on the BBC Music Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival.

2020 has kicked off with similar propulsion — recent release Bang Bang Bang, which dropped on January 17, received plaudits from music journalists and fans alike.

The singer will be headlining a five-date UK tour in February, taking in the city settings of Southampton, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester and London.

Discussing her first release of the year, the singer said: “Bang Bang Bang is my ode to the teenage girl. It’s built for the prom scene in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.

"The track is the cycle of going back to the same person, even when you know you shouldn’t, and the fallout that ensues.”

Produced by Island-based duo Boe Weaver, and mastered by Vlado Meller of Weezer and Rage Against The Machine fame, the upbeat Bang Bang Bang is enrobed in addictive melody; unostentatious, addictive lyrics — and guitar-fuelled irreverence.

The UK mini-tour will be followed by a brief recess, before Lauran jets out to join the international throng flocking to the Texas State Capital for SXSW ­— a ten-day conglomeration of film, media and music festivals, which drew more than 400,000 people last year.

Lauran said: "It's been a dream of mine to play SXSW for years, so I'm beyond excited to see my name on that line up.

"I cannot wait to perform alongside some of my favourite bands and artists, and feel lucky to be playing for the BBC as well. People will be able to hear my set on BBC Radio 1."