IT'S a "bittersweet" moment for Isle of Wight singer-songwriter, Lauran Hibberd, who lost her beloved father but saw her debut album make top 40 in the UK charts this month. 

Speaking in the wake of both events, the 25-year-old said her dad, Martin White, was definitely where her musical influence came from, and she knew he'd be "super proud" that her debut release made it into the charts. 

Martin — a well-known gas engineer — died aged 69, and his funeral was held at the IW Crematorium on August 16.

"I think like everyone's dad is their hero, and he was just so funny and made all the weird, quirky jokes — the songs, he would love," said Lauran. 

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"He was a really good writer and we used to watch him drum when I was little. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

"It's the strangest month of my life — bittersweet if you like.

"I've tried to celebrate as much as I can, but it's difficult. 

"Maybe, when it's not so raw, I might write a song about him."

At the time of writing, Lauran's debut album — Garageband Superstar — is sitting pretty at number 37 in the UK Top 40 Chart.

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How does it feel to be an Isle of Wight artist in the UK Top 40 chart?

"It's so weird and surreal," said Lauran.

"My first reaction was: is it a prank? 

"But no, it's really cool, it's really exciting. 

"It's what you want as an artist, and what you hope for."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Are you surprised your album made it into the charts so soon?

"I am. I've been an artist since I was 18, and I've been slowly releasing singles and EPs. 
"This is my first album. I signed to Virgin Records late last year. 

"I'm just trying to take it all in, really. 

"A lot of work went into the album, and the lockdown really slowed everything up. 

"I wanted to get a few years under my belt, just gigging and releasing.

"The idea was to find my feet and know exactly what I wanted to be as an artist — to be of the age where I wouldn't look back and regret something.

"It does feel like a long time coming in a way, but it's really exciting that it's here."

Has your music evolved over the years?

"Yes, definitely.

"I was kind of a folk artist when I first started out, and ended up in this pop-rock world.

"I'm really glad I didn't jump the gun and release an album too soon."

Isle of Wight County Press:

For the uninitiated, what track would you suggest they listen to first?

"I would say Still Running 5k.

"That would be my favourite track on the album, and if you don't really like that, you won't really like the rest of it. 

"It was the last one that made it on the record, too; the most recent write."

Who are your primary influences?

"For a new album, it feels quite nostalgic of the music I grew up listening to.

"I grew up listening to bands like Weezer, Green Da, and the Smashing Pumpkins. 

"I've adopted their sort of mannerisms, but I still love a Katy Perry chorus, so there's always a pop element in everything I do."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Has your album had endorsements from fellow artists?

"There's been a couple of surprise ones. 

"Scouting for Girls are apparently quite big fans and I remember going to school singing She's So Lovely.

"Shout out to my manager, Matt Rowsell, and everyone at Virgin. They've been brilliant."

Next on Lauran's calender is a headline tour this September.

She will be performing at various venues, including Strings Bar and Venue, in Newport, then she's off to LA in October to do some more recording.