Ones to watch: Kimbra

Published Mar 8 2012, 16:18 GMT  |  By Robert Copsey

We're often sceptical of singers who launch a career off the back of a guest feature on a successful song. We're not sure why, as many perfectly respectable artists have caught their big break this way.

That said, one artist who is proving that she is better than playing second fiddle to someone else particularly well is Kimbra - a New Zealand-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who you might recognise from Gotye's global hit 'Somebody That I Used To Know'.

Her new EP 'Settle Down' is available to download now, and it's one that we would suggest dedicating some time to. The best way we can describe it is the love child of Imogen Heap and Jessie J. An eclectic mix of acoustics, electronics, oddly addictive vocal arrangements and wonderful pop choruses.

It won't grab everyone on first listen, but when it does, the hooks dig deep. We'd recommend starting with 'Cameo Lover', which you can listen to below:



Digital Spy was recently invited along with other members of the press and her record label Warner to see her perform live. She took to the stage aided only by instruments and vocal machinery, creating vocal loops, beats and melodies on the spot. To say we were blown away was an understatement.

Watch a live performance of 'Settle Down' (on this occasion with a backing band) below:



Kimbra's debut album Vows is released in the UK later this year.

What do you make of Kimbra? Leave your comments in the box below: