Say hello to Laura Gossett. This 24-year old singer/songwriter/pianist from Duncan, Oklahoma may be in fact the next big thing. Laura began her musical journey at the age of 11 upon starting vocal lessons, competing in numerous competitions through American Kids, and singing at many churches and local events. At the age of 14, Laura went on to be named the American Kids National Vocal Grand Champion.Throughout her high school years, Laura began writing songs and playing the piano, thus developing her own musical sound. It was at this point that she would begin to sing wherever opportunity arose; from national anthems at University of Oklahoma basketball, baseball, gymnastics and even NCAA championships to Oklahoma City Hornets basketball.She later received her vocal music education degree from the University of Oklahoma, which made her an even stronger musician. In 2005, she had the opportunity to share the stage with greats such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Byron Berline, and Ty England at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Concert at the Ford Center. This event excited her because she was able to perform songs with a positive message in a secular arena, and it gave her the desire for more in her own career.In 2006 Laura opened for Praise Fest also at the Ford Center with greats such as Natalie Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder, and Jars of Clay, among many others.Laura became an American Idol Hollywood finalist for the 2006/07 season, but was glad to return to Oklahoma and begin working on her first solo album with the freedom to establish her own musical style. The album entitled "Unreal" is to be released this fall. Her fresh sound mixes pop/rock with piano, and is influenced by favorites such as Jack’s Mannequin, Switchfoot, Nichole Nordeman, The Afters, Maroon 5, Hello Goodbye, and the Hush Sound to name a few. Laura's obvious ecclectic taste in music is the factor that sets her record apart from the generic. Every song is fairly different from the rest, yet uniquely her own, as her hauntingly sweet, soulful, powerful voice soars above it all.Laura's heart, and her joy shine through her music. Just by sharing her stories, whether joy or pain, searching or realization, people are encouraged to live the most abundant, beautiful lives possible. Her hope is to inspire the listener to surpass what they thought was their only reality, into more than they ever dreamed possible.
