Raised as a one-parent one-child family in rural Flanders in the north of France, Lauren Guillery grew up to be an independent young person whose father’s appreciation for rockabilly and surf rock helped shape her love for music. A self-taught musician, Lauren immersed herself listening to American bands Sonic Youth, Mudhoney and Nirvana as a teenager – a music soundtrack that would become the basis for her songwriting in later years.

Armed with a red guitar and an unstoppable attitude, she relocated to the emerald isle during the Celtic Tiger years and powered her way through the open-mic circuit and onto the stages of some of Ireland’s most prestigious clubs. Her performances are full of confidence as she delivers her songs with an ‘I dare you’ stare as she hammers away at her guitar. Whether playing with band or solo, Guillery commands attention. Her voice is instantly arresting, a blend of Tori Amos and Kate Bush but with a built-in rock snarl that demands you stop and listen. Her debut four track EP aptly entitled ‘Listen’ was released in 2006 and delivers insidious melodies, building rock crescendos and raw passion.

She was awarded ‘Best International’ at the inaugural Balcony TV awards and has toured with her rhythm section The Claws opening for acts such as Norwegian post-punk outfit Ungdomskulen and Irish post rockers God Is An Astronaut. Over the years, she has performed at various Irish music festivals including the Electric Picnic, Castlepalooza and Knockanstockan.

Her forthcoming album was recorded at Experimental Audio in Dublin with producers Stephen Shannon and Peter Sisk and is due for release in the spring of 2018. For her performance at the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, Lauren has teamed up with drummer Brian O’Higgins to bring forth a collection of thumping songs that speak about lust, love and loss, with a tinge of sparkly magic and plenty of distorted bluesy guitars. You’ve been warned!

‘Deliciously grungy’ – LECOOL

‘Very fresh and exciting’ – HOTPRESS

‘Absolutely excellent’ – GOLDENPLEC