Website: http://www.lauraimbruglia.com

Laura Imbruglia. You've probably seen the name around. Heard a song or two on the radio. You may have even seen her live. Laura's been kicking around the Australian music scene for nigh on 10 years now; she's toured Oz countless times and Europe twice. She's played with The Eels, Tegan and Sara, New Pornographers, Fiery Furnaces, Violent Femmes, Josh Pyke, Sarah Blasko and many more. Some of these bands even watched her sets and said nice things.

Laura's debut ep It Makes A Crunchy Noise (2003) introduced the world to her unusual sense of humour and awkward confidence. She followed it with her first, self-titled album in 2006, which featured a more expansive sound and more assured emotional depth. Said album boasted the songs Looking For A Rabbit (which reached #2 on JTV's chart & won a bronze medal for Most Innovative Video at the prestigious New York Festival's International Television Broadcasting Awards); It's Getting Worse (chosen by MTV to promote their addition to the iTunes network) and My Dream of A Magical Washing Machine, which is probably being used for prototype inspiration at Whirlpool HQ right now.

The second album, sarcastically titled The Lighter Side Of... (2010), was a meeting of the two sides of Laura –– the smart-arse and the angry heartbreak-ee. Produced by Melbourne's Nick Huggins (Whitley, Kid Sam) and Laura herself, and featuring backing from avant-garde drummer Robbie Avenaim (Phlegm, Wog), Nick Huggins, and special guest appearances from members of You Am I, Talons and Seagull, this album struck a chord with the public.

Singles ranged from dark country (When It All Falls Apart) to power pop (Pauly) and lovelorn indie pop; the hugely popular music video for I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend reached #1 on Myspace Australia and was Rage's Indie Clip of the Week in July 2010. Check out the DIY masterpiece for yourself below.

In late 2010, Laura relocated to Melbourne and introduced herself with a splash by hosting her infamous 'Allsorts Residency' at Fitzroy's Old Bar. The residency ranged from intimate solo shows to all-out band feasts (Melbourne's legendary Even backing her for one special show) and climaxed with a karaoke show finale! Following this, she soon found herself invited to tour and share stages with respected acts The Gin Club, Adalita (Magic Dirt) and Sebadoh. As you do.

Now completely settled in her adopted hometown, Laura is back to offer a taste of the new material she's been working on. This comes in the shape of new single, Why'd You Have To Kiss Me So Hard?, a psychedelic about-turn from her recent alt-country explorations.

Produced by Liam Judson (Cloud Control, Belles Will Ring) in the Blue Mountains, NSW, and backed by a smoking hot band featuring members of Talons, Songs and Jewel & The Falcon, the single shows yet another side of this versatile, shape-shifting artist. Why'd You Have To Kiss Me... showcases Laura's trademark lyrical wit, though in subtler form, blurring the line between the literal and figurative.

Why'd You Have to Kiss Me So Hard? is out September 12 via Gaga Digi.