Laura Marling

Laura Beatrice Marling was born on February 1, 1990, in Eversley, Hampshire, England. Her mother was a music teacher, and her father, Sir Charles William Somerset Marling, 5th baronet, ran a recording studio. Introduced to folk music through her father, she learned to play guitar at age five. After completing her GCSEs at 16, Marling moved to London, pursuing a music career within the burgeoning “nu-folk” scene. She briefly joined Noah and the Whale, contributing background vocals to their debut album, and performed with early members of Mumford & Sons.

Marling released her debut EP, *London Town*, in 2007, followed by her first album, *Alas, I Cannot Swim*, in 2008, which was nominated for the Mercury Prize. She continued to release albums consistently, including *I Speak Because I Can* (2010) and *A Creature I Don’t Know* (2011). Her fourth album, *Once I Was an Eagle* (2013), also received a Mercury Prize nomination and was noted for its minimalist approach, recorded without a band. In 2015, she released *Short Movie*, reflecting her experiences living in Los Angeles.

Her sixth record, *Semper Femina* (2017), earned her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album. In 2018, Marling collaborated with Mike Lindsay of Tunng under the name Lump, releasing a self-titled album. Her seventh solo album, *Song for Our Daughter*, released in 2020, garnered another Mercury Prize nomination and a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. She followed this with a second Lump album, *Animal* (2021). In 2024, after the birth of her daughter, Marling released her eighth solo album, *Patterns in Repeat*, exploring themes of motherhood and relationships. Throughout her career, Marling has received numerous accolades, including a Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 2011, and her eight studio albums have all been critically acclaimed. She also co-starred in the short film *Woman Driver* in 2015, winning “Best Actress” at the 72-Hour National Film Challenge.