Lauren Nicole, a fresh, new, pop/rock talent from Raleigh, NC, has released her first album entitled, “Hope and Desire." It is now available on CD-Baby.com and iTunes for download and purchase.

Now 19, Lauren Nicole has been performing in some capacity since she was eleven years old, whether acting in community theatre, winning local singing competitions, or surprising Raleigh locals as an underage karaoke singer. She has sung the National Anthem for local minor league baseball clubs, and performed on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City, as a member of the 2010 National Christian High School Choir.

2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Chip Shearin, discovered the young artist after hearing her sing in a Raleigh karaoke club. The renowned independent record producer and accomplished bass guitarist agreed to produce her first album of original songs.

Commenting on the teen artist, Shearin said, "Lauren's blend of song writing and singing will vault her to lofty places few have achieved! Her story is taking off. Don't blink!"

And he should know.

Shearin, a North Carolina native who splits his time between Raleigh and Los Angeles, has worked with numerous talented artists such as jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Michael Bolton, and YahZarah. In 2010, he was recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for his iconic bass line recorded for the landmark 1979 rap song, “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang.

Scott MacConnell, drummer for the Raleigh, NC band, Far Too Jones, was instrumental in connecting the young artist with the producer.

After seeing and hearing Lauren perform, MacConnell reached out to Shearin and urged him to come out and listen to the young singer. "Besides her incredible voice, I was blown away by her poise and stage presence," said MacConnell. "With some breaks, she could be big!"

Whether writing songs, strumming a mean rhythm guitar, or singing, Lauren is an upcoming artist whose music is destined to be heard.