Gin Wigmore's eagerly anticipated debut album 'HOLY SMOKE' will be released September 25, 2009.

Recorded in Los Angeles with a 'dream team' of production and musician talents, Gin's album represents the latest chapter in a story which began back in her home town of Auckland, New Zealand.

At the tender age of 16, Gin articulated in song, the pain of losing her father to cancer. That song, 'Hallelujah', won the US-based International Songwriting Contest in 2005, beating 11,000 songwriting hopefuls from 77 countries to make Gin the youngest and only unsigned Grand Prize winner in the history of the ISC.

Three years after her ISC win, Gin signed to Island Records Australia and released her critically acclaimed debut EP 'Extended Play'.

"One of the most stunning debut EPs ever…a star is born." (Sydney Daily Telegraph).

In August 2008, Gin was signed to Universal Motown Records USA by label President, Sylvia Rhone and undertook her first US promo trip in October, performing shows in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles to rapturous media and music industry audiences.

After months preparing to record her album, songwriting alone and with Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison), Dan Wilson (Dixie Chicks. Semisonic), Mitchell Froom (Crowded House) and Mike Elizondo (Eminem, 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani, Fiona Apple), Gin once again packed her bags and headed across the Pacific to commence recording in April.

At the helm of 'HOLY SMOKE' is Grammy nominated producer Mike Elizondo (Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, Nelly Furtado, Maroon 5) and vocals were recorded at his Phantom Studios in Westlake Village, Los Angeles. Mixing took place at infamous Sunset Studios by Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, The Shins).

"Recording my first record with my absolute dream team has been the best moment of my life to date. Mike Elizondo has the production touch and patience of a saint. Joe Chiccarelli on the mix has breathed life into all the tunes. And, The Cardinals, I am speechless. They have been a true inspiration to watch, truly amazing musicians,"says Gin of the experience.

Performing on 'HOLY SMOKE' are the highly successful and renowned The Cardinals (of Ryan Adams & The Cardinals fame). Full band tracking was laid down at the legendary Capitol Studios. 'Gin's songwriting seems to subtly embrace so many different musical forms and lyrically, there's often a maturity and depth that you wouldn't normally associate with someone so young.  There's profound connection between her and all the great, soulful singers who've come before her and she adds a new chapter to that story,' says Jon Graboff of the experience. Neal Casal adds, 'Gin Wigmore is unquestionably one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in many years. Her songwriting is at once diverse, intelligent, melodic, and soulful. Her voice is raw and emotional, with phrasing far beyond her years. Her debut record is a fully realized statement of intent, promising a great career ahead."

"I wanted this record to feel like a wicked punch to the face. It's strong, yet heartfelt. I hope my album will confidently take you through moments of sadness, grief, joy and love from all aspects of life, dead or alive. I've tried to make the music seamless and the sound timeless as it takes on no one road. It's a record I think I will always be really proud of' says Gin of the album.

"Her voice is quirky and intoxicating, her tunes fun and charming." (Perez Hilton)

"Make mine a Gin Wigmore. Smart songs that would work in a coffee house or an arena." (New York Post)

Click here to watch Gin's new video for "Oh My".

Gin's Website: www.ginwigmore.com.au
Gin's MySpace: www.myspace.com/ginwigmore
Gins's Twiiter : http://twitter.com/gin_wigmore
Get Music: www.getmusic.com.au