Jasmine von Bogaerde – whose stage name arises from a childhood nickname – rose to fame aged just 14 when, following her victory in the talent contest Open Mic UK, she recorded a self-titled album of covers, including well-received versions of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ and Cherry Ghost’s, ‘People Help The People’. ‘Birdy’ was a success, making the top 20 in the UK album chart, and reaching the top spot in the Australian and Dutch charts.

While many noted her voice – haunting and powerful, not least for a girl yet to sit GCSE’s – the all-too common ‘cover-album’ lumped her in somewhat with the kids spawned by Britains Got Talent and its ilk. The lacklustre careers of the majority of talent show alumni prove that a superb voice can only get you so far. Reviewing Bogaerde’s LP, some wondered if the safe-bet of the debut was a shrewd move – get them on your side by covering established songs while you’re still young enough to get away with it, then use the fame as a springboard for your ‘real’ career.

And it seems they were accurate, as ‘The Fire Within’ unveils Birdy as the all-important singer-songwriter, having written or co-written all 11 tracks, as well as featuring as a guitarist. If her songwriting proves as emotive as her vocals, this release could mark the teen out as one of her generations’ finest female artists.

‘The Fire Within’ is due for release on September 23rd.

The tracklisting is as follows:
1. Wings
2. Heart of Gold
3. Light Me Up
4. Words as Weapons
5. All You Never Say
6. Strange Birds
7. Maybe
8. No Angel
9. All About You
10. Standing in the Way of the Light
11. Shine

Check out the lead track, ‘Wings’ below: