“I’ve never even been to a festival before!” says singer-songwriter Katie Laffan as she looks ahead to joining Primal Scream, Johnny Marr and Paloma Faith at this summer’s Isle of Man Festival. Talk about being catapulted into the thick of things! One week she’s revising l’imparfait before her end-of-year exams, the next, she’s staring out at Hot Press readers nationwide from the cover of the magazine.  

The 17-year-old Dubliner romped home in the Hot Press and Alcatel One Touch Big Break competition. In addition to gracing the front of the publication her prize included the opportunity to perform at a live show, in Dublin’s Odessa Club, alongside rising Irish rockers The Riptide Movement.
“In her entry we heard songs of wonderful brilliance that we believe could be turned into huge hit records,” says Hot Press editor Niall Stokes as he welcomes the Walkinstown schoolgirl to the stage of the dimly-lit Dame Court venue. “We’re very proud to be introducing this extraordinary talent tonight, to Dublin, to Ireland and to the world.”
Armed with just an acoustic guitar and wearing a beanie hat, Katie says "hello" and plunges into her performance. ‘Soldier’ is met with raucous applause from Katie’s family, friends and newfound admirers. “I don’t care what you say, you all know this next song,” says Katie before she gives the Pussycat Dolls’ ‘Don’t Cha’ a welcome makeover. The ukelele-driven ‘Bubbly’ follows, gig-goers humming the gorgeously catchy refrain well past
closing hour.
“I just want to congratulate Katie,” says Mal Tuohy, frontman of the Riptide Movement, a band already well on their way to the top. A Glastonbury appearance and a support slot
for The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park are
curtain-raisers for the release of their third studio album.
A catalogue of new tracks keep the feet stomping before Katie returns to the stage for an utterly brilliant rendition of Beyoncé’s ‘Halo’. It was that kind of night – one that had a
special glow.
“I thought she was brilliant,” said Tracey Hudson, Head of UK & Ireland Marketing for ALCATEL ONE TOUCH. “Katie is such a special talent. She's just starting out, but has what it takes to go all the way. I’m so pleased that we have been involved in giving her this first platform via The Big Break competition.”
Watch this space!