Notting Hill door is singer Laura's inspiration

Fans have been racing to snap up their copies of Atherton musician Laura White’s latest release The Painted Door, with the mini-album enjoying record-breaking pre-order sales.

Former X Factor star Laura’s third EP showcases her brand of soul-pop honed by penning tracks for the likes of Jess Glynne, Alicia Keys and Rita Ora and through working with top producer Jonas Blue.

The new release takes its name from the entrance to a house in the Notting Hill area of London where Laura had a relationship, with the former Fred Longworth High School pupil keen to stress the words to the songs are drawn from real life.

Now splitting her time between the borough and the capital, she also declares herself deeply proud of her North West roots and still spends as much time as possible with her family in Atherton.

Laura said: “The EP name comes from a door in Notting Hill which was quite famous. I had a love story with someone who was staying at the house.

“When I looked at the five songs I thought it was all about that painted door and what happened inside the house. I think the new EP is very northern and old-school. It’s my favourite release to date, this is the music I am most proud of.

“The response has been overwhelming and I can’t wait for the UK to see what they think of it now.

“I want my music to go worldwide but I just hope I can take all of Atherton with me, because they have been the most incredible and supportive audience.”

The Painted Door hits the shelves after a whirlwind couple of years for Laura, which included her song New York Raining for Charles Hamilton and Rita Ora being Grammy nominated and appearing on hit TV show Empire.

She also co-wrote and appeared on the track Love On Me, a top 20 hit for Galantis, and has found time to write and record three EPs of material under her own name.

The Painted Door’s lead single That Girl is the latest demonstration of a song-writing style Laura describes as “Aretha Franklin meets Burt Bacharach” and another track has an accompanying video shot in Brixton.

Lyrically the EP sees Laura return to some of her favourite subjects.

She said: “One of the songs is about meeting a guy who I completely connected with and really wanted to help. There’s also a song about one of my best friends and another which is just an absolute declaration of love for someone.

“I write about different things but mainly I love a good love story. It’s always that in some way.”

The Painted Door by Laura White is out today, with single That Girl also out now. To find out more, visit soundcloud.com/laurawhitemusic or www.facebook.com/laurawhiteofficial/