by James Christopher Monger Singer/songwriter Gin Wigmore crafts emotional, intelligent folk-pop in the vein of contemporaries like Feist, Fiona Apple, and Brandi Carlile. The Auckland, New Zealand, native's big break came after beating out 11,000 talented participants to win the International Songwriting Contest in New York, eventually resulting in a record deal with Universal Music Australia. Wigmore released her debut EP, with the award-winning "Hallelujah" as its centerpiece (a deeply personal song that deals with the passing of her father), in 2008. A full-length debut, Holy Smoke, arrived one year, featuring performances by former Ryan Adams backing band the Cardinals.