A young soprano is poised to become a new name in New Zealand music with the release of her debut album Songbird. Eleven-year-old Tayla Alexander’s talent has earned her a deal with music man Roger Marbeck’s Ode Records and is garnering attention through social media and radio as far afield as the United States. Tayla has been singing since she was four and her love of music means her tastes are all-embracing: Songbird’s 13 tunes include Let It Be, Over the Rainbow and Amazing Grace. She idolizes Hayley Westenra, dreams of doing a duet with Josh Groban and, like many, is a fan of the music and persona of British singer-songwriter Adele, who she sees as sending a message to girls that it’s important to be yourself. Recently, Tayla successfully auditioned for and performed in the iconic Christmas musical extravaganza, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, impressing the producers with the strength and purity of her voice. Tayla performed Pie Jesu from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem in front of a 200,000-strong crowd at the Auckland Domain on 8 December. Of the events that led to the creation of Songbird (also Tayla’s nickname, given to her by a primary school teacher and mentor), Tayla says, “It started after I recorded a few songs and Paul Zwaig at the Marbecks store in Browns Bay sent my demo to Roger Marbeck. I couldn’t believe my luck when Roger contacted my parents to say he would like to work with me. I was surprised that someone who is so well-regarded in the music industry had taken the time to listen to my songs in the first place.” Mr Marbeck expects a strong response to the release of Songbird in stores and online, and believes the launch will lead to international opportunities. “I have never before heard a talent as young as Tayla with crystal-clear highs as she possesses . . . incredible! Tayla could go in the direction of classical music and opera if she wished, but at the moment she is enjoying performing within the classical crossover genre, which has a similarly enthusiastic and discerning audience. “Tayla is a hard worker and focused, and how she proceeds and evolves beyond this first album will be up to her, but we’re thrilled to be supporting her and helping to introduce her to Kiwis and the world.” The first record company established in New Zealand, Ode Records is known for nurturing New Zealand musicians, and Mr Marbeck says Kiwi talent can and should be recognized at any age. Having sold the record store his grandfather established in the 1930s, in 2008 Mr Marbeck bought Ode, which imports and distributes some of the world’s finest classical music. Tayla’s ambitions are simple – she says she’s happy just to be singing – and while it might come as a surprise, her peers are keen on her music too. “It’s not opera or serious classical music – the songs I like best are ones that a lot of people know.” Tayla attends Northcross Intermediate School on Auckland’s North Shore, and appreciates its focus on the performing arts in addition to its solid academic and sporting foundations. She studies with leading Auckland-based singing teacher Shelagh Richardson, whom she credits with preparing her for her album debut. Ms Richardson has fostered well-known talent, including Alexander Wilson, a finalist in the 2012 Lexus Song Quest. Tayla supports the SPCA and a percentage from each album sale will go to the charity.