A WARRINGTON girl who records her own music in her bedroom has won through to the regional finals of the national Open Mic UK talent competition.
Emily Ralston, aged 18, from Birchwood, now has the chance to win up to £50,000 or even a recording constract.
She will now appear at the North West final in Manchester on October 24.
Emily, a former Birchwood High School and Priestley College, student, is due to study at Bristol Institute of Modern Music next month.
She has been singing since she was 10 and over the past two years has taught herself to play the guitar and the piano.
She said: “I record all my own music at home in my bedroom, using my wages, birthday money and any savings I have to buy all the equipment needed.
“My influences include artists such as Laura Marling, Sia, Bon Iver and the more commercial McFly and older music such as the Cure and Blondie.
“One of the big parts of the competition is to show your motivation and drive and the passion for your music through your self promotion.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity – it’s a dream of mine.”
Open Mic UK is a national talent competition which searches for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.
Thousands of hopefuls have entered nationally, competing for a place in the national fine at the O2 in London.
The competition is divided into age categories – Under 18, 18-25 and 25 and over; all types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter.
There’s more than £50, 000 in prizes up for grabs this year and the overall winner will be offered a recording contract, with up to £30, 000 investment. They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.
Emily can be contacted at [email protected] and her music is available at www.myspace.com/emilyvmusic
