Music Iss King’s High schoolgirl’s passion

The King’s High School pupil, who lives in Priors Hardwick, will perform in the regional final of Open Mic UK in Bedford on Sunday November 28.

Issy impressed judges in the previous round at the Spa Centre with a song by her idol Laura Marling and another she wrote herself.

She said: “It feels incredible to get this far in the competition.

“I auditioned just for the experience and I can’t believe I’m through to the area finals.

“I was so nervous in the last round but it was amazing performing in front of everyone.”

Issy took up music at a young age, singing for her school choir when she was six and later having singing, piano and flute lessons.

Having been taught to play the guitar by her father Steve, Issy recently started to compose her own songs.

She said: “My Kind of music is mostly indie and folk.

“I’m in love with Bob Dylan, Laura Marling and The Beatles. I perform a lot of their songs and my own music is mainly influenced by those artists.

“My songs are based on a lot of things, mostly what I’m feeling or something that has happened.”

Open Mic UK offers unsigned artist the opportunity to win a record deal and thousands of pounds worth of publicity.

Finalists perform at the O2 Arena in London.

Issy said: “I would love a career in music and getting just that little taste of what it could be like makes me want it more.

“I love the performing as well as the music itself and I love the thrill of getting up and singing my own songs.

“If I won the competition it would be a dream come true.”

Issy’s music can be heard online.

Search for Issy Ferris at www.myspace.com