THREE months ago Sarah Russell, one of the Leigh Folk Festival performers, was just another aspiring singer songwriter.

The 27-year-old Westcliff musician had dabbled in bands but had set her sights on going it alone as an acoustic performer. The only problem was getting her music heard by the masses.

Step in internet networking site Myspace. Since starting her page at the end of February, her songs have now been listened to more than 30,000 times, and as a result of the worldwide exposure she's secured a management deal and is about to start work on her debut album.

"I've been writing songs for the past four or five years, and got to the point where I wanted to put my acoustic stuff out there," explains Sarah, who has a two-year-old daughter Amelie. "I started my Myspace page three months ago, and things have gone a bit crazy ever since.

"I've only done three shows acoustically, but now with a manager hopefully it's all going to start happening," she says.

Sarah, who lists her influences as Kate Bush and Tori Amos, says it's hard to pigeon-hole her music.

"That's a tricky one," she says when asked to describe her musical style. "It's melodic, haunting, it's really difficult for me to say. A lot of people have said I've got a unique voice."

Southend audiences will be able to make up their own minds over the next fortnight when Sarah plays two local gigs.

At 3pm today (Saturday June 28) she can be seen on the Library Gardens stage as part of Leigh Folk Festival.

3:18pm Thursday 19th June 2008

Related Links

http://www.myspace.com/sarahrussellmusicuk

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