Up Close is an interview series for Biddulph Nub News, talking to local people about their businesses, hobbies, or anything else they want to chat about!

In the latest instalment of Up Close we spoke to Biddulph's Emily Lockett about her up and coming career as a singer/songwriter.

Even though she is still studying for her music degree in Manchester, Emily's songs have already won several awards. Her new single, 'Front Porch' is out now.

Emily spoke to Biddulph Nub News about growing up locally, her aspirations in music and even meeting Ed Sheeran!

Read the interview below...

Whereabouts are you from in the local area and how long have you lived here?

"I'm from Rock End, Biddulph Moor and have lived here all my life.

"The area is very small and a little isolated and a big contrast to Manchester, where I study for my music degree."

How did you first get into playing guitar, singing, and writing music?

"I started playing guitar at aged 5! The singing naturally followed and then came the songwriting - I wrote my first "real" song aged about 11 or 12."

When did you decide the time was right to start taking things more seriously when it came to music?

"In about 2016 I started gigging more seriously and released my first EP that year.

"My second EP came out in December 2018 and I'm now working on my third, which is due out hopefully later this year."

How would you describe the music you make, and who would you say are your main influences?

"My genre is contemporary country/country pop. A young Taylor Swift has been an influence since I was 10, and more recently British Country/Pop artists such as The Shires."

Where did the inspiration come from for your new single, Front Porch?

"Front Porch is broadly about a relationship falling apart and neither party working hard enough to sort it out.

"I started work on this song in December 2019, so its been quite a while in the making - it took a lot of work (and money!) but I'm grateful that it has received national radio airplay."

What are some of your proudest achievements in music so far? Have you managed to meet any famous faces or play any venues that are particularly close to your heart?

"One of my proudest moments was when my second EP called 'My Imagination' was awarded the maximum of 5 stars by Maverick Music Magazine in January 2019. It was totally unexpected as some of the music was written and recorded when I was aged 16 - 17.

"I have won a few awards, both local and internationally. In 2019 my video for my track "Where We Left Off" won the international category in awards run by the US based International Singer-Songwriter Association and I was nominated for Horizon Artist of the Year by the British Country Music Association.

"Playing at some prestigious festivals gives me a buzz, particularly the British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, alongside some of my favourite artists. I've also performed at the Latitude Festival, Black Deer Festival and 110 Above.

"As for famous people, the most famous person I've met is probably Ed Sheeran, who I met through a college event - and I managed to give him a copy of my EP too! I have also met UK country acts Ward Thomas and Catherine McGrath whilst performing at the event in Blackpool at The Winter Gardens which was great."

Where are you hoping to take your career in the future? Do you have any dreams or ambitions that you would love to achieve?

"Obviously I'd love to be the next Taylor Swift, but joking aside, I really would like to be able to make a living through my music!"

Does the support of the local community give you extra motivation?

"Until recently I feel most of my support came from my Manchester fan base although I have had a lot of support from Biddulph up in Arms and in fact I am performing at one of their gigs in Biddulph on 9th October, opening for Robert Vincent who has been played on Radio 2 - this gig is sold out so all being well, it should be a good evening!

"However I have been pleased with the local response to my new single via social media and radio airplay on Moorlands Radio, so fingers crossed for the future."

How can people find your music and learn more about you?

"My website can be found here with all information about upcoming gigs, and music can also be sourced through here. Of course I am on social media also and always looking for new followers!

"Follow me on Facebook here and on Instagram here.

"If any readers have Spotify, it would really help if they could stream my track and follow my music profile.

"You can follow the link here below to stream or download my latest single "Front Porch".

"I also have another single coming out shortly and EP due out end of 2020 early 2021, news of which will be on my website and social media profiles soon, or sign up to my email list."