A young and aspiring singer and songwriter from Finchley Road has beaten thousands of other acts to be named in the Unsigned Musicians Awards top ten.

Charlotte Black, 21, began songqwriting at the age of eight and played her debut gig at the age of 15. She says: "I write and perform in the style of alternative pop and I'm influenced but the likes of Banks, London Grammar and Luna Shadows. Most of my songs are based on personal experiences involving heartfelt lyrics and atmospheric production.”

Charlotte has recently performed at The Big Discovery Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and is due to release her first single in the New Year. In the meantime she can be seen performing at Surya at The Next Big Thing Tour on October 23.

The singer, who grew up in Edinburgh, has been nominated in the Best Female category. She says: “I am absolutely thrilled to be nominated, it has been so exciting to be included in the top 10.”

Launched in 2012 the awards have seen more than 35,000 music fans cast their vote including celebrities such as rock star Frank Turner and international footballer Gareth Bale.

Unsigned Music Awards, Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, E1 0HX, Thursday, October 27. Details: theunsignedmusicawards.com

The Next Big Thing Tour, Surya, 156 Pentonville Road, N1 9JL, Sunday, October 23, 7pm. Details: 0207 561 0030, suryalondon.com