Local talent, Hollie Buhagiar began performing professionally at age 12, after a rewarding stint playing in a selection of venues in Gibraltar, she won Rock on the Rock’s popular Singer-songwriter competition in 2010. She also received the prize for best lyrics, for her song ‘Carousel’, which sparked great interest from a number of Record Labels. Commenting on her sound Hollie explained to YGTV that her influences are ‘pretty vast. I wouldn’t say I try to copy anyone or write in the same style as anyone, that being said they range from Fleet Foxes, Damien Rice, Kate Voegele and Laura Marling to Patti Smith, Patsy Cline, Camera Obscura and Norah Jones.’

As well as working on her degree in Music Production at Leeds College Music, and writing a solo EP and library album, Hollie has determinedly entered an online competition that could see her supporting Wiltshire songstress Gabrielle Aplin, who herself received recognition from performing crowd pleasing covers on Youtube, on her next tour.

The competition involves budding songwriters uploading original compositions onto the competition page of the date and venue they wish to support Gabrielle, during her Autumn tour. Fans are urged to vote for their favourite contestants via Facebook or Twitter, on Gabrielle’s competition site.

Individuals can vote for Hollie, and support local talent at http://www.gabrielleaplin.co.uk/livesupport/index.php/share/entry/2288.