A YOUNG singer-songwriter from Usk is launching her debut albumnext week, at the Usk Festival on July 5.

Ellie Burchell- Haslett, 17, accompanies herself on piano with a backing band.

Her debut album Worth a Little Something was engineered by Mike Cornford at the Uskbased M4Music Studios and will be available from iTunes and Amazon.

Ellie said: “I’ve been writing songs since I was tiny – really rubbish songs obviously, because I was six.”

She added she doesn’t suffer from stage fright and hopes to become an actor: “You have just got to get out there and hope for the best. You have to have confidence in yourself.”

Ellie will be launching her album at The Innbetween, where signed copies will be on sale, and will perform a selection of songs from the CD.

This comes just six months after her debut performance at Usk Winter Festival.

Ellie said:”I’m very excited to be releasing my CD at my local festival, which makes it all the more special.

“I’m very grateful to all those who always supportmeinmyacting and singing. I’ve always been very enthusiastic about performing and stage work. It’s great to have this chance to share my music.”

The former Caerleon Comprehensive School and Hereford Sixth Form College student has now been accepted onto the Acting Diploma at the South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Bristol.

Ellie has performed with Gwent Young People’s Theatre, Usk Panto Players, Usk Brass Band, and Is it? Theatre Workshop.

Follow her on twitter @EllieTamsinBH.

Her album is released by Usk publisher Blackbarn Music – www. blackbarn-books.co.uk