Singer-songwriter Issy Winstanley has loved music for as long as she can remember.

Born in Birmingham, Issy moved to the Cheltenham when she was eight years old and says she grew up with pretty much non-stop music.

“All my life I’ve been listening to loads of different stuff,” she said.

“I’ve got a massive family and they all like different types of music so I’m into a bit of everything.”

Growing up with such a varied number of musical influences meant that when it came to song writing, Issy has always had plenty of ideas.

“I’ve always been coming up with melodies,” said Issy, “I first started putting songs together when I was 10.

“Then I was probably around 13 when I started writing songs down – but they weren’t very good!”

Now aged 18 and adept at both guitar and piano – though she insists she wouldn’t call herself a guitarist – Issy says her love of song writing has never wavered.

She says she enjoys ‘fusing’ genres and cites artists like Fleetwood Mac and Beth Neilson Chapman as major influences.

She continued: “Lyrically I think I take a lot from folk music. But I also grew up listening to a lot of commercial radio.

“I want people to think about my lyrics, but I also want my songs to be easy to listen to.”

And when it comes to performing – chances are you’ll be able to find her busking or gigging in Cheltenham on any given week – Issy likes to try and help local causes whenever she can.

“I love performing,” she added, “I always take any opportunity to get on stage.

“If I can use a show to help fundraise for a good cause then I try to. I’ve played shows for charities like Emmaus and CCAA in the past.”

For more information and to keep up with Issy visit www.facebook.com/issywinstanleymusic/