Name: Jess Barlow, aged 19, from Farnworth

When and where did you start performing?

I've always loved singing, I grew up in a very musical family. Although, when I was younger, I wasn't very good! Even at five-years-old I was singing Westlife on karaoke. But my passion for music grew when I was about 14 and that's when I started to take it more seriously. I entered a talent competition on holiday when I was 16 and I came second — that's when I really fell in love with singing.

What is your sound and who are your influences?

My sound is quite acoustic, lots of acoustic guitars and raw vocals. I'd say it's a little country too. My friend Philippa Hanna has influenced me a lot in my music and has helped me grow as an artist. Also, I love Demi Lovato and the way she and Philippa use their music to inspire others.

What is the biggest gig you have played to date?

I'd say I've performed at two gigs that were quite big. The first one was a variety show that I auditioned for with Rock FM and I got the chance to perform at Blackpool's North Pier theatre, alongside Tyler James and Booty Luv. I also recently performed at Sheffield's O2 Academy as a support act for Sheffield's own Philippa Hanna and the Gentlemen which was such a huge honour.

If you are not already, is it your ambition to become professional?

I'd like to make a career out of my music. My passion isn't to become a world known A list celebrity — if that happens it's a bonus. I just want to take my music seriously. I can't see myself in a 9 to 5 job. I just want to sing and use my music to inspire people.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to be sharing my story to lots of young people through my music and working alongside mental health charities to raise awareness and kill the stigma around mental health illnesses.

Is there anything unusual or interesting about you or the act?

My music is all about spreading a message of hope and encouragement to people who are in dark places. As someone who has been on a year long journey of recovery from an eating disorder, self harm, depression and anxiety, and someone who has suffered severe bullying, I just want to be able to reach out to people who are struggling through my story and my music and tell them that there is hope for the future and recovery is possible. Just as I looked up to artists such as Demi Lovato and her song Skyscraper when I was at my lowest, my dream is for people to look to me and realise that things do get better.

Upcoming gigs?

I don't have any gigs booked in at the moment, but I am working on raising the money to have music industry mentoring and to record an EP album, which will hopefully bring in more recognition and gigs. You can support me at rocketfuelhq.com/JessBarlow