Laura Williams had already popped up as a finalist in a hugely popular BBC Radio 2 songwriting competition in 2007 before one of her tracks was picked up by MTV.

The 24-year-old South Harrow resident's song One Minute More, with its pensive emotional melody and profound lyrics, impressed the judging panel.

Laura discussed her work with the Observer passionately and enthusiastically, showing she takes her music seriously and proving how eagerly she wants to reach the heights of the profession.

She says: "The music I write could be described as bluesey pop rock with soulful vocals.

"I love expressing my feelings and emotion through those notes, chords, and the mixture of different music genres.They are somehow reflecting my personal experiences and the way I perceive the world."

This talented songwriter has possessed a vast interest in learning instruments and singing since she was a little girl.

The recorder, keyboard and guitar all formed an important part of Laura's childhood and left her plenty of sweet and beautiful memories.

"I am very much influenced by Jeff Buckley and Manic Street Preachers, and I used to listen to bands like Queen and I enjoyed Elton John as well," she says.

Laura's real passion for pop music was fuelled when she began to learn electric guitar at Rooks Heath College for Business and Enterprise in Eastcote Lane, South Harrow

Later she decided to pursue a two-year Diploma in Pop Music at Amersham and Wycombe College in Buckinghamshire.

She was inspired by her surroundings and made big improvements in her playing and songwriting sklls.

"My family have always been very supportive, especially my mother," Laura smiles. "I am so glad that she and my brother have always been by my side."

She was very excited when the MTV programme Totally Jodie Marsh used One Minute More as its background music. "It was such a surprise for me to know that the guys at MTV like the tune!" Laura laughs.

To date, Laura's proudest gig was a live performance at The Nags Head in High Wycombe, Bucks.

She recalls: "Plenty of people came to my gig. I really enjoyed such a responsive and cheering crowd, it gave me such a buzz."

On Monday, December 15, Laura will have another gig at The Abbey in Tower Hill, central London, which is a charity event in aid of Hanna's Orphanage which helps children in Ethiopia.

The ambitious rising star concludes: "Music is such a major part of my life and seeing other people get enjoyment from my music is a huge achievement."

To listen to Laura's music, visit www.harrowobserver.co.uk  or see www.myspace.com/musicoflaurawilliams .