London has arguably the best music scene around, with thousands of talented musicians emerging every day, most of which are unsigned acts waiting for their big break.

Unsigned Friday brings you the very best unsigned music artists from around the capital, as well as giving these acts a platform to promote their music.

This week, getwestlondon 's Emily Chudy caught up with London-based acoustic indie musician Coates.

Coates is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been compared to the likes of Frank Turner and Billy Bragg. The musician has just released a new single and four-track EP, entitled Vol. 1.

Coates said: "In the past I've been called acoustic, indie, folk, punk, or 'p*ssed off up-tempo folk music'. I find both of those quite amusing.

"My main influences are bands like The Smiths or even the Libertnes. I also am a huge Bob Dylan fan and love Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys' lyrics.

"Lyrics are something that I feel can take you further into someones music and is always a huge factor when listening to new music!"

'I taught myself the basics'

Starting music from a young age, the musician has performed in many venues around London, coming to Birthdays in Dalston in August.

Coates said: "I first picked up the guitar at about 12 and taught myself the basics. From there I started writing songs to make my mates laugh. I did this quite often and it just led into some slightly more serious songs and playing in bands.

"I still try and use humour where I can in my lyrics to try and be true to my 12-year-old self!"

The singer has just released his brand new single, Talk of the Town. The song was released last month on Monday June 27 and is already garnering a positive reaction from fans.

Coates said: "Talk of the Town is a song I've been playing live for a while now, it's always gone down well at gigs which is why I chose it for a single.

"I've had a lot of positive reaction over Twitter and Facebook. Twitter is where I spend most of my time though and have had lots of positive comments on there.

"What I like is even if I'm not posting myself its a great platform to engage and get real honest feedback from your listeners."

The musician will be releasing new singles this year, as well as heading to larger venues and touring.

Coates said: "As long as I'm playing music in the future I'll be happy to be honest.

"I have my eye on some bigger venues to headline early next year as well as getting out or another tour with a single release in November! I just want to keep growing and writing better songs, that's the key I think!"

A reviewer for R2 Magazine said, of Coates' debut EP: "Like a west London Billy Bragg, Vol.1 blends indie-pop and Bob Dylan with songs heavy on social commentary."

Upcoming shows in London

  • Sunday August 7: Birthdays, 33-35 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 8BJ - 020 7923 1680

For more information about Coates please visit his website , like him on Facebook , or follow him on Twitter @coatesofficial .

If you'd like to be featured in Unsigned Friday please email emily.chudy@trinitymirror.com .