Katie is putting poetry in motion

Katie Dove-Dixon, 20, from Leamington, has progressed to the regional final of Live and Unsigned - a competition which could lead to her winning a recording contract and £50,000 investment in her work.

Despite this prospect of early success, Katie is planning for the long-term.

She said: “It’s a great opportunity because my focus for the next few years has to be getting as much exposure as possible and this is what Live and Unsigned offers.

“Even if I don’t win I can win more fans and support and in that sense it can’t go wrong for me.

“I need to sell as many tickets as possible and let as many people know I’ll be there singing.”

Katie is currently studying at Goldsmith’s University in London.

She has been performing live for the past five years but moving to the capital has given her a creative boost.

Most of her time is now spent writing or rehearsing in an effort to follow in the footsteps of her idols, who include PJ Harvey, Regina Spektor and Liz Phair.

Katie said: “I would unashamedly describe my songs as pop because for me it’s all about catchiness and finding a good hook.

“But they’re definitely not what you would call cheesy, I never use cliches in my lyrics and I try to avoid ‘the chords’.

“My favourite songwriters are those who combine a pop sound with dark or even gross lyrics, which Liz Phair pulls off brilliantly, so I’m always trying to hit that perfect mark between easy-listening and un-easy listening.

“I never want to be lift music.”

Katie’s plans for the forthcoming months include recording an EP with a live band, which will be released in the winter.

She also wants to build up her electronic profile and continue to play gigs whenever she can.

She said: “I’m just moving one step at a time but it’s definitely upwards. I’m in the early stages of my career now and I won’t be doing anything else for a long time.”

The regional final of Live and Unsigned takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday April 10.

Visit www.katiedove-dixon.com