Helen Brown reports on rising star Samantha Durnan's gigs today at Teesside University and Northumbria University

JUST when you thought the only way to make it in the popular music industry was an appearance on The Voice or X Factor; up pops 22-year-old Samantha Durnan, from Stockton who has made it on her own.

Samantha released her first album as the age of 14. “It was called Moving On,” she saYS, “I look back and see that the album was written with a very young mind set. I wrote about sudden changes in my life and how I handled them. My second album was called In The Beginning, which I did when I was 17. It was about about relationships, experiences and the expectation of my career in music.”

Making the leap from gigging and playing festivals around the UK to being signed by a record company has been life changing. “I was approached by a company who asked me to record a folky version of One Direction’s Story Of My Life for an event in Houston. As soon as one boss heard the track, he wanted to get to know me as an artist and, after several meetings, my manager decided to launch his own music management company and sign me as its first artist. So, I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity.”

Sam’s been writing her own songs and playing the guitar since before she discovered eyeliner. Her influences come from performers like Stevie Nicks, KT Tunstall and Michelle Branch. Playing both acoustically and with her backing band, Samantha’s already received tributes and airplay from BBC Radio 1’s Jen and Ally.

Her record label, RU:Listening, has secured a meeting with the major US producers Def Jam Records, who list clients like Rhianna, Paul McCartney and Kanye. “It was very unexpected to get this meeting and I wouldn't have thought that such a huge label would have some interest at such an early stage in my music career. Whatever happens I will be extremely thankful just to walk into their office,” says Samantha.

She's looking forward to performing at the Big Apple's renowned The Bitter End venue, where the likes of musical idols Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan and Lady Gaga have entertained.

RU:Listening's marketing manager Junior Masandi, says: "There are a lot of talented musicians in the area, but it's Sam's work ethic and hunger for success that will take her that extra step further. We plan to continue helping Sam to establish herself in the UK, break into America and pursue work in Dubai. We're confident this will open more doors of opportunity for Sam."

Samantha’s 25-date university tour schedule includes free tickets for her gigs today at Teesside University, at 1pm, and Northumbria University at 3pm.

samanthadurnan.com