Daisy is studying songwriting at BIMM in Brighton

A Dagenham student is a step closer to her dream of launching a singing career after winning a place on an album released by her college to celebrate its ten year anniversary.

Daisy Jean Russell, from Rugby Road, is a singer and songwriter currently studying ay Brighton Institute of Modern Music.

In a unique opportunity to mark the institute’s milestone anniversary, the 19-year-old was selected to have her music recorded and produced in a professional studio.

Her song, ‘You and I’, will appear on the ‘Volume Contrast Brilliance’ album celebrating the college’s achievements over the past decade.

Describing the recording experience as “overwhelming”, Daisy told the Post how she once doubted that she would even win a place at the prestigious institution.

“I didn’t even expect to get into the college,” she said.

“It’s a great honour to be releasing my music on the album and I’m glad all my hard work at BIMM and with my band has paid off.”

The song is a fusion of folk and pop, inspired by relationship difficulties. It was one of the first tracks Daisy wrote after moving to Brighton.

She is now working towards a qualification in songwriting and a career in the music industry. But the astonishing thing is Daisy only performed in public for the first time two years ago.

She said: “I always sang when I was younger but not in front of people because I was too shy.

“It wasn’t something I considered as a career until when I got into college.

“Now there’s nothing else I want to do.”

Now Daisy is hoping to release an EP and create music videos to accompany her songs.

She draws influences from The Beatles and Radiohead and also plays the guitar and piano.

The album, ‘Volume Contrast Brilliance’ is available to download.

All profits will go to The Amy Winehouse Foundation, which funds support services for young people battling financial problems, addiction and other issues.

To hear Daisy’s music, go to her Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Daisy-Jean-Russell-Official.