AMONG a sea of new faces at university in Manchester this autumn, Powys teenager Elin Grace might just find her face is one that will be more recognisable than most.

Like many other 18-year-olds at this time of year, she is spreading her wings and heading off to pastures new – to study popular music at the Royal Northern College of Music. Unlike the others though, she is heading off with a debut EP already under those wings. In fact, the album, aptly titled ‘Bee Without Wings’, might well be popular among her fellow students.

Bee Without Wings is said to blend quirky piano ballads with jazz fusion influences, complete with lyrics about love, coming of age and self-esteem.

The lead single ‘Breathe’ was released on September 23 via streaming and digital download platforms and was inspired by growing up in Powys – in the single’s lyrics she talks about hiding in a chicken shed to cope with anxiety.

“Finally releasing my debut EP is crazy,” said Elin, from Crossgates.

“I've been performing some of these songs live for so long and I'm excited for people who love them and have attended my shows both in local venues and Cardiff to now be able to stream them, as well as to reach new people who otherwise wouldn't hear them.”

Having grown up in Mid Wales, many on the outside looking in might marvel at someone gaining notoriety in the music industry, having come from a place more widely renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rugged landscapes rather than a thriving arts scene.

But Elin insists she is a product of that thriving scene. You may not think there is much to hear in the quiet and isolated Powys hills, but venues like Rhayader’s Lost Arc, Llandrindod Wells’ Pavilion and Albert Hall, the Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells, Theatrs Hafren and Brycheiniog in Newtown and Brecon, not to mention festivals like Radnor Fringe, Landed and of course Green Man, all flourish here.

It’s a scene Elin credits with helping her get to where she is in her fledgling career. “It’s great how connected people are here, everyone knows each other so you’re introduced to people easily,” she said.

“I’ve always felt really supported by the arts scene as a whole, whether that be art, drama, music production... all sorts. I grew up with the Mid Powys Youth Theatre which gave me opportunities to meet other creative young people and to perform music live.

“And then when I started writing and performing my own songs it was often at local festivals and venues. My first live concert was Radnor Fringe and I've more recently performed at the Lost Arc, the Pavilion and Landed.

“My EP was produced by Tchad Blake (who has worked with musicians like Tracy Chapman, Fiona Apple and the Arctic Monkeys) who lives locally. I’m incredibly grateful for him.

“I also feel that growing up in the countryside has influenced the content of my music itself. I had chickens, ducks and goats growing up, and on Breathe, the lead single of my EP, I talk about hiding in a chicken shed to cope with anxiety.”

County Times: Elin Grace, from Crossgates, is heading to university having just released a debut EP Elin Grace, from Crossgates, is heading to university having just released a debut EP

Elin, a former Ysgol Trefonnen pupil who then attended Builth Wells High School and has just finished her A-Levels at Hereford sixth form, wrote the first song on the EP, ‘Doll’, when she was 12, while Breathe was written at 18.

“The EP really tells the story of my teenage years. It’s a diary of my teenage experience,” she added.

She has been writing and performing her own music since 2017 and was taken on by the PRS Foundation-backed talent development scheme Forté Project in 2021.

Last single ‘Teacup Lady’ was played on BBC Radio 6, with Welsh DJ Adam Walton tipping her as “one to watch out for” in 2022.

Having grown up listening to all sorts of popular music, from pop to rock, soul and indie on her dad's mix CDs, Elin says she is influenced by British soul artists Corinne Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse and Joy Crookes, as well as the lyrics of Mitski, Hayley Williams, Laura Marling and Courtney Barnett. Other influences include classical and jazz music through her piano playing.

“My ultimate dream is to continue writing, recording and performing music,” added Elin.

“I’m sure I’ll love the RNCM course, and it’ll definitely encourage my writing, producing, recording and performing. I’m so excited to meet new musicians and like-minded people.

“What’s more, I have so much music written that I've not yet gotten the chance to record. I would love to release a full album one day. Fingers-crossed.”