Having once graced the Gaiety Theatre stage, a Manx-born singer songwriter has now found herself nominated for a major UK music award.

Former Douglas girl Becky Lawrence has been short-listed for Best Artist in the UK Country Music awards, shortly after releasing her latest single, ’You Say’ last week.

And, just to put the icing on the cake, the news of her nomination came as Becky found out that ’You Say’ currently sits at the top of the UK Country music charts.

Becky was born and bred on the island and had starring roles in Miss Saigon and as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Gaiety Theatre, as well as singing the national anthem at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011, before moving to London in 2013 to study musical theatre.

What makes ’You Say’ extra special for Becky is that it is the first she has solely written and composed herself, having previously worked with co-writers and fellow composers.

As with every other recording artist, Becky was forced to cancel all her plans for 2020, which was to have included a homecoming gig in the Isle of Man, alongside festival dates and promotional work.

Rather than rest on her laurels though she decided it was the perfect time to sit down and write new material, as well as add another string to her bow.

’I have played guitar before, but I have never had the confidence to play it live or record with one,’ said Becky.

’However, the lockdown was the perfect time to sit down and learn some decent chords and become a better guitarist.

’My guitarist, Dave Griffin, lent me a guitar and I had a lot of time to sit down with it, which eventually led me to write "You Say".’

Being nominated for the award is a major step up in her career, and she finds herself up against some of her friends and colleagues, many of which she has written and collaborated with in the past, such as the singers Donny McMahon and Louise Parker.

’The UK County scene has grown massively over the past couple of years and the awards now have become a very prestigious affair,’ she said.

’It’s a big thing to be nominated for one, never mind winning. Thanks to bands such as the Shires and Ward Thomas having hits and a lot of radio airplay, it has helped boost the profile of UK country music.

’The good thing is that we are all very supportive to each other in the UK country scene and we help each other out.

Her new song was released to coincide with the international ’Love is Kind’ day, which is held to make people aware that everyone has the right to be treated with love, kindness and respect.

’I wrote my song based around all the supportive, kind and loving things that my partner Wayne has said to me over the past six years, especially when I needed some one behind me to help along the way.

’These are things that everyone should have said to them, either by loved ones, friends or family.’

Becky hopes to visit the island for her homecoming gig next year.

More information about Becky and the UK Country Awards can be found at beckylawrenceuk.weebly.com

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers