‘Guizer Jarl’ set for the big time (From Warrington Guardian)

Appleton teenager Joshua Healey on road to success

3:42pm Thursday 23rd February 2012 in News

AN Appleton teenager is on the road to success after entering a music competition.

Joshua Healey, aged 19, of Chiswick Gardens, has reached the regional finals of Live and Unsigned 2012.

The competition gives unsigned acts the opportunity to be heard by industry judges and to play at festivals. They also get the chance to perform in the live final at The O2 in London.

Joshua had to perform his own songs at the audition and made it through to the next level.

He will be competing at the regional final on April 14 at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

The former student at Sir John Deane’s, in Northwich, said: “I’ve been recording music online for a few years now and I saw the competition advertised and applied.

“I’ll possibly go to university in a few years but I wanted to take a big shot at music first.

Originally from the Shetland Islands, Joshua opted for the name Guizer Jarl to reflect the folk and acoustic vibe of his music.

Inspired by artists such as Ed Sheeran and Simon and Garfunkel, Joshua set out to differentiate himself from other artists.

He said: “Inspiration from songs comes from people around me and things that make me happy.

“Guizer Jarl allows the artistic freedom to use songs that don’t fit with my band’s sound.”

He is also lead singer in band Rough Estimate which was formed three years ago with three best friends.

He has recently had his songs played on Salford City and Redshift Radio and is currently recording an EP.