Singer-songwriter Joe Wheldon wants to wow the judges with his unique sound at Cheltenham's Top Talent competition being staged at Beechwood shopping centre shortly.
The 16-year-old student, who lists Frank Turner and David Ford as his influences, says his music comes from the heart.
Joe, of Main Road, Bredon, said: "I'll bring a bit of individuality to the contest because what I sing really means something to me.
"I do it for myself because I really enjoy music and it has been my big passion for a long time.
"I don't worry about what other people thing, I just play my own music and sing with emotion. I can make you believe the story in any song."
Joe, a guitarist, has been playing music for six years and attends Prince Henry's High in Evesham, where he plays for the school rugby team.
He has previously won Tewkesbury's Got Talent and Bredon's Got Talent and now wants to win the borough's big event.
He said he was ambitious to put down a marker.
"I've won two already, but this is an even bigger event and I'm really keen to get up there and play to my best," he said.
Cheltenham YMCA, National Star College and the St Vincent's and St George's Association hope to gain thousands of pounds from what will be one of the town's biggest ever talent contests.
And this newspaper is playing a role too.
Gloucestershire Echo editor Kevan Blackadder, Cheltenham mayor Barbara Driver and Beechwood shopping centre manager Owen Acland will be the judges.
Entry to Cheltenham's Top Talent is available to people under 25 from the Echo circulation area.
Applications should be sent to the Echo by noon on November 11, with auditions at the Beechwood on November 26.
The final will be on December 18.
For more information on how to enter, visit the website at www.thisisgloucestershire.co.
Companies interested in sponsoring the event should call the mayor's office on 01242 264108 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
