Talented Tom to support Noisettes

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

Tom has been writing songs for about a year

There can be few more illustrious starts to a music career than the chance to support indie rock band The Noisettes at the age of just 15.

But that is just what Exmouth singer-songwriter Tom Andrews will be doing in Bristol on 16 October 2009.

In August the band invited artists to support them on their UK tour and Tom was picked form hundreds to support the band at Bristol's Anson Rooms.

"It will be a fantastic experience and I'm very grateful to them," said Tom.

Tom describes himself as a soul singer "with an edge".

"Most of my music has a soulful, gospel type influence," said Tom, who attends Exeter Academy of Music and Sound.

And he sent his details to The Noisettes on the off chance - expecting to hear no more about it.

But the band's management company got in touch saying they loved his song If You Asked Me To and wanted him to support them. "I was made up, " he said.

Tom, who has been writing and performing his own songs for the past year, recently took his GCSEs a year early - passing 11.

The Noisettes asked artists to get in touch

"I just can't wait to get up there and perform live at the Noisettes gig, with some talented acoustic backing."

He will be performing in front of a crowd of about 1,000 people but says he's "more excited than nervous".

"It will be the biggest crowd I've ever performed in front of but I'm just so grateful that The Noisettes have given me this chance - I wouldn't have got this opportunity any other way.

"I'm busy sorting it all out at the moment but I'm singing at least three of my own songs.

"I just hope the audience like me."