SINGING star of the future Ryan Bishop talks to Rosalind Fountain ahead of his latest Music in the City appearance....

Q. A few years ago you were a finalist in a talent contest at the Concorde Club in Eastleigh. Last week you were back there as guest support artist for soul singer Lemar. In between those two events you have travelled the world and come full circle back to Southampton. When did your musical journey begin?

A. "At the early age of four I joined my local amateur dramatic society, performing in pantomimes and Old Time Music Halls. During my teenage years I commenced vocal lessons, and sang with orchestras and big bands in the south. I was invited to perform at some great festivals, including the Southampton Maritime festival and Music in the City, so my singing career to date has been very varied."

Q. How would you describe your musical style?

A. "It is quite easy listening, with some soul, jazz and big band songs."

Q. How did your world travels come about?

A. "After college I was very lucky to join Cruise and Maritime Voyages as Production Vocalist, going on to become Assistant Cruise Director, sailing to wonderful destinations including the Amazon in South America, all around the Caribbean, the Arctic Circle and the Baltic regions. Later I moved to P&O Cruises and saw more beautiful countries during the world cruise."

Q. You must have had some interesting highlights during that time.

A. "I was thrilled to be working on Britannia when Ant and Dec filmed Saturday Night Take-Away live. I was even featured for a few seconds, but if you blinked you would have missed me!It was also great fun to meet Katherine Jenkins, Peter Andre and the lovely Stacey Solomon. And I’ll always remember singing an impromptu duet of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Kiki Dee in her dressing room.

Q. It sounds very glamorous, but was it all plain sailing?

A. "Well, there were the occasional hitches or slip-ups, such as the time I was hosting a show by The Overtones. It was a great performance and they left to huge cheers and applause. I went on stage, and not realising there was to be no encore, asked the audience if they’d like to hear one more song. Of course they did, and I encouraged them to cheer even more, then noticed The Overtones signalling to me from the wings, clearly indicating that the show was over and there were to be no more songs. But after I’d whipped up the audience, they had to come back and do a ten minute encore! On another voyage a guest artist became ill two hours before the show and I was asked to step in and cover for him. I was given a mic and an orchestra, told to give it my best, and had to go on and do a full show."

Q. Now you are back on dry land, will you continue making music?

A. "Very much so. It was a huge thrill to be asked to support Lemar at the Concorde Club and to meet him and his band. It’s a night I won’t forget. I will continue to sing, but now I have started my own choir. When I was on ships I was involved in forming and conducting passenger choirs, so I thought it would be a good idea to give people in the community a chance to sing for fun and enjoyment. After only two rehearsals we already have 30 voices and everyone is welcome at thechoirclub.co.uk.

Q. Where can we hear you next?

A. "I’m really looking forward to a great day singing at Southampton’s Music in the City Festival tomorrow, first at the show at the Marlands Shopping Centre, and later at the Grand Café. "

Catch Ryan at The Marlands at 2pm, followed by his Grand Cafe slot at 5.40pm.