SOUTHAMPTON soul songstress Charley Macaulay wowed crowds last summer when she supported music legend Tom Jones at Osbourne House.

Now the 22-year-old is set to play the city's inaugural Common People Festival where headliners will be Grace Jones and megastar DJ Fatboy Slim.

Charley is no stranger to the big stage, having supported the likes of Anastacia, Will Young and Ruby Turner and performed at Glastonbury, Bestival and Isle of Wight festivals.

But the Osborne Summer Concerts date was her biggest show to date and gave the former Live and Unsigned winner the chance to showcase tunes from her debut album All I know, which was released in 2013.

Following a year off writing new material, Charley will play two Southampton dates this week: her own solo show at the recently re-opened legendary The Frog and Frigate Pub tomorrow ( Thursday) followed by the Common People on Sunday.

Later this summer Charley is also supporting renowned DJ Trevor Nelson at Bradfest in September.

Charley told the Daily Echo: ”Since my first album was released I’ve been writing as much as possible. The new material is not as soul and horn based; before there was lots of sax but now I’ve got exactly the same band but it’s more commercial.

"It’s become more dance influenced. I’ve been trying different stuff and I’m really looking forward to seeing how people react to this. These are my first big gigs since performing with Tom Jones so it's really exciting.”

Charley, who still lives in Millbrook with her parents, revealed she has spent a lot of time travelling to London to write songs with some major song-writers – people who work with the likes of The Saturdays and Rihanna and electronic music production duo Chase and Status.

Charley added: “I’m really, really excited about performing this week – especially as many people who have bought tickets are people who have seen me before, so I really want to show off my new stuff.

"Working with the writers in London has been a lot more intense and meeting some of these people can be quite intimidating, but I’ve learned so much in the last six months. I’m now hoping there will be a new album once I’ve decided exactly what style I want it to be."

Tickets for Charley's show, with support, on Thursday at The Frog and Frigate are £6.

Email charley@charleymacaulay.com to get tickets. Doors open 7pm.