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A 13-year-old musician from Caerphilly has released her first single after breaking onto the scene earlier this year during a national singing competition.

Ava Mai Courtney, stage name ‘I Am Ava’ (which by chance spells Ava Mai in reverse), has been a “bedroom singer” since the age of three according to dad-turned-manager, Chris.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer he said: “She entered an online talent contest in January this year and managed to get to the semi-finals.

“She then entered again as a group and reached the quarter-finals. It’s been a crazy summer since with bookings most weekends across south Wales.”

As well as performing at venues such as Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall and at the Caerphilly Cheese Festival, Chris explained how Ava’s interests go well beyond singing.

“If she just wanted to be a singer I’d say that’s fairly common for most young girls, but she’s interested in producing, writing, and filming music videos.”

Ava, who is a pupil at Bedwas High School, has been putting those interests into practice over the summer, as she recorded and produced her first single, I’m Enough.

“She actually wrote this one when she was ten and it has a lot of personal meaning. Ava was bullied and hopes this song will be a way for others who experienced the same thing to relate.”

Ava’s planning on taking her alternative indie style of music out on the circuit herself by the time she’s 14, and has a lot of interest from within the industry according to Chris.

“She’s found her niche and I couldn’t be more proud of her”, he added.

Ava told Caerphilly Observer how excited she is for everyone to hear her music, adding: “I’ve been very surprised by all the attention I’ve had over the past few months.

“My friends have been very supportive and I’m actually in the middle of writing another song.”