Owen Holt lights up music

The 17-year-old Fleetwood musician is playing at two Christmas lights switch-ons, releasing a new single and celebrating his 18th birthday.

2016 has proved to be a whirlwind year for him, after turning professional back in January.

Owen explained it’s something he felt he had to do, in order to give himself a better life, after a “mixed childhood”.

He said: “I just don’t want a rubbish lifestyle, I didn’t really have much of a childhood growing up. I lost my brother at the age of 10, my parents split up a week after and I’ve had a bit of a mixed childhood, never knowing what side to be on.

“Eventually I moved in with my dad and I thought this is time for me to crack down and sort myself out and make something of myself. And the only thing I’m really good at is making music and all the support I’ve had off everyone is absolutely fantastic.”

As someone who grew up in Fleetwood, Owen claims it’s an honour to headline the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, on Saturday.

He added: “They asked for me so it is a massive privilege to be the headline act for the event, I’m over the moon. There’s not a lot of local talent publicised.

“It’s nice to have so many people intrigued in my music and I want to put Fleetwood on the map.”

Owen’s success this year is made all the more impressive by the fact that he doesn’t have any management behind him.

“I don’t have a manager, I do it all off my own back.” He said.

“I started busking around 12 years old but music was just a hobby. I started taking it seriously at the start of January.

“I’ve just been building my career up as much as possible. I’m releasing my second single on iTunes and I’m supporting Rich Cottell in Glasgow and Newcastle next month, including at an O2 Academy, which is a dream of mine.”

As well as headlining the Fleetwood switch-on at The Ferry, Owen is performing at the Festive Christmas Fun Day in St John’s Square, also on Saturday.

On the same day he will release his second single, Riverside, which will be available to purchase on iTunes.

To keep up with Owen’s progress visit www.facebook.com/OwenHoltFanBase.