The only way is Wedgewood for Jerry Williams' hometown gig

It’s a stage she’s played on many times before, but not as the headline act.

‘It’s cool, but really strange to think it’s my night at The Wedge,’ she tells The Guide. ‘Even seeing my own poster on the wall there is pretty cool. It’s nice to play on a big stage as well, some of the stages I’ve played on in London recently are so small we’re all hitting each other with our guitars. I’m just going to enjoy it, and I can’t wait to showcase some new songs as well.’

While Jerry has been fixture on the local scene for a while now – though she’s still only 21 – her national profile is steadily growing. Her music has been used on numerous TV shows such as Made In Chelsea, The Only Way is Essex and on Sunday Brunch. And she was also picked as one to watch for 2017 by BT TV Music and Box Fresh.

‘I’m glad it’s progressing slowly. It’s nice to be asked to do these things, and invited to take part in things, as I just write what I write and I’m not trying to follow trends or anything. If people like my music, it’s just me, so it’s nice to get recognised. Some of the names I’m amongst on these lists, it’s so cool, I feel like the black sheep!’

Her song Mother has now notched up more than 4m plays on music streaming website Spotify, which she says ‘blows my mind,’ but she is keen to push on with new material and hopes to release a new EP later this year.

‘It’s four years since I started in Portsmouth, and I definitely think I have matured as an artist, just doing things more by myself, I feel a bit more independent, and I know more about the industry.

‘Even songwriting-wise, I wrote a lot about boys and fancying boys, you know? But growing up I’ve experienced a lot more and I can talk about life from different angles.

And she admits she’s sitting on a healthy stash of new songs.

‘I’ve got songs I can’t wait for people to hear that I haven’t even recorded yet. There’s maybe 15-20 songs and I’m constantly writing all of the time.’

Support at the gig will come from fellow Portsmouth singer-songwriter Marley Blandford, and Michael Baker from Brighton.

The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea

Saturday, March 4

wedgewood-rooms.co.uk