AFTER a heart pounding performance at the Larmer Tree Breakthrough Awards last month at Sixty Million Postcards, Bournemouth's Drew Allen is breaking out. Armed with a guitar and a harmonica, Drew is at the forefront of a UK folk revival and causing quite a stir at venues on the south coast and London.

This week's Daily Echo and O2 Academy Bournemouth Unsigned track of the week is called The Deal. Drew's whip smart lyrics and stripped down guitar sound are steadily rewarding him with a growing fan base.

listen to ‘Drew Allen talk about The Deal’ on Audioboom

A year and a half ago, Drew left a career building supercars for McClaren and moved back to his hometown to focus solely on music. Since his return, Drew's song-writing has been prolific and his recent debut album, Sydney Afternoon is a real gem.

“I had to leave it all behind. I'm driven to make music now and I can't do anything else. The album is out, but I've only scratched the surface,” says Drew.

Earlier this year Drew was selected for the Routes South West initiative that gives a unique opportunity to emerging or semi-professional musicians living in the South West who are at the stage in their musical lives where intense industry input can take their career to the next level. Very much in demand on the live circuit, Drew is making appearances at many summer festivals this year such as the Purbeck Folk Festival and Bournemouth Sevens.

Make sure you catch Drew Allen performing tonight at Mr Kyps in Poole, where he supports the excellent Worry Dolls.

For more information, music and shows please visit drewallen.co.uk