A RAPPER from Poole has told how music has helped him "fight his demons" in his battle with depression. 

Lyam-Marc Smith, 24, says expressing himself through rap has helped him put his "thoughts into songs" and deal with his mental health struggles. 

Lyam-Marc moved to Portsmouth when he was eight and then moved back to Poole four years ago.

He will take part in a music showcase in Bournemouth later this year which has been organised by RapAbility Records. 

RapAbility Records is an independent record label based in the UK that launched in 2021. 

The rapper found the business through Facebook and reached out to them. 

Bournemouth Echo: Lyam-Marc Smith performingLyam-Marc Smith performing

Lyam-Marc said: "A lot of the people on the RapAbility label come from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life, and come together through music.

"I just want people with depression and anxiety to know that they can pave their own path in life and to think of giving music a go as it helps so much. Putting your thoughts into songs is the best way to help.

"The owner of RapAbility, James Johnson, helps us all, whether that be from editing songs for us, making our own clothes to promote our music and artist name, and putting on shows in different areas around the country."

RapAbility has organised a show in Bournemouth on Thursday, October 27 at Canvas.

The show is an opportunity for Lyam-Marc to showcase his new song 'Count on You Freestyle' in which he discusses his mental health struggles.

The artist’s stage name is PO2, relating to his postcode from his old home in Portsmouth. 

"The last show RapAbility done was in Bristol in July and it went really well."

Tickets are on sale for the show at Canvas, Bournemouth on October 27, selling at £10 each ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT