A Fife singer songwriter who took up music after a challenge from her grandfather is celebrating her 19th birthday with a major festival appearance.
Deni Smith, from Dunfermline, is also just about to release a single having first picked up a guitar at the age of 14.
The former Inverkeithing High School pupil’s new song is appropriately titled, given the weather, Bring Back the Sun.
It will be launched in De Brus Brewery, Dunfermline, on Sunday August 14, with tickets costing £3.
“The night is definitely shaping up to be a great one,” said Deni.
“I am joined by my wonderful special guest musicians Katlynd Shields and George Murray, Carol Hodge and Freya Stobie.”
“The night is also going to be a time for me to celebrate my 19th birthday with family and friends as the weekend prior to the event I will be plying at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in Inverness on my actual birthday.
“I’m really looking forward to going up north as it is my first time playing at a festival and I’m excited to try my music on a different kind of stage.”
Deni will be on the Free Range Folk Stage at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on Saturday August 6.
She was inspired to become a musician by her guitarist grandfather.
“He gave me his first guitar,” she said.
“He told me that if I could play a song in two weeks he would let me keep it.”
Although Deni is too embarrassed to admit what song she learned, having been a One Direction fan at the time, she got to keep the guitar.
“It’s an amazing guitar. I still play it now,” she said.
The 18-year-old has now moved to Glasgow, where she is studying to become a primary school teacher.
And she hopes to make an impact on the Glasgow music scene in between her studies.
“There are so many opportunities but it’s so hard to break into.
“Once the single is released, I think that’s going to make it a lot easier.”
She added: “I’d like to have people know my songs and sing them back to me.”
