WORDS of wisdom from music experts will be ringing in the ears of a Dunfermline singer looking to make her voice heard.

Sophie McLaughlan bested thousands of entrants to reach the national final of this year's Tour Music Fest.

The European contest is dedicated to helping emerging young musicians and giving them advice and support to continue their music journey.

Under her performance name - SophieAnnabell - she made the trip down to London last week to perform in front of fellow finalists and a panel of judges.

Although she never made it through to the European finals for a chance to compete for a €10,000 sponsorship contract and promotional tour across the continent, she feels the experience can only benefit her going forward.

She told Press:ON: "When I found out I had been selected to make the trip to London, I really thought that they had got the wrong person!

"I didn't think they'd want me, but they did!"

The 21-year-old was chosen as one of the 60-plus artists to attend the all-day contest last Wednesday, conquering her fear of flying in the process.

Sophie will now receive feedback from the judges in the coming weeks.

"I was pleased with my performance," she said.

"I sang Creep by Radiohead, but I put my own touches to it. I really put a lot of emotion in to it, and I hope they'll say I made it my own and all that emotion was conveyed well.

"The whole experience was great. "You got to meet people that you would never had the chance to meet otherwise. Once you finished your audition in front of everyone else, you then sat and listened to them. It was a really supportive event.

"I'm not disappointed or sad that I didn't make it through as it was a fantastic event to be a part of.

"Workshops were held on the day and they really put the point across that it is all about the music. It's not about the fame or the money, it's about the music. They stressed that so much and I really liked that.

"I picked up a lot of great advice on stage presence and how to give a great live performance, so I'm hoping I can show that off soon."

Fresh from competing in the contest, Sophie will hopefully have her first single released by the end of the month.

'Never Fall in Love' has evolved over the last two years and is to be mastered at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London.

"I've been singing since the age of seven, and people have said to me that I may not make it," she said.

"They've said that so many people try and only some do.

"So what? Why can't I be one of those people that makes it?"