Although I have been writing poetry since junior school, I started writing songs in 1995, after attending a residential music course which taught me how to combine my passion for music and love for writing poetry. My main inspirations are Tracey Chapman, Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morrisett and All About Eve. However I have written songs for music theatre performances such as A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Knights of the Round Table. I also have written a song for a ladies church choir, on request. My songs have been performed at several informal concerts by several friends, who are also talented musicians. I have also produced an album of 6 songs written by myself and sung by Shirley Novak. My main strength is writing songs for other musicians to play and perform, or just writing lyrics for others to set music to. However it is important to get the right kind of voice. Most of my songs have been written for the female voice, although a couple do work well with a male vocalist. So if anyone wants to team up, just let me know.  sonali@musk35.freeserve.co.uk

Barry played at his first nsi event on weds 21st March 2001 & performed his first nsi showcase concert on tuesday 5th feb 2002. Barry was born in 1964 and has been writing songs since 1973, although he is still actively writing songs today. The songs, either sung unaccaompanied or with keyboard are sometimes intense and passionate, sometimes dry and satirical. The influences are too numerous to mention. He has performed at Framptons Bar Bistro several times, and can usually be found at the White Cow Folk Club Ilkeston on Wednesday nights.

Roy Stone has been writing and singing his own songs for well over ten years now, achieving some success. 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning', released by PERFORMANCE (his band) sold out within weeks, and 'Flight 21' can be heard on the soundtrack and big screen version of British movie Human Traffic. His performances as a live vocalist are very well appreciated on the local circuit, gaining best duo accolade in City Lights for his colloborative efforts with various acoustic guitarists, in this guise as KINKY AFRO. His full band PERFORMANCE still fill the venues of the East Midlands without exception every week. His smooth, highly melodic vocal style and cool raw good looks keep 'em coming back for more. History was made when Roy performed his 1st solo concert at the NSI showcase concert on tues 5th February 2002.