When Michael Mallinson was given an electric guitar for his 14th birthday, his life started to change.

He began practising with a passion, gradually developing his skills and exploring the music he loved, by artists as varied as Ray Charles and Oasis.

Three years later, the 17-year-old singer/songwriter is making quite a name for himself on the local music scene and is recording and performing with a band comprised of musicians who have played with the likes of Corrine Bailey Rae, Ian Brown, and Westlife.

When I chat to Michael it's the morning after a lively gig which was attended by Rollo Armstrong, music producer, member of Faithless and brother of Dido. "We've had some great feedback," says Michael. "I've got quite a few local gigs planned, I'm building up a following. Nothing compares to playing live, it's what it's all about for me. I've learned loads from working with this band, we're like one big family."

Bradford-born Michael moved to Shelf as a youngster and grew up in a household filled with music. His grandfather, Dave Mally' Mallinson, is well-known as a folk-musician, his mother was a singer and his dad played the drums.

As a child, Michael started playing mum Michelle's piano, learning standards like Beethoven's Fur Elise and Joplin's The Entertainer.

"I have always liked to sing, ever since I was a nipper," says Michael. "When I got my guitar I taught myself to play, I never had lessons.

"My influences came from different artists, I particularly liked blues-influenced guitar and listened to artists like Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix. I also like Arctic Monkeys, Dr Dre, Oasis and Kaiser Chiefs. I describe my music as indie soul' - it has developed from many different influences."

Before long Michael was writing songs. Then, as a 16th birthday surprise, his mum booked him into Bradford's Sound, Music and Vision recording studio.

Encouraged by the support he received at the studio, Michael increased his songwriting output, amassing an album of material.

"Working in the studio has been amazing," says Michael. "I never thought I'd get chance to work with the standard of musicians that they brought in - they're world-class. It's been a constant learning process, I'm loving it."

He is working with musicians such as guitarist Chris Dawkins who has worked with Rhianna, Finley Quaye, Lonnie Liston Smith and Detrimental; Kenny Higgins who featured on Corinne Bailey Rae's debut album; Mark Walker who has played for Take That, Simply Red and All Saints; and Inder Goldfinger, known for his work as Ian Brown's percussionist.

Inspiration for his songs comes from Michael's everyday life and he says the writing process is "like storytelling."

"I'm basically a storyteller," he smiles. "I get an idea in my mind and work on it with the guitar. I never write any ideas down, I keep them all in my mind. The ideas comes from everyday life and being with my friends. I write about events that are happening in other peoples' lives and my own.

"My friends and family will always be important to me. After all, they're my inspiration."

His current self-titled EP features the tracks Pick Up The Pieces, Too Late, Broken Promise and You Are The One, catchy, snappy acoustic songs with a memorable soulful element. He is with Bradford-based 53rd Records and his achievements are being documented on the Envy website which promotes local talent.

Michael is keen to keep gigging around the region and has ambitions to play at a football stadium. "I'd love to support the Kaiser Chiefs at their Elland Road gig - that would be cool," he says. "And I'm hoping to do Party in the Park in Bingley this summer. It would be great to play to a big outdoor home crowd like that.

"I'm into local bands. There's a big scene out there now. One of my favourite bands is Little Man Tate, I'd love to work with them. There's quite a supportive network among Bradford bands and acts, we all try and look out for each other."

  • You can catch Michael Mallinson at The Cockpit, Leeds, on Sunday; the Love Apple, Bradford, next Wednesday; the Pear Tree Inn, Norwood Green, next Friday; the Trades Club, Hebden Bridge, on February 14; and the Shoulder of Mutton, Baildon, on February 15. On Saturday at 7pm Michael will be interviewed on BCB and his EP will be played on the Bradford station's Acoustic Sessions. For more about Michael go to www.envy.uk.net, www.michaelmallinson.com or www.myspace.com/michael mallinson or email info@ envy.uk.net