CONGRATULATIONS to Jennifer Left as she celebrates her 30th birthday by becoming the 30th On The Radar star.

The Brighton-based former Gloria Cycles bassist is releasing her crowd-funded solo debut album Hushabye on Monday, August 11. She talks about its creation.

“I feel like the ultimate plate spinner. I’m working to keep a roof over my head, but also trying to organise and keep on top of moving the music forward. It’s fun, but it’s also like a business! I am in the process of self releasing through Pledge Music, and I am still processing all of the goods that people kindly pledged for. It was a huge amount of support which in turn has meant that I have a lot of goodies to send out.

“The songs have been bubbling away for around two and a half years. I try not to be too obvious with my song writing, as I like to tell stories and create a different setting for my music. The whole process has developed in stages due to funding and life really. It’s hard when you are doing it on your own... but then again I’m not really on my own, because without people who have kindly pledged and shown their support, I wouldn’t be talking to you now. It just takes a little longer.

“I am rubbish at self promotion and shouting about myself. I get quite self conscious. Even on stage I shy away and close my eyes. When I posted the Pledgemusic page and the target was smashed in eight days I couldn’t believe it.

“I think my biggest gig would have to be opening for Turin Brakes at St. Mary’s Church in Kemp Town, Brighton. I love Turin Brakes and especially The Optimist LP. I used to listen to it a lot when I was 18 – The Optimist was actually the first song I learnt to play on the guitar back in Newcastle. To be opening up for them in a town 500 miles south, eight years later really humbled me. It’s funny how life pans out.

“I love music, and I like singing, but I would definitely like to move in a different direction possibly. I have lots of projects bubbling away, I just need to edit myself.”

Find out more: www.jenniferleft.com soundcloud.com/jennifer-left www.facebook.com/Jenniferleft Like the Facebook page to hear about forthcoming secret gigs to coincide with the release of the album.