A budding musician from Frinton-on-Sea has beaten thousands of other acts to be named in the UK’s top ten unsigned male singers.

East Anglian Daily Times: Charlie Sanderson has been nominated for an award. Picture: CHARLIE SANDERSONCharlie Sanderson has been nominated for an award. Picture: CHARLIE SANDERSON (Image: Archant)

Charlie Sanderson, 28, only began releasing music in 2016, but in that short time has launched two albums, a single on all digital platforms, and a music video filmed in Walton-on-the-Naze.

The singer-songwriter is now getting ready for the Unsigned Music Awards (UMAs), which could see him named as the Best Unsigned Male for 2017.

He said: “To be nominated amongst such great talent is an honour. It is great to get recognition for something in which you are putting so much effort and time.”

The awards, which were launched in 2012, are organised by Best of British Unsigned (B.o.B) and saw more than 50,000 music fans cast their votes for this year’s ceremony – fans including the likes of rock star Frank Turner and footballer Gareth Bale.

B.o.B is also known for supplying radio stations with music from unsigned artists in some 15 countries.

Matt Graveling, founder said: “The UK produces the best musicians in the world and we get to play them before anyone else. The UMAs are the much needed recognition for these acts and we hope will help motivate them to achieve more and more.”

While the winner of each award category is decided from a public vote, the nominees will also be put forward for The Critics’ Choice Award.

The panel of three industry expert judges includes Max Helyer, a guitarist for rock band You Me at Six, Dave Gilyeat, radio presenter for BBC Introducing, and Louise Dodgson, editor of online music directory The Unsigned Guide.

Max said: “For me it’s important to support upcoming artists and help to give them more exposure. I’m looking forward to listening to the wide variety of styles of music submitted, some of which will hopefully become part of my personal everyday music catalogue.”

George Ponsford, sales and marketing director, added: “Unsigned music in the UK is stronger than ever before, and these awards are not only great for recognising some of this country’s most promising artists, but also giving them the platform to share their music with the masses online.”

The winner will be announced following the public vote, which runs from October 16 to October 22.

To vote, visit vocalzone.com/vote.