A MUSICIAN is living his dream of working with top record producers and performing in front of thousands after being plucked from obscurity.

Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jonathon Holder, of Ingatestone Road, Woodford Green, was chosen to join the ten-strong Think Big Band after auditioning on Youtube.

The band has been put together as part of a project to support young talent and is set to support as-yet unannounced stars on a nationwide tour.

Jonathon and his bandmates are currently rehearsing and writing songs with the help of Grammy Award winning producer Simon Gogerly, who has worked with U2, Gwen Stefani and N*E*R*D.

And after years of gigging locally, the former Britain's Got Talent reject is now relishing another shot at the big time.

He said: "I was just so excited when I got the call. I was just thinking what a great opportunity - a chance for me to break through.

"To work alongside such an inspiring producer is just brilliant. Just to see how he works and pick up a few tips is amazing."

The 23-year-old former Woodbridge High School pupil, who is inspired by various styles of music and cites Stevie Wonder as his biggest influence, hopes the band will enable him to devote his life to music.

"Performing and writing are my favourite things. If you can have a career doing the one thing you love in the world there is nothing better," he said.

"I would love to be out there as an artist playing gigs and releasing my own stuff, writing and producing."

Radio One DJ Huw Stephens, who backs talented young musicians and was on the judging panel, said: "I watched Jonathon's audition and I was instantly impressed.

"I love musicians that display passion when playing. He did just that, he was obviously having a great time."

The tour starts on October 29 at the O2 ABC arena in Glasgow.

For information visit o2thinkbigband.com.

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