SOMETIMES following your instincts and taking a few calculated risks is the only way forward, even at the expense of a big payday.

Such is the scenario for talented young singer-songwriter Gwyneth Herbert, who has just parted company with Universal Records.

The label had released her previous jazz-based album to a critically favourable reception in 2004, with everyone from Prince Charles to Michael Parkinson queuing up to declare their appreciation of her rich, expressive vocals.

"Universal wanted me to be the female Michael Buble, but I just didn’t want to do a jazz karaoke record and it was getting to the point where they were having board meetings about my hair.

"I am privileged to have worked with some great people there but I’m much happier with what I am doing now, especially with my band, who are really great."

Gwyneth has won many fans through a brisk schedule of touring the UK and shows in Europe and America. It seems the 24-year-old Surrey girl’s glamorous features have been attracting almost as much attention as the music itself, which received a BBC best new jazz artist nomination last year.

While the kind of record sales enjoyed by her former label mate and friend Jamie Cullum may have been elusive as yet, it’s not something that’s losing her any sleep.

Back in her new London pad in Stoke Newington, which she shares with her cat named Monkey, the whirl of events this year has offered up plenty of food for her next record that is due in the autumn.

"We recorded it in just three days at the Exchange in Camden and is the first which is completely my own. It’s quite unlike any recording experience I’ve ever had before.

"For one of the tracks which has a whip cracking sound effect on it we couldn’t find anything, so I had to slap myself close up to the microphone. I’ve suffered for my art," she laughed.

If recent adventures are anything to go by then that’s definitely the case.

For all her ability on stage, she is endearingly clumsy - last year she broke a finger in a New York lift, tripped over a sound monitor and accidentally head-butted a microphone on stage. You can just imagine that moving house was going to involve some spills.

"I went to pick up a transit van for the move and ended up crashing into the back of my Mini and really scraped the bumper. These things have been know to happen to me. I don’t know if its fate or me being a bit rubbish!"

That’s something she undoubtedly isn’t, as the media plaudits winging her way bear testament.

Since her early days growing up in near Guildford surrounded by dad’s jazz music collection, she has been a natural entertainer.

Learning to play French horn, she joined the county youth orchestra before fronting a teen punk band called Wasted Youth. Though this rebellious phase is some way behind her, she still has plenty of attitude.

Those who have caught her Kent shows will have recognised her great ability to connect with audiences.

"I have always wanted to communicate with people with my music, engaging with them, which is a two way process in building up a rapport."

Gwyneth Herbert plays Pizza Express in Maidstone on Friday, June 9. Tickets £22. Box office 01622 683548.