WHAT started off as a gap year exploring music has turned into a seven-year career for singer and songwriter Josie Field (pictured). And a highly successful one at that, what with three albums, having supported international acts James Blunt, Ziggy Marley and Westlife and nominations for three Samas and two MK awards under her belt.

Field said her love for music stemmed from her parents’ passion for folk music and the many occasions her family sang together while she was growing up.

By high school, Field had begun guitar lessons and started writing her own songs. And although she studied advertising after school, fate would pull her back on track.

“I studied advertising after school, but realised it wasn’t for me, so I decided to take a gap year and do some music and that’s now turned into my seven-year career,” she explained.

Field admires artists such as Bob Dylan and Tracy Chapman who write and perform their own music. She also speaks passionately about not compromising in an industry that can be very shallow in look and in sound.

“I don’t believe in compromising your art for commercial gain. I believe in writing from the heart and being yourself. Whatever is hip at the moment may not be what you are, but if you are true to yourself people will appreciate and support you,” she said.

Music is more than a career for Field, who regards every album as her “baby”. Even her album titles are linked to who she is.

Her debut album, Mercury (2006), was named after her parents – Mercury was a name they were thinking of using for Field’s first name at her birth. Leyland (2008), is Field’s family name and her second name, and 1984 is the year of her birth.

Field will share the stage with an array of top artists at the annual White Mountain Festival, running from September 29 to October 2.

Included on the bill are aKing, the Jesse Clegg Band, Plush frontman Rory Eliot, Margaret’s Daughter, the Allan John Band, Naming James, Shotgun Tori, The Hinds Brothers, Nate Maingard, Holly, Nosi and The Zulus and more.

Field said she enjoyed perform-ing at White Mountain and loved the area – which also happened to be her family’s annual holiday spot for years.

“My mother went to school in Estcourt, so we often went on holiday in the Midlands as kids,” she said.

Field said the White Mountain audience could expect songs from all three of her albums.

“We’ll start off with an acoustic set and build it up it bit from there,” she said.

lThe festival takes place at White Mountain Lodge near Giant’s Castle. Tickets cost R500 at Computicket and include camping for the entire festival.

For more information, visit www.whitemountain.co.za or call 031 563 0824.

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