Mark David who has made it through to the first stage of the Live and Unsigned competition

A singer/songwriter who uses his music to reach people’s “inner souls” has made it through to the first stage of the UK’s biggest original music competition.

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Mark David, 39, from Elm Park, wowed judges and sailed through the audition stage of the Live and Unsigned competition.

He said: “I think music is the perfect window of opportunity to reach to our inner souls. My aim with my music is to allow the audience to use it as a medium for positive reflection and personal growth, sometimes though it’s just to make them smile.”

Mark, who is a therapist and works as a learning mentor at Sanders Draper School, Hornchurch, entered the competition to try to gain exposure for his music.

Raised on music from Bob Marley, John Lennon and Bob Dylan, Mark describes his sound as easy-listening with a folky twist.

He is set to compete in the next stage of the competition on Saturday, March 17, at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre for the chance to progress towards the Grand Final at Live Fest at The O2 Arena.

Mark said: “My real happiness and buzz when I sing and perform comes from hoping I have a positive effect on the emotions of the listener, albeit in a sincere, subtle and reflective way, simply because the people listening can identify and empathise with lyrics in the song.”