Music really is Emma Louise Bucknor’s way of life: “It’s the only thing my heart is in,” she says. For this Enfield-born soul singer, who has been classically trained on the violin and piano, every aspect of her life is geared towards sharing her love of music.

“During the day I’m working with young people, helping them learn about music,” comments Emma Louise about her self-employed teaching role in various Haringey schools.

“I love working with young people, they have a real passion for music and are creative but many of them don’t see it as a career,” states the 28-year-old, who is on the cusp of her own solo career as S.E.L (very important to pronounce each letter).

“And at night I’m either working at rehearsals with my band [brothers Eddy and Henry Lupka], performing on stage or recording in Sector 7G’s studios with my producer Mike Scott,” continues the singer about her hectic, 24-hour lifestyle.

However, being stretched professionally doesn't seem to faze Emma Louise, who next week sees the release of her debut single, Necessary.

“If I say I’m going to do something, I do it... that’s how I’ve always lived my life,” she states.

Listening to Necessary on a pre-order download, her warm tones, the shimmery vibes and hypnotic melody perfectly epitomises everything that’s good about British soul at the moment.

“I wrote it as a feel-good, summer-loving song,” enthuses Emma Louise, who penned it just before taking a lesson one day.

“I was just feeling happy and it took me ten minutes to write the first verse and the melody.

“I’ve used lots of metaphors and similies, so it’s not all heavy – which the kids really love – but generally, it’s all about the love I have for life,” she explains.

Emma Louise has indeed captured the sunshine with this track, which has already been brightening up the airwaves on Jazz FM, as track of the week, and on Trevor Nelson’s BBC Radio One Extra’s breakfast show.

But everyone knows the music industry is cut-throat and in this business it’s not enough to have a good artistic knowledge, you’ve got to understand the business side, too. And for that, Emma Louise has been putting her work-ethic, passion for music and good spirit into learning her craft by providing backing vocals, musical arranging and basically delving into all aspects of vocal performance, working with renowned artists such as Caren Wheeler, Mica Paris, Omar, Alicia Keys and reggae pioneer Sanchez.

And, this smart, young girl has also been learning from the master of soul, Jazzie B, as she performs as his lead vocalist in his band Soul II Soul – responsible for huge British soul hits including Keep On Movin’. and Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)..

“I’m blessed by the people who have been the advancement of me,” comments Emma Louise about the OBE-appointed DJ, music producer and entrepreneur.

“I’ve really grown as an artist through knowing such a phenomenally great man. He’s helped me to understand and know what I’m trying to communicate when I sing.”

Necessary can be pre-ordered by texting SEL to 81088 or see the video online or find out about forthcoming live shows at www.s-e-lsoul.com