SOUTHEND songstress Theoretical Girl claims she’s unlike her female contemporaries who currently dominate the music scene.

Although the 29-year-old has a record deal, a Glastonbury performance to her name and a sharp dress sense, she has no desire to follow in their footsteps.

“I have no ambitions to be famous,” says the singer, real name Amy Turnnidge, who was born and raised in the town.

“I just want to make good music.

“There will always be female solo artists and some that get more press than others.

“I’m quite happy with where I sit in that.”

A product of Southend’s creative music scene, Amy performed in a number of bands on the circuit and even hosted her own club night at Saks Underground.

About four years ago, the self-proclaimed “control freak” left the all-girl group she played in to go it on her own.

“I was in lots and lots of bands and found it really hard, which is one of the reasons why I went solo,” she says.

“I love having that aspect of control. It’s really important to me.

“I think my managers have a bit of a nightmare as I’m always sticking my nose in and trying to see what’s going on.”

Part of the reason for her obsessive nature stems from the way she writes and records her music.

In the studio Amy sings, plays bass, keyboards, guitar, and even scores the strings – everything except the drums.

But she admits this has caused problems when it comes to the live arena.

“It has been a bit of a nightmare when performing with my band,” says Amy, who studied at Southend High School for Girls and now works as an occupational therapist in London.

“I think I’m on band member number 15 now. It’s really awful actually, I’m quite stubborn and don’t allow them to have a say.

“But if you want that control you have to be a bit mean about it.”

Her style has clearly paid dividends as her music has been attracting glowing reviews in the music press and earned her two slots at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

“Glastonbury was amazing, a dream come true,” she says. “I got a bit emotional during one of the songs and very nearly shed a tear.”

Amy’s debut album Divided, a collection of 12 pop, electronic and even folk sounding songs about unrequited love and conflict, is released on August 17.

So what are her hopes for the record?

“I just want the album to do well enough so I get a chance to make another one,” she says.

“I wouldn't be happy with the paparazzi lifestyle.

“I like going to work in the day and playing a few gigs at night.”

If you want to listen to Amy’s music visit www.myspace.

com/iamtheoreticalgirl