A FOLK singer with avid listeners worldwide will be launching his second album in Hitchin this month. Stuart O Connor, 27, who has been writing and producing his own music for the past 10 years, will be releasing his new album A Distance From Here, at Clu

A FOLK singer with avid listeners worldwide will be launching his second album in Hitchin this month.

Stuart O'Connor, 27, who has been writing and producing his own music for the past 10 years, will be releasing his new album A Distance From Here, at Club 85 on Sunday, March 23, at 9pm.

The former university librarian has given up work to tour in the UK and abroad.

His UK tour which begins two days after the Hitchin gig will take him to 50 venues but he will return to Hitchin for Rhythms of the World on July 12 and 13.

In November he will fly to Auckland in New Zealand to begin his worldwide tour and will be funding his travelling through album sales.

His first album Autonomous Debut which is available to buy at www.latebus records.com, sold 1,300 copies and he hopes his new album will be a progression.

Stuart, who has also taught guitar, says he gets his inspiration from 'all over' but is influenced by the likes of Nick Drake and Ani Difranco.

He said: "I love all music; I'm a sponge to it. But now I will be fulfilling my ambition to focus on music full-time."

l Tickets to the gig which cost £7 and include a free copy of his new album are available from www.wegottickets.com

For more information visit www.my space.com/stuartoconnor