Marina and The Diamonds is, effectively, singer and songwriter Marina Diamandis

Where are you from?

I'm part Welsh, part Greek but have been in London for the past four years. I live in north London.

Names of band members and instruments played?

Just me... and then friends and session musicians when I play live. I play piano - badly. Not even sure if I'm Grade One level yet.

How long have you been making music?

I wrote poetry and songs from the age of six. I started putting them to music four years ago.

Style of music and influences?

Alternate pop? Who knows... as long as it's good. Influences include Daniel Johnston, The Distillers, Nirvana, Blondie, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Yann Tiersen, Britnaaaay, Elliot Smith, Tom Waits, Dolly Parton, Madonna.

Best moment so far?

Finding out that people might actually like me.

What song would you most like to cover?

A hardcore metal version of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Visit Marina and The Diamonds' MySpace, right, for more information. The track that brought her to our attention is the debut single, Obsessions, released on Neon Gold Records.

Find more emerging artists like this in the London Calling feature in Gary Crowley's 94.9 radio show:

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