BLAIR Dunlop readily admits that he thoroughly enjoys the whole songwriting process.

Clearly it’s a talent which has served him well since his debut album Blight and Blossom in 2012 which saw him win the Horizon Award at the BBC2 Folk Awards.

Last year, he released album number three - Gilded - and as he prepares for a date in Manchester next week, he’s already planning on getting back into the studio.

From his early songs, which were clearly in the folk tradition, Blair has developed his own style where storytelling plays a central part.

“I don’t do something different for the sake of it,” he said, “but often when I’m writing a song, I know it’s a bit left field.

“I grew up on the folk scene and was always around ballads and stories. Initially I sort of grew up writing pastiches of that and the things that inspired me have stayed with me from the folk scene,

“I feel that I have developed my my own voice now and sometimes I am writing about things which are different which isn’t a bad thing.”

With growing album sales and bigger tours, Blair has clearly got got something which is proving popular.

“I think I’d have more of a backlash if I didn’t write things that were left field,” he said. “People at the gigs appear to have come with me on every album, I’m really lucky.”

For next week’s show at the Ruby Lounge, Blair is promising a set featuring all aspects of his career so far.

“There will be a lot of stuff from the latest album,” he said. “but I will also be going into the studio in the spring, so there will be two new things and some from the back catalogue.

“I love to try out new stuff live, that’s generally how I break in new songs. I don’t think my manager’s too keen on the idea sometimes but I really enjoy it.”

With a new batch of songs ready to record, Blair can’t wait to return to the studio.

“From an artistic perspective I just love going back into the studio,” he said.

“I think I’m pretty quick in the studio but I do need someone with me to tell me when to stop.

“I think it’s important to have that external influence. You can edit the soul out of a song in the search for perfection if you don’t watch out.”

Songwriting is obviously a passion as well as Blair’s chosen career path.

“I don’t have a set formula,” he said. “There are certain songs I want to write about a certain topic but others I’ll just start writing one thing and then meander around until it becomes something else. I always have a notebook or even my phone with me so I make a note of ideas.

“Songs can go in and out of favour with you. Sometimes you have to give them time and it may be best even to leave them for a while and before you go back to them.

“You can’t force a song to happen.”

For next Friday’s Manchester date, Blair will be supported by Kitty McFarlane

Blair Dunlop, Ruby Lounge, Manchester, Friday, February 24. Details from 0161 834 1392