Beautiful and talented, Shetland-born Astrid Williamson has what it takes to be up there with the best of the UK's female solo artists.

Even her name is starry. So her continued underground status, despite the release of three critically-acclaimed albums and a string of prestigious publishing deals, remains a mystery.

For the softly-spoken singer, commercial success comes second to artistic integrity, but some recognition and reward would be welcome.

"I would be a liar if I said it wouldn't be nice to be popular," says Astrid, "and I'm envious of the money some musicians make. But it's never stopped me putting records out."

When her deal with Nude Records (also home to Nineties Brit-poppers Suede) ended after meagre sales of her solo debut Boy For You, she launched her own label, Incarnation.

The downside of going it alone is struggling with a small budget, she says, but complete creative control makes it worthwhile.

She describes her experience with Nude as being "massively about marketing".

"My songs are not clean or tidy, they are quite dark. They were trying to make me too polite - a coffee-table choice - but that's not what I do."

Having spent the past few years running her own label, however, Astrid appreciates the financial pressures involved. "I don't have an axe to grind," she says. "It's crucial to get your songs on the radio and sell records. Wages need to be paid."

Having just completed Day Of The Lone Wolf, her third solo album, Astrid is happy to get the financial backing of label One Little Indian. "I felt like I had taken everything to the level I could with my budget," says Astrid. "A lot of work has gone into this record and I thought it would be nice to give it more help."

Whatever happens, Astrid has her craft.

"No one can take that away from me," she says.

"Music is an art form. It's not all about being successful. If it was, no one would dare say anything at all."

Support comes from Sparker.

Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £6 and £4.50. Call 01273 778020