With everyone from Tom Robinson to The Guardian identifying her as a potential star of the future, it is no wonder the world is starting to watch Natalie McCool’s every move with interest.
Which is why all eyes will be on Alexander’s in Chester on Friday (November 15) when McCool plays live at the Rufus Court venue.
The Liverpool-based singer, guitarist, songwriter and winner of Female Artist of the Year at the Liverpool Music Awards 2013 has been described as ‘the lovechild of Johnny Marr and Elizabeth Fraser’.
Delivering songs bursting with dark, deep lyrical metaphor and blending chorus-drenched guitar hooks with an all-powerful voice, Natalie has received accolades from BBC 6 Music's Tom Robinson, The Guardian and Louder Than War journalist John Robb as well as Liverpool's own arts, music and film magazine, The Double Negative.
Her childhood years were spent drawing together a fine fabric of influences from Jeff Buckley, Cocteau Twins, PJ Harvey and The Stone Roses.
Natalie is lauded by every single music luminary that crosses her path- including recent acclaim from BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins and BBC Radio 2's Janice Lon.
Her debut album launch took place on in April at in Liverpool resulting in airplay from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Huey Morgan and even BBC Radio 2 star presenters such as Dermot O’Leary, Janice Long, Steve Wright, Richard Allinson and Claudia Winkleman.
A great night is in store at Alexander’s with support coming from rising Chester stars Milly Pye and Me + Deboe.
Teenage singer-songwriter Milly is destined for the big time after being discovered busking on the streets of Chester.
Earlier this year, she signed her first record deal with Angelic Union, owned by Steve Morton – husband of BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley – and Toby Smith, formerly of funk band Jamiroquai.
Her breakthrough came after family friend Gareth Cooper, from Eccleston, drew her to the attention of Chester archaeologist Mike Emery during a pub chat.
As a child, Mike was adopted by the Fiennes family whose step siblings include record producer Magnus Fiennes (and film stars Ralph and Joseph Fiennes).
Mike, who has seen Milly perform at Alexander's, sent Youtube clips to his LA-based brother Magnus who loved the youngster's raw talent.
Milly, from Northwich, has been singing since she was very young and at 12 begged her parents to let her go busking in Chester – this was how she was first discovered.
Her musical influences include Ed Sheeran and Mumford & Sons.
Managed by Waverton-based Leonie Hallam of Aardvarker.com, Milly’s first single is due for release early next year with an album to follow.
Me + Deboe are a female acoustic duo keeping it raw, stripping down the sound to two percussive guitars and vocals.
Sarah Deboe and Mercy Elise have played alongside Karima Francis, Vic Godard and the Subway Sect, and more recently Miles Kane.
In the summer, they played the Liverpool Music Awards Nominations party at Eric’s alongside Stevie Banks, UkeBox, Coffee and Cakes For Funerals, The Ragamuffins, Rumjig and Taylor Fowlis, and they have already featured on BBC Introducing with Dave Monks and at the Threshold Festival.
Solo artists in their own right, they combined their own influences to work on both original songs and twists on familiar covers.
They list Kate Bush, Skunk Anansie, The Kinks and Buddy Holly among their inspirations.
Tickets are £6 on the door. Visit www.alexanderslive.com or call 01244 340 005.
