Listen Up - Isobel Thatcher
A look at some of the emerging artists of the acoustic roots & folk circuit
Isobel Thatcher Isobel is a Singer-Songwriter originally from Salisbury, Wiltshire but now based in London who's style is heavily influenced by the Blues scene that Isobel grew up with, as well as Wistful Americana and Country.
About You
I am a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Salisbury in Wiltshire now based in London. I started off as many children do playing the piano from age 4, and then at just 9 I picked up saxophone for the first time and performed live at my first blues jam in Salisbury. This sparked a passion for the blues and I picked up an old acoustic of my fathers at age 16 and never looked back. It was when I started to the learn the guitar that my singing and songwriting really started to come into its own and I proceeded to frequent as many open mic's and jams I could find in the Dorset and Wiltshire area. Upon leaving school having studied Music at GCSE and A Level I decided to make music my career and so went on to complete a Cert He and HND at Tech Music Schools in London in 2012 where I was lucky enough to win a songwriting award and performed at the O2 Shephards Bush Empire. From this point onwards I have been a professional musician gigging all over the South West of the UK as well as in Europe and also doing recording and session work. I have so far released two EPs - 'Keeping On' back in 2013 and 'On My Own' in March 2020. Both of these were recorded with music legend and old friend Michael Wedgwood (Curved Air, Caravan) in his studio in Denmark. These have been followed up by single 'Walking Down The Tracks' which was recorded on the Dorset/Hampshire border at Stephen Smith's Room With A View Studio and was released in October 2020. Due to Covid 19 the last year or so has been mostly online, with a few live shows dotted here and there. 2020/21 also saw a nomination as 'Best Female Artist' at the GSMC Music Awards and also a Top 15 Category Finalist for my song 'More Than Words' in the Blues & Roots Radio International Songwriting Contest.
How would you describe your music?
I have always found it tricky to pigeon-hole my music into a category, so I have come to the realisation that it really is an eclectic mix of a few genres! I grew up listening to just about anything and everything as my family are all keen musicians or music listeners but especially the blues, 60s, 70s, prog-rock and at age 12 whilst on a trip to the states I realised they had dedicated genre radio stations and the country ones blew my mind - my country music experience had been Shania Twain and that was about it so this really started my love for country music. I would predominantly describe my music as Americana as it mixes the blues, country and even a little bit of rock. Saying that, I have been told before that some of my songs - especially the early years - have pop melodies. So I'll let you make of that what you will - but I will say that everything I write is honest and true. When writing I have always drawn from raw emotion and situations I've found myself in - most songs have a back story and I think that's why I have had many comments of relatability.
What has been your highlight so far?
Well, I have had many fantastic moments, as an unsigned indie artist you really have to take as many positives as you can! However, my highlight was still the release show for my last EP 'On My Own'. I organised a ticketed (50) EP release show at a small hall near my hometown back in Wiltshire. I obviously saw myself as the quite the event organiser without realising how much work was involved - but against all odds it was the most amazing evening and gig I've ever played. The event sold out and the audience was filled with friendly supportive faces as well as new fans and friends alike. Everybody had a glass of something and just sat back and enjoyed the show which was a mixture of full band and purely acoustic. It was a night I won't forget and it was nice to pay homage to those who supported me from very humble beginnings by having the event in my hometown.
What plans regarding recordings, video, tours etc do you have for the future?
With the live music gates gently creaking open I have live gigs starting to trickle in for the year ahead in a range of places from Wiltshire to Surrey to London. I will continue to book in shows as much as possible to reach as many people as possible. I also have plans to record my next single in the next month or so which is a track I have actually been gigging for a while now but it never made the cut for the last EPs but it now feels like the time is right so I am really excited about that as it's a great blues rocker track and should be great fun to nod your head to!
Is there anything else you would like to say or any message to our readers?
I just wanted to give a little thank you really to everyone and anyone who has continued to support live music over the last 18 months when times have been incredibly tricky. If it wasn't for fans and supporters I think a lot of grass roots and unsigned musicians would have given up hope - so thank you - you know who you are.
For more details:
isobelthatcher.com
Live At The Cavern
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.