Newcastle’s Hels Pattison has a new single out on August 1 and it’s a track that confirms her as one of the most exciting artists working in the north-east today.

And that track is ‘Merry Go Round’, a truly glorious thing that takes flight from the get-go. It’s got a lovely country-bop feel – and lyrically tackles the push-pull joys/pitfalls of growing up – but it also has a big poppy heart that will appeal to Chappell Roan fans. The single is also the perfect platform for Pattison’s effortless vocal: she has one of those voices that you instantly warm to. And ‘Merry Go Round’ comes on the back of her ‘Just What I Do’ EP, which came out earlier this year. That particular release is another fine showcase for her talents and includes some soaring balladry in the shape of ‘On the Horizon’, and the low-key, but very affecting, ‘Please Don’t Break My Heart’. From warm-folk, to country-tinged groovers, to anthemic indie-pop, Pattison moves between these categories with ease and is a real force to be reckoned with. DP

Seek: instagram.com/helspattisonmusic, facebook.com/helspattisonmusic