An island-based singer songwriter has released an intimate acoustic album and single, prior to her performing a number of shows in England.

Mae Challis this month released her first full length album, ’Mae Challis Live at Bath & Bottle’, which was recorded in the basement of the Douglas venue earlier this year.

The CD features ten original tracks written by Mae herself, and has been released along with a single version of her song ’Is It Strange’, which she recorded earlier this year with a Maltese solo singer, Joe Roscoe.

Following the launch of the live album, Mae is looking forward to appearing at shows in London, Northampton, Manchester and Leeds before heading out on an autumn UK acoustic tour.

Mae, who, despite being one of the most familiar faces on the Manx music scene,only turned 20 earlier this year, has worked on developing her acoustic concert, rather than her full band sound, and is keen to showcase her solo work, both on CD and in concert.

’I spent many hours practising my songs in advance of recording the CD,’ said Mae.

I’ve been developing my sound and introducing new dynamics to both the songs and my vocal, aiming to be the best that I can be for the CD and for any future live performances.

’It meant a lot of hard work leading up to the actual evening of the recording but I’m very proud of the result and the finished product. It’s me and nothing else.

’I had the freedom to sing my songs, my way. I thoroughly enjoyed that night and I’m so glad it’s been captured forever.’

Mae has also worked with a top level music producer, Steve Bush, who has worked with Stereophonics, Ocean Colour Scene, Corinne Bailey Rae, before travelling to Malta to record a duet with Roscoe.

’I loved going over to England to play some shows out of my comfort zone, as it were,’ she said.

’The reaction from the audience was fantastic and the promoter is already looking to book me for more shows all across the UK which is really exciting.

’And Malta is such a beautiful little island and it’s a similar size to the Isle of Man so even though I was far away it strangely felt like a (hot) home from home.

’Joe Roscoe was very professional and easy to work with and he sounded great singing my song with me.

’My Maltese experience has really opened me up to the idea of collaborating with different producers and artistes in the future.’

’Mae Challis Live at Bath & Bottle’ is available for £6.99, from Bath & Bottle, Douglas; Rehab 2, Douglas; Sound Records, Douglas; The Secret Pizza Company, Castletown; Celtic Gold, Peel; Shalee, Ramsey, or online from maechallis.com.

’Is It Strange’ is available as a download from Itunes.

by Mike Wade

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