Northeast Music Guide

Lady Strings The Blues   It seems criminal to me that Chantel McGregor hasn't been snapped up by a major label yet, or her single "Fabulous" been all over our radios at any stage. Is it because she is female, that her breathtaking skills on the guitar are overlooked by the mainstream? Probably, is the answer. Chantel has been playing guitar since childhood, when she realised Dad would be easily impressed by little Chantel boshing out some chords on his guitar. She didn't stop there though and developed her skills, passing a Rockschool grade at only 8 years old. She was advised by an A&R that her voice was great but playing guitar like that might intimidate boys. Chantel went on to do outstanding well at Leeds College of Music (via nearly going into teacher training) and has been recognised at the British Blues Awards, winning Best Newcomer in 2011, Best Female Vocalist in 2012 and 2013 and Best Guitarist in 2013. Cluny 2 had a healthy sized crowd with th...

Guitar Demon in Disguise!      Chantel has been playing the guitar since 3, when she realised that playing the guitar gets a little girl some attention. At 7 she graduated to the electric because the skinnier neck is easier on a wee lass's hands. (I should lend mine to my son!) . Many lessons, a pass in a grade from Rockschool and seven years later, Chantel got the attention of a major label A&R who proceeded to tell Chantel that her style of playing would be intimidating to the boys. Girls like her shouldn't play like that. Moving onto teacher training and then back into music (gaining some impressive music qualifications to say the least!) after some national TV and radio attention, Chantel is back on the road. The British Blues Awards have honoured her twice, with "Young Artist Of The Year", and with "Female Vocalist of the Year".     I was on holiday with my family near the Lake District in the Easter break and saw that Chantel was playing at th...