PROMOTING an unreleased album may seem an alien concept in this commercial age. But it has become a way of life for blues guitarist Chantel McGregor during her recent tour.

Plugging an as-yet-untitled collection, the singer’s schedule hits Burnley Mechanics on Sunday — and fans will be treated to hits of the future as well as a selection from her 2011 debut collection Like No Other.

The Bradford songstress said: “It does seem a bit weird doing stuff that you cannot buy yet.

“It never used to be like that and singers used to tour to promote a current album — but this is a new business model.

“The album, which will have ten tracks, is finished and it will be released in the summer.”

The current UK tour is the icing on the cake for an artist who has forged an enviable honours list on the gigging road.

In 2011 she was voted young artist of the year at the British Blues Awards. And the following year she was best female vocalist.

In 2013 she won two categories, guitarist of the year and best female vocalist. And this time around she again was named guitarist of the year.

But having completed the songs that constitute her second album, she is now just as at home in the recording studio as in the claustrophobic confines of a sweaty rock club.

“It is fair to say I feel at ease in both habitats now,” she said. “It is the greatest thrill to be performing on a stage but in the studio it is down to different applications and disciplines.

“I am concentrating all the time in there and the new album has parts for cello and violin.

“I have written the parts for those instruments too. I am always learning and I am eager to take in all I can.”

Chantel takes a tour break at the end of January.

However, the gigs resume in April. These include a date at Darwen Library Theatre on April 17.

She said: “It is nice to see how the songs evolve on the road. Some people have said they barely recognise the same song from when they heard it first at the start of the tour — and I like that organic process.

“It makes it very interesting that they are returning and hearing a different song.

“I am constantly moving forward and I really do not think you ever plateau in the music business.

“It is a journey and I have felt this tour has been superb.”