ON Wednesday Hannah Nicholson will take the first steps on what she hopes will be the start of a new chapter in her life.

The Trawden-based singer-songwriter will be performing her first solo headline show at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club complete with band and string quartet.

She will be debuting songs from her forthcoming EP including the single Oliver which will be released in July.

“It is very exciting,” said Hannah. “I just wanted to make sure I got things right and could showcase the EP in the most authentic way. I just wanted to be a little bit different rather than just being a girl at a piano so I’ve got a string quartet from Liverpool and I have some wonderful musician friends who will be there.”

For her EP which she hopes to release in September, Hannah was able to call on Christian Madden and Richard Young from the Earlies and also Matthew Whittaker from Henge.

Formerly one half of the group Bird to Beast, Hannah is now focusing on her solo career.

“I’ve put everything into my own sound and music,” she said.

Having started singing in choirs Hannah studied composition and performance at Salford University. She makes a living teaching piano to adult and children across East Lancashire.

“I suppose my songs have a classical influence when it comes to the harmonies and chord structure,” she said. “I’m influenced by the likes of Rufus Wainwright and Joni Mitchell, I love their storytelling abilities. I like to be honest with my songs, I like intricate harmonies and I like a little bit of electro too, It’s a real mix.”

Hannah has been working on material for the past couple of years.

“I must have 70 songs,” she said, “ and that’s been a great experience. I’ve really enjoyed taking control of every aspect - I think it’s brought out the control freak in me!

“I’m not under any illusions - it’s a really difficult industry to break into but I’d just like to carry on being able to do it my way.”

For details visit www.hannahnicholsonmusic.com