‘One of the most eloquent and raucously British voices in the last 2 decades’ - The Fly Magazine
Chris Helme served his dues as front man of ‘The Seahorses’ in the late 90’s. The York based singer-songwriter, blessed with one of the remarkable voices of his generation and a sublime song writing talent, is now forging a successful and respected career as a solo musician.
Chris is currently writing and recording for his second solo record, due out later this spring on Little Num Num Music, the label he co-founded in 2009. The album sees Chris drawing on lots of early influences, Says Helme: “I’ve been digging out my old blues records again, Big Bill Broonzy, Brownie McGhee, Bukka White and also Billie Holliday and Ray Charles. It sparked a feeling in me and I began to remember what hooked me into playing and singing in the beginning. I’ve always had a tendency to lean towards blues and Jazz and my voice is developing as I get older, so it seems natural to explore that avenue of influence.” However, the new record promises to have some modern, less obvious, twists and will see Helme collaborating with some of the many musicians he has met whilst touring over the last year.
Chris’ first solo album: ‘Ashes’ was released in May 2008. Since then he has been on the road (and rail) gigging almost continuously ever since. Playing over 200 shows in the year following the release has allowed him to reconnect with the legion of fans he had from his Seahorses days and also gain a new generation of admirers of his ‘emotional, stripped down set of late night love songs’ (IsThisMusic.com).
A break from touring at the start of 2009 gave Chris and his then band ‘The Yards’ the chance to put the finishing touches to their swansong record ‘Imperial Measures’. With Helme’s distinctive vocals and song writing running throughout the album’s 12 tracks, the record not only proved the perfect follow up to The Yard’s eponymous 2005 debut, but also to Chris’s more recent solo work; many of the album’s tunes have formed the staple of his live shows over the last 18 months. The Yard’s have since called it a day and this has allowed Chris to concentrate fully on his new record and given him the time to keep up his hectic solo tour schedule.
Whilst putting the finishing touches to his forthcoming album, Chris is still out gigging while he can and it is onstage alone where he really shines, his singing and song writing possessing a honed craft and emotional depth which these days are a rare thing indeed.
(By arrangement with Funkyjam Promotions).
www.myspace.com/chrishelmesolo
Agent - Lee Taylor