Elizabeth Liddle

the soulful dreams of a northern songbird

Flashback to the mid-November, 2019, and an article in a local newspaper which portrays a number of local artists who use specific social media platforms for the promotion of their music. Personally, and always on the lookout for new music, new musicians, the stars of the future, something beautiful yet maybe even different, the mind was firmly averted towards that of a County Durham artist, Elizabeth Liddle. Individuals in the industry, at home, and abroad, have always advised to look out for something, someone new, unique, talented, and Miss Liddle, now a 22-yearold star in the making, and who is set to release her second single in the run-up to Christmas, fits that remit, in abundance and to be honest, much more indeed. Back then, in the article, Elizabeth was described as being: “Soulful Elizabeth Liddle sings heartfelt lyrics with a voice that packs a fervent punch,” and for its part, that’s true, but she is also so much more than that, with talent blossoming beyond those youthful years. During the past two years of chaos, not only have we kept in touch, but that talent in which she possesses has blossomed, grown, and, as she finishes 2021, she’s set to release her second single, adding that of ‘Waiting On The Next One’ to the stunning, summer debut, ‘Lonely.’ Granted it’s taken Elizabeth some time to get to this specific point, but you can understand, even relate, to the reasoning why. “It was a case of I was building my confidence to putting something

out just myself,” explained Elizabeth. “I’m happy though, happy with what’s happening right now, and it’s nice to have all these listeners, my followers, in which I have now.” But where did it all begin for the young musician with the world firmly at her feet, and the stars in the ivories in which she tinkles (she’s a pianist). “When I finally released ‘Lonely,’ it’s something that was actually written a couple of years ago, but we held onto it, because of what’s gone on the past few years. “I am happy though, that I waited, and restarted this year, and in my eyes, that’s actually been a lot better for me.” Drawing inspiration from that of Joni Mitchell (of course, you can actually visualise it), Carole King, Carly Simon, and more recently the likes of Taylor Swift and Adele. Their music, it’s something that reverberates through the music in which is stunningly portrayed by Elizabeth, and what has inspired her through those early years of her musical journey to date. “I started off, as a young child, playing the guitar,” admitted Elizabeth. “But I never did quite get a hold of

it,” she giggled,” but then my old primary school teacher offered me one of their old pianos, and I’ve not looked back. “I still have it, to this day, and still play it as well. “I’m self-taught if I’m honest, playing music from a Taylor Swift songbook; I get my best ideas though when I’m playing that piano, and it’s very much like a comfort blanket for me really. “As for Taylor Swift, I loved her when I was younger,” which isn’t that far back when Elizabeth is only just in her early twenties, “and I just love country music; a lot of her songs though, were on the piano, so that’s really helped. “She’s a great, amazing talent.” Those influences, those classic, female artists of the seventies, are exactly what Elizabeth’s music is about, even though she does portray her own, unique styles, her own, delightful, manner. That style has certainly been enhanced further over the past two years, current situations affording Elizabeth, and others in the industry, the opportunity to look at other artists, peruse a variety of sounds not usually, readily available. A highlight over the past few years though was with the north-easts’ most famous of folk rockers, the legendary Lindisfarne. Formed in the late sixties, by Alan Hull (1945-1995), Rod Clements, Ray Jackson, Ray Laidlaw and Simon Cowe, they are well known for tracks such as Lady Eleanor (1970), Meet Me On The Corner (1971), Fog On The Tyne (1972)

and Run For Home (1975). Still performing to this day, the band have been the subject of a recent, BBD documentary, The Alan Hull Story, fronted by another Geordie, Sam Fender. “I was contacted by Dan Prince about a project he was working on at the time,” continued Elizabeth. “It was a little project, and I was given a list of arrangements in which to choose a piece from. “I was immediately drawn to the Lindisfarne track, Meet Me On The Corner. “It led to my meeting Rod (Clements), he’s such a nice person, very knowledgeable, informative, about music, and life itself. “I got so much from doing that project, and I just didn’t realise as to what was going to happen with it, none of us did, but I’m glad of it.” Now though, as the world starts to open, slowly but surely, so does Elizabeth’s run for stardom, and she’ll making a seriously good go of it – we’ll make sure of that. The second half of 2021 alone has already seen much accomplished, and, 2022 promises much more – Elizabeth’s debut single was dropped in late August ’21, there’s been a first, sell-out performance at Independent Sunderland, and, we head through the festive season, the stunning songstress is, most certainly, Waiting On The Next One. There’s dreams as well, life would be nothing without dreams, so how is it going for the pianist with the angelic voice? “Lonely, that was written, worked on, and re-written and re-recorded before it was eventually released (with Ginger Music Production),” beamed Elizabeth. “It felt so right doing it this year, and I think I’d have regretted releasing it sooner – I don’t rush things, I tend to sit on them for a little while first. “But I know what the industry is like as well, and I know that my success, it won’t happen overnight, I understand that. “Right now though, everything is inspired by the seventies, a bit like Adele really, and what she does. “That’s what influences me, and I love that kind of singer-songwriter vibe that comes with it. “As for the sold-out gig, at Independent, it was a truly amazing

feeling and I never, never expected that. “I was quite shocked, which is a nice feeling to have here, and I performed mainly all originals except for one track, Carole King’s ‘So Far Away’ (1971, Tapestry), a song which continually inspires me.” As for that dream of hers, one of no doubt many and which can be achieved when she puts her beautiful, soulful mind to it, and when considering the type of music she does perform, then there’s only thing for it really. “Playing the grand piano, at somewhere like Sage Gateshead,” Elizabeth offers, enthusiastically. “When I was at college I recall having lessons at that beautiful venue. “And, with the end of year shows, where I’d actually perform Lonely, in front of family and friends; what an absolutely incredible, lovely experience.” Elizabeth Liddle’s first, big gig of 2022, see her head to Bobiks Newcastle, on 4 February, with tickets available now from https://www. skiddle.com/whats-on/Newcastleon-Tyne/Bobik’s/Elizabeth-Liddle/35957859/ Her new single, Waiting On The Next One, is available everywhere from 10 December, and you can keep up-to-date with all things Elizabeth Liddle via her Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eelizabethmusic Twitter https://twitter. com/eelizabethmusic and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ elizabethliddlemusic/

NERG is the biggest retro gaming event in the North East, held at Gateshead Stadium over the course of 2 days, this event is as big as it gets for retro gamers or just the big kids re-living their youth playing the games they used to play, after all, they don’t make them like they used to. 2017 will be the fifth year of NERG and it will be a big one. With 100 video arcade machines, 35 pinball machines and 60 consoles and computers this really is an event you do not want to miss!.

The event is held over the weekend of 1st & 2nd of July. Entrance is £15 per day or £25 for the full weekend. Children aged 5-13 years can also get in for only £10 on the Sunday.

All the machines are set to free play so once you pay the admission fee, it’s free gaming all day., so no need for those pockets full of change.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE. or you can pay on the day if the event hasn’t sold out.

More details can be found at www.northeastretrogaming. com

Machines are announced on a regular basis through the social feeds so make sure you keep checking to see what games will be there, though with so many we are sure your favourites will be there.

CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK

For Twitter - @NERGOfficial

We are all in love with Rona, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier x American Bulldog who is aged 6 weeks in these photos sent in by Laura Jones. Laura contacted us when she was making this rainbow collar and lead made with our rainbow hardware and glitter cotton. When she mentioned she was making it for a puppy she was getting we just had to see for ourselves.

To make your own rainbow collar and lead for any size dog you will find the glitter cotton here https://www.bstfabrics.co.uk/100--Cotton-Fabric-Rainbow-1-Glitter-Effect-Horizontal-1 https://www.bstfabrics.co.uk/100--Cotton-Fabric-Rainbow-2-Glitter-Effect-Vertical-1