New To You Spotlights: Larissa Tormey, Helena Mace & Saskia Vese

Several artistes have reached out to us for a mention and or feature in recent months regarding new albums, singles and video.

Here we spotlight 3 newbie Female artists based in the UK & Ireland

Larissa Tormey

Genre: Singer-songwriter, adult contemporary, country

Home Town: Dublin

About

Country contemporary singer-songwriter living in rural Ireland. Classically educated in Russia

Moving from the busy city of Moscow to settle in a quiet rural life in Ireland, country singer-songwriter releases her second album GOD LOVES A TRIER. A dedication to her late mother Anna who was a talented poet that supported and helped Larissa’s artistic development, the album draws inspiration from traditional Irish music, along with a hopeful and meaningful vibe.

God Loves A Trier draws inspirational influence from the rural life in Ireland, along with its enlightening nature, people and overall way of life. This resulted in an overall uplifting and enlightening album, using Larissa’s musical versatility to create a country and folk atmosphere, with undertones outlining a journey through rural Ireland.

Russian born Larissa Tormey has many strings to her musical bow, a classically trained vocalist, pianist and songwriter; she is enjoying life in rural Ireland from where she takes much inspiration for her music.

In 2001, she moved from the busy city of Moscow, to the quieter countryside in Ireland.

Living on a rural farm which now gives Larissa a new muse for her writing which is influenced by classical, contemporary, jazz, pop and folk music.

In June 2014, Larissa was accepted as a guest singer at YOUBLOOM Global Music Village, a music conference event for the international artists, in Dublin and in November that year Larissa released her 14 track debut POP album in PERFECT AS I AM (10 Nov 2014; Amazon UK | UK iTunes | Spotify) .

Her DOORS TO JOY EP, which rolled out to critical acclaim followed all recorded at Ventry Studios with producer and all round talented guy, David McCune joined backing musicians Gavin Murphy (musical director and pianist) and Bill Shanley, (guitar) who has worked with music titans such as Ray Davies, Mary Black and Sinead O’Connor.

A Charity Christmas Single “Special Christmas” released in December 2014 in aid of “Special Needs Parents Association” Ireland, was named among the top 6 Christmas Singles by The Irish Independent.

Larissa spends a lot of time working for charities and fundraising for different causes that are dear to her heart.

In 2015 Larissa was persuaded by her friend, Belfast songwriter BG Pollock, to record her first country single “Only a Woman”, and the Pollock scribed single reached Top 100

Airplay country singles in a first week of its release and the video was premiered on The Hot Country channel on Sky TV.

Larissa has followed up with “We’re In Love”, written by UK songwriter Phil Taylor and “My Love Is Like A River” written by Larissa herself both receiving extensive airplay in Ireland, UK, Canada and New Zealand.

Her next single “Natural Lady”, released 28th of March 2016 (Banner) an original song of Larissa’s. Again, recorded at Ventry Studios by producer Dave McCune joined this time by guitarist from Northern Ireland Dave Molloy and world class UK pedal steel guitarist Sarah Jory adding an unforgettable country feel to this mellow song and Larissa’s powerful voice.

Release Date: 17 Mar 2017

13 Tracks/ Time: 44:31

Amazon UK - UK iTunes - https://lnk.to/GodLovesATrier

Signed CD - Website

This work and collaboration with songwriter BG Pollock lead Larissa to her second country album GOD LOVES A TRIER which was released 17th of March 2017 and shows the singer’s musical versatility, part Irish folk, along with traditional Irish dancing country tunes.

The album includes collaborations with famous U.K. still guitar player Sarah Jory, songwriter BG Pollock, and Nashville-based guitarist Daniel Parks. Larissa reunited with producer David McCune, who produced several of the album’s songs, and she also enlisted producer Pete Ware whose notable productions include the albums of international country singer Charlie Landsborough and Mary Duff.

Larissa’s story of the Russian professional singer from Moscow, who first married an Irish farmer, then fell in love with Irish rural life, and finally became an Irish country singer perhaps is a song waiting to be written?

 Published on Mar 31, 2017 Cover: "Make You Feel My Love" (writer: Bob Dylan; recorded by Adele, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood on 1998 film soundtrack Hope Floats)

         

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Helena Mace

A singer/songwriter and a photographer based in Bournemouth

Studied Diploma in Professional Photography at Image Academy

Studied Financial Planning at Chartered Insurance Institute - London

Helena is a multi-genre covers vocalist and original singer/songwriter and has been performing for many years. 

She performs fantastic cover versions from a repertoire of hundreds of well-known tracks from Pop, Jazz, Country, Rock etc and can be booked as a solo singer or as a duo.

Helena is very popular as a covers vocalist and performs all over the country and is available for Pubs, clubs, weddings and other events.

She has years of experience in the music industry as a soloist as well as having her own Duo.

She is also a songwriter for herself and other artists and has worked with some top producers in the UK, Germany and the U.S.

Helena, brought up in the music and entertainment world has a major love of music and a natural unique vocal.

She released her debut rock album ENLIGHTENED (iTunes | Spotify) worldwide which received fantastic reviews and accolades as well as worldwide airplay. Working on new music a dance single ‘Promise’ (28 Nov 2011, Ispirato Music | Spotify) emerged which reached the official Irish chart as well as the iTunes chart.

Her 10-track self released Country/ Pop album WASH AWAY THE YEARS dropped 1 Nov 2016: Amazon UK | iTunes | Soundcloud

Original track written and Performed by Helena Mace, featuring Tom Leary on Fiddle (Lindisfarne/Feast of Fiddles).

Produced by Matt Black at Hangover Hill Recording Studios

Wash away the Years official video Published on Mar 15, 2017

Helena has managed to get her music played on well over 100 radio stations on 5 continents. The single got into 2 radio unsigned Top 10 charts in Australia and Canada as well as iTunes track of the week.

She shares: “The country fans have completely welcomed me with open arms and I am over the moon to be part of the community”.

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Saskia Vese

Saskia means Saxon woman - Woman of the world (The name is part Russian).

Vese is French name, she’s partly French

Location - Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK

Occupation: Commercial model / Singer

Favourite Films: Grease

Favourite Music: Olivia Newton John, Shania Twain

Saskia is a recording artist from Doncaster.

New single “Say Hello” is her first venture into country music.

Saskia has worked as a model, and a Shania Twain tribute before turning her talents to creating her own music.

Singing Experience

Saskia Solo Singer of Covers and own material.

Has performed in holiday camps, backing singer (Spandau Ballet tribute), sang in a girl band with five other girls touring holiday camps, Country & western singer in Blackpool hotels.

Available for solo singing in pubs/ clubs / hotels / UK and abroad.

Saskia is a solo artist, she sings, country, pop, country rock, wartime, 60's,70's,80's to present date.

Saskia original song released March 25, 2017.

Abba tribute band as Agnetha (blonde)

Shania Twain Tribute Show: Complete with amazing PA (and sound check person) Saskia dress in the costumes from her Greatest Hits. Man I Feel Like A Woman costume and That Don't Impress Me Much ]

White Dress - Leopard Print | >> Video

The up-tempo song “Say Hello” was written and produced by EBA RECORDS (Unit 20A, Raglan Works, Methley Road, Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 1NX) who played all the instruments.

“Say Hello” is Saskia’s first venture into country music. It’s her first original solo single and fondly tips a nod to her mother.

The song relates the tale of a young father leaving the family resulting in the girl having to pave her own path in life (which is personal and relatable to Saskia). She may be wide eyed and free but the girl misses him on those stormy nights:

Wide eyed and free in this mad mad world

Come say hello to the world

All I want is all I need is to have my daddy home

A comforting and strong willed mother is resigned to the fact to be positive and move on with a free-wheeling spirit.

Fast forward some 2 decades, burdens and regrets have healed and the girl, now a mature lady, makes a pledge to her own young daughter, to be there thus giving her the life she didn’t have.

Published on March 19, 2017

Available for download: Amazon Link | UK iTunes 

Label: E.B.A. Records

Copyright: (P) 2017 E.B.A. Records

Total Length: 3:25

Genres: Country/ Pop

Radio Airplay

"Brilliant" - Phoenix Country Radio
"Some great music now..she's a good singer" - Lee Williams President of the British Country Music Awards and CEO of CMR NASHVILLE "Europe's #1 Country Music Radio Station" 

“Unplugged Feature” Trax FM 107.1 & 107.9 an Independent Local Radio station that broadcasts to Doncaster and Bassetlaw. (Website; 5 Sidings Court, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5NU)

Chasing Your Dream Radio: Internet Radio 24/7 Airplay Rotation
"Great song" Belter Radio (Interview):

Today's Country With Tim Kelly 04/02 (Show Page; Indie Country Radio's Show's) “Say Hello” featured Song Of The Week with airplay on every live show:

Saskia Fashion:

Gig Alert: Come “Say Hello”!

When:15 April 2017

Where: Packhorse, Barnsley (Website; Pack Horse Hotel, Church St, Royston, Barnsley S71 4QZ) –

Facebook - Event

Saskia will be singing for 1 one hour. She’ll be doing some Shania Twain cover songs along with a selection of songs including her own brand new single “Say Hello”.

On the night you will be able to take a signed picture home and a CD with a lot of her Shania Twain cover songs on.

CLICK on the GRAPHIC:

Modelling experience

One of her most notable projects was a Wonderbra campaign in London which was published in five national newspapers, along with a billboard in London. Saskia has also modelled for Lepel and Charnos as well as Marks & Spencer.

Campaigns: - Rolex - WonderBra - Asda - Tesco - Lepel lingerie - Charnos Lingerie - Jigsaw - Spokes Model for bridal company

Modelling: Commercial (Image) & Glamour Photography, Photographic Modelling experience | Full-time model | Paid commercial work

Swimwear model - Brochure Cyprus

Bra model - Marks and Spencer, Wonderbra Campaign (D&G Cup Bras), Lingerie model (Lepel, Charnos, Panache)

Boots model: eyelashes for Allure

Brand model for: Sister clothing | Ono Uno clothing | Jigsaw clothing |

Catwalk model: Panache Lingerie | Jigsaw | Sister fashion Brand

Shoe model - For fashion brand Next 2015

Shania Twain Fanatic

Saskia Vese became a fan in 1998 after seeing 'That Don't Impress Me Much'.

After witnessing a Shania Twain tribute at a local bar she realised she could do a superior job.

She hired a singing coach and started a tribute act.

As a Shania Twain super-fan, she has invested heavily in the Canadian star’s music, clothes and merch and dedicated hundreds of hours. 

Regarding her fixation, The Daily Mail (UK) ran an extensive article on her and a feature was published on the hugely popular Entertainment website Taste Of Country!

Download the I Am Saskia APP (For iPhone & iPad) from iTunes

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