Music
Press
"A fantastic songwriter. She writes simple,classic, beautiful country songs."
(www.bbc.co.uk) - Guy Garvey - Elbow & BBC6 DJ
“A rather astonishing debut mini-album that shines through with the quality of songs and obvious care and attention paid to the detail on all eight tracks. McLean’s vocals are perhaps one of the most wonderful things you will hear on the new folk / roots scene, as she switches from her natural, spoken northern accent to a flowing, rich tapestry of emotion, delivered with a clarity that few can surpass”
(www.manchestermusic.co.uk) - Manchester Music
“Strong songwriting, delicately arranged using innovative percussion, true to the spirit of Country & Western, yet made in Manchester, it's one to hear; one to endorse your frontier-like tastes, or change your mind about the genre for the better. Impressive and deceptively simplistic, there's no shortage of charm either.”
- Whisperin’ & Hollerin’
"Alexis McLean is a local girl with a powerful bluesy country voice that seems to come from thousands of miles away, maybe even from a different time. From the bluegrass mountains, through the LA-goes-country singer-songwriter scene of the late 60s, to the folky end of Mazzy Star… McLean's voice dances over the various Americana treats with true abandon - It's a sound with massive appeal, whether it be lovers on the streets of Nashville, line dancing bars or kids sat around in basement clubs. Hopefully one day Alexis will be knocking on the gates of Nashville, incredibly, showing THEM how it's done. "Takin' It Easy" may sound like an obvious piece of advice but for all accounts, it's the sound of something that could potentially be massive. (www.manchestermusic.co.uk) - Manchester Music
Discography
Releases:
Debut EP - Takin' it Easy - Self-Release September 2007
Latest Airplay:
BBC6 - Guy Garvey's Finest Hour (25/11/07) - Takin' it Easy.
Compilations:
Oxjam Music Festival Promo CD - Released Aug '07
Digital Northerner 4 - Release Date TBC
Photos
Bio
Alexis McLean moved from her hometown of Burnley, Lancashire to Manchester, picked up a guitar and began developing her own sound. The result? A voice that is rich and deep, both tender and powerful - poured over simple honest songs that, whilst rooted in country music, have a distinct urban appeal.
A highly talented artist, Alexis has been writing and performing prolifically for the last 3 years. In 2007 she self-released her fantastic debut EP 'Takin' it Easy', producing 8 tracks of catchy melodies that combine authentic country sounds with folk, pop and blues.
The title track of the EP was inspired by Alexis' Dad, Reg, who recently lost his battle to cancer. He was a very laid back man whose chosen piece of advice was 'take it easy'. Fortunately, the EP was released and had radio play before Reg passed away. It was also on sale in Virgin Megastores for a while, displayed on the same shelf as his favourite Country legends - Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
Most importantly, Reg got to see his daughter doing what she does best - performing. Alexis has toured with and supported several esteemed artists such as Stephen Fretwell, Polly Paulusma, The Piney Gir Country Roadshow and Ben's Brother as well as headlining many of her own shows and playing at various festivals. Hailed as Manchester's answer to Dolly Parton, with echoes of Sheryl Crow and Lucinda Williams, McLean's live performances with her newly formed band are impressing audiences and by slow burn word of mouth her star is rising.
Still an independent artist, Alexis has been championed by Elbow's frontman & BBC6 DJ Guy Garvey, who recently said "It's one of the world's great mysteries why Alexis McLean is without a record deal or management at the moment" (Guy Garvey's Finest Hour, BBC6 Music, 25/11/07). It is.
Links
