Bonfire night marked a terrific milestone for Nottingham based singer-songwriter Chloe Rodgers as she headlined the highly anticipated stage at The Bodega, a platform which has catapulted countless emerging musicians’ careers to the next level...
The homegrown communal atmosphere that is commonplace at an artist’s hometown show was rife from the get-go, with local duo The GIRL and the STONE providing support. Comprising long-standing Notts musicians Kym Bignell and Will Jeffrey, these two were well-versed in the world of performing.
Delivering glorious folk sonics, Kym’s expansive vocals and Will’s masterful guitar playing and husky vocals were joined by performers on violin, drums and keys as they roamed through their setlist, visibly enjoying every moment.
Support from Middlesbrough folk singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn came next. A soloist who primarily uses a ukulele and even a medieval-looking stick dulcimer for some of the more mythical tracks, Amelia already proved a stark juxtaposition to The GIRL and the STONE, which only widened as she sailed through her set.
Combining breath-taking vocals, featuring a charming northern twang, and enchanting story-telling lyrics, Amelia’s stunning brand of folk evoked fantasies of dark fairy tales, with many of her tracks taking inspiration from dreams, mythology, folklore and her beloved Teesside seaside; captivating her audience from start to finish.
Showcasing her live band for the first time, Chloe ascended the stage. Accompanied by performers on double bass, drums, guitar and keys, with support artist Kym taking on backing vocals. Despite how much was happening on the stage, it was impossible to keep your eyes off Chloe who entranced her audience with an emotionally sincere show.
Managing to be an amalgamation of distinguished pop queens while keeping an original quality to her sound, Chloe is definitely one to watch
Having performed locally for several years now, Chloe has come a long way since winning Notts Factor back in 2016, experimenting with a range of genres, from folk and jazz to her latest pop-tinged tracks. Looking a vision in a regal ensemble, Chloe assumed her rightful place on stage as Nottingham’s very own pop princess.
With her distinctive voice rivalling the likes of Ellie Goulding and Norah Jones, Chloe kicked things off with new track Free Your Mind, dedicated to her dad in the audience, before moving into emotional single Back to the Quay, written in the aftermath of her granddad passing away.
Breaking into newer release Bones, the crowd couldn’t help but begin to groove along with the heavy pop beat, until they were suddenly plunged into the slow and sensual reverb drenched Faces.
Bopping into jazz-inflected love song Better View and filling the venue with carefree summer vibes, Chloe quickly provided a testament to the versatility of her diverse catalogue before taking it down again with haunting, goosebump-eliciting number A Delphian Lullaby.
Finishing on a medley of gossamer epic The Algea into High and Dry, Chloe received a roar of approval, and, indulging both herself and the crowd, launched into an encore of Nuala, devoted to two of her friends.
Managing to be an amalgamation of distinguished pop queens while keeping an original quality to her sound, Chloe is definitely one to watch.
Chloe Rodgers performed at The Bodega on Friday 5 November 2021. You can follow Chloe on Instagram here.
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