The Newgate Social

A new track that’s been going round and round in my head like a merry-go-round. _{pun intended.}

If you haven’t already had the pleasure, let me introduce you to Hels Pattison. A North East based alt-country artist. Lover of harmonies and all things honky tonk.

I first caught Hels Pattison live during one of the Road to Hardwick nights at Newgate Social, sandwiched in a line-up of indie, rock, and heavier sounds. And honestly? It was refreshing. Hels’ set was one that gently stole the room. There was something softer, more poetic — a welcome change of pace.

With her unmistakable country-folk storytelling style, enriched vocals, and a band that brings the energy. - Hel’s quickly became one of my stand out acts during the compettion.

But let’s talk about that song — Merry-Go-Round.

Hels played it mid-set, and I found myself totally drawn in: faster-paced than her other material, but still unmistakably Hels. Naturally, I went looking for it on spotify — and to my dismay, it had not been released yet.

So imagine my excitement when she told me

‍Merry-Go-Round is out 1st August.

Hidden in the chorus

I’m a massive fan of songs which feed endorphins but still show an artist's vulnerability - and this track is certainly this. What makes Merry-Go-Round special isn’t just its energy or pace — though both are noticeable — it’s how the track still feels like a page from Hels’ diary

Hels tells me that it all started with a line:

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“Coming in cold, coming in hot.”

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From there, the song took on a life of its own.

There’s a moment penned in the second pre-chorus — “Picking berries through fence poles” — that nudged the track into themes of nostalgia for Hels. It’s a reference to her childhood, picking blackberries at the edge of a school playground with one of her earliest friends.

That snapshot from childhood cracked the song wide open, transforming it into a reflection on growing up. The contrast between the freedom of childhood and the self-consciousness so many of us quietly collect with age.

“It’s a glimpse into my inner monologue — almost a pep talk.”

It’s also the first song she’s written for her band, co-written from the start with her guitarist (and partner) Zachary Savage. You can feel the difference.

The song has more momentum, more movement — and while it still carries all the lyrical intimacy of her previous work, it leans into something bigger, bolder, a little more playful.

Hels herself describes it as:

“Bigger, more playful and leans into country.”

I’d have to agree and maybe go one further. This is a song that marks a shift. It doesn’t lose the vulnerability or storytelling that defines her earlier work. But it adds spark. Adds movement. It’s full-circle songwriting, from reflective to cathartic and back again.

Finding Her Sound and Expanding It

Hels started out playing country-folk harmonies in a duo with her twin sister. Now she’s solo and bringing a band into the mix. And while that can be a difficult leap for artists used to full creative control, Hels makes it work. Merry-Go-Round shows a case in which she is not compromising, she’s evolving.

“Working with musicians I trust has opened me up creatively.”

Her performances now range from intimate acoustic sets to full-band dynamics that bring new textures and light to her music. It’s still Hels — just a different side of her.

That shift is reflected in her songwriting too.

While many of her earlier tracks came from moments of personal reflection - often during cleaning and on long journeys - Hels is exploring writing through conversations, particularly with Zac. Getting input early has led her songs down paths she might not have taken alone.

The Sound of Hels

You’ll hear nods to country (unsurprising given her roots), but also something more rock-leaning and melodic at times. She cites influences like Phoebe Bridgers and Mary Chapin Carpenter — which makes sense when you listen to her — but she also grew up around music from the likes of AC/DC, The Eagles, Jackson Browne.

“You can’t escape the music you grow up with and I’m learning to embrace that.”

That mix of soft Americana and gritty classic rock is a huge part of her appeal. Songs like Merry-Go-Round feel like the result of those influences.

I asked Hels: If someone was discovering your music for the first time, which track would you first want them to hear?

“Merry-Go-Round! It’s me coming back to my country roots, and I love how it’s turned out. Everyone involved has helped it sound massive — recorded with Alex Blamire at Polestar Studios, mixed and produced by Paul Gregory, and mastered by Yellow Cat House Audio. I think it’s a really clear snapshot of where the sound is heading and what we’re about as a band right now.”

Merry-Go-Round - out on the 1st August across all streaming platforms.

Where She’s Going

It’s clear Hels Pattison is stepping into a new phase. One that’s less about acoustic folk confessionals and more about dynamic, wide-open arrangements that still hold her lyrical core.

“I’m predictable, unoriginal,” she sings on Merry-Go-Round
and I couldn’t disagree more.

The track is anything but predictable or unoriginal. It’s unmistakably her, but richer and louder.

“There’s more writing, recording, and new music coming later in the year — can’t wait to share it.”

I, for one, can’t wait to hear what comes next.

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Catch Hels live:

2nd August – Gosforth Beer Festival
3rd August – Bents Park, South Shields
15th August – Station East presents Summer Sounds on Baltic Square‍
6th September – Last Train Home Festival