A&R scouts could do a lot worse than choosing South Shields as a base from which to cast their knowing glances, given its reputation as something of an incubator for emerging talent in previous years. 18 year old singer-songwriter Brooke Bentham is the latest prodigal daughter to surface from the seaside town’s production line, and yet the organic quality of the self-taught guitarist’s forthcoming debut E.P suggests that she has a raw talent which exceeds even that of her idols.

Having discovered the likes of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell from a young age, Brooke’s love affair with folk music has clearly had a big influence on her own developing sound, which echoes the likes of Bon Iver, Laura Marling and Fleet Foxes. Seeking solace in words, her introspective search for answers to the ‘big’ questions in life has led to nothing but confusion thus far, and Brooke’s subsequent answer has been to retreat further into her musical shell.

Following the release of her debut single ‘We’ll Be Ghosts’, Brooke is now gearing up towards the release of her debut E.P, which is due early next year. And while the honest, poignant folk songs she has fashioned will resonate with anyone who has ever felt worn down by the hardship of solitude, things are finally looking up for Brooke herself, having been handpicked by Communion to support Rhodes in London last month following her recent move to the big city.

“’We’ll Be Ghosts’, the goosebumps-inducing debut single from Newcastle’s Brooke Bentham, not only showcases one of the most beautiful new voices of recent times, but also the mark of a truly talented songwriter. From the tender opening notes, to the heartbreaking crescendo, it’s a stunning first outing.” – Crack In The Road