Maddie Southorn

Plough Arts Centre, Torrington

Friday, March 19

ETHEREAL, powerful, expressive - these are just some of the words that have been used to describe the haunting qualities of Maddie Southorn's voice. No stranger to the Plough she's previously shared the stage with Seth Lakeman, Eddi Reader and Kirsty McGee.

"I've always found Plough audiences to be really supportive and enthusiastic and really appreciative," she said. "They always seem open to hearing something new. With the prevalence of reality talent shows, it's getting tougher for originality to find a voice so venues like The Plough are incredibly important."

Maddie, who now lives in Bristol but whose mother lives in Bideford, is returning to her Devon roots for this gig.

"It was in Devon that I got my first real live experience and really started to work out where I wanted to be musically. My first album, Unlikely Prom Queen, was entirely written while I was in Devon so it was a very inspirational time for me."

Her trademark piano will be enhanced by the expressive cello playing of long-time musical collaborator, Katherine Martin.

"Our last album, The Pilgrim Soul, was quite traditional and folky and while there will still be elements of that the music is moving in a slightly different direction. I've been very inspired by listening to artists like Imogen Heap and Bat for Lashes and I think the music will reflect that to some extent."

Maddie is now working on her fourth album.

"Music for me has always been about evoking a mood or conveying an emotion and the musical style or genre was secondary. We're very excited about playing some of the new material and I hope that the audience will enjoy it too."

Tickets: £8 (full), £7 (concession), £6 (supporters). Box office: 01805 624624.