CHARLEY Macaulay has had one hell of a year.

Having recently signed to Acid Jazz Records, and with the release of her recent debut album coinciding with two sell-out launch parties in Southampton, the 19-year-old is only heading in one direction.

All I Know was released as a digital download after being recorded at studios in Totton.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Charley was clearly thrilled to have the album finally out there: “It’s just been incredible, absolutely amazing. We’ve had such good feedback, and obviously I’ve been waiting for it for a few years. It was an amazing process writing it as well, very exciting.”

After 20 long days of recording with a 12-piece band, the album was complete.

It then began to sink in for Charley what has happened to her in the past year.

Since becoming signed to Acid Jazz Records, Charley hasn’t had a chance to catch her breath: “It feels really strange yet at the same time I feel exactly the same. I just sort of keep going. We’re already prepping the second album.

“I feel very normal but I guess the biggest change is more people want to come and see you.

“More pressure as well, people expecting a little extra from you. But I am very proud of myself, it’s a great feeling.”

Charley’s success started after winning the Under 18 Live and Unsigned National Competition where she beat 10,000 competitors to the top spot.

“It completely took off my career”

she explains.

“Everyone who saw me was interested.

In terms of promotion, it was such a good line for agencies and managements, as they would look at me as a competition winner. It just gets people interested.”

Since then Charley has gone on to play some of the biggest festivals in the UK, including Bestival and the Isle of Wight Festival this year.

“Bestival was amazing! It was pouring with rain, I thought no one would come but the tent was absolutely packed. People reacted really well to the music. Bestival was definitely my favourite festival of the year.”

Not only has she played on the biggest stages in the country, Charley has also supported some of the biggest acts, from Will Young to Anastasia.

“I’d love to support Tom Jones, as I was supposed to support him before but he pulled out the day b e f o r e because he was ill, so I would love that opportunity to come back.”

For future records, Charley says she would love to record songs with some of her friends.

“All my friends are musicians and singers, and I would love to make some decent music with them” she explains.

“The album has all been music we have loved from the age of six. We were all lucky to have parents who listen to soul, funk and Motown, stuff like that.”

Charley launched her debut record at The Cellar in Southampton, which sold out within two weeks.

She then put on another show at the venue for fans.

“It was unreal , the lead up to it, everyone was so excited.

I thought it would be a flop so I couldn’t believe how quickly they went.

“The crowd were so lovely. We could do our thing and just have fun.”

So what does the future hold? “See how the album does in charts” she explains.

“We have a show in October in Shoreditch for a London album launch. I guess just see what happens.”

  • Charley Macaulay’s debut album, All I Know, is available to download now.