Dan Owen, Katie Mac, Astles: Studio 2, Liverpool

Dan Owen

Dan Owen produced an evening to remember at Studio 2 and Getintothis’ Jackie Lees witnessed a rare talent.

Sometimes you’re lucky enough to catch a star in the making.

Sometimes that star has been noticed and nurtured by someone who knows what they’re talking about.

It was interesting to note that Fleetwood Mac featured on the playlist, significant because Mick Fleetwood had spotted tonight’s headliner in a Youtube video. He was so impressed that he met Dan Owen in London, took him for dinner, and offered to be his mentor.

From the moment Dan opens his mouth, it is immediately apparent that there is indeed a rare quality to his voice, it is rich and soulful, well worthy of the attention and support of a musical legend.

The twenty-four-year-old from Shrewsbury, gives a versatile performance, standing alone with his guitar for the soft ballads, then throwing a stomp box and harmonica into the mix for the upbeat, bluesy numbers.

Throughout, his stage presence is relaxed and comfortable, he moved the audience with ease from being silently spellbound during songs such as Moonlight, to clapping and happily singing along to the up-tempo numbers.

Taken from the EP, Open Hands and Enemies, he closes with his single, Made To Love You, which deals with the sensitive issues surrounding abusive relationships. Owen displays an emotional intelligence in his lyrics, connecting easily with the audience as he delivers each line.

Finally, having been called back to the stage for more, he ends the night on a high with a rendition of the blues standard, Little Red Rooster, picking up the energy to a frantic instrumental pace by playing everything at once, demonstrating impressive skill and stamina in keeping it all together.

The quality of his mature, soulful voice in a live setting is, if anything, possibly even more striking than in his recordings – Dan Owen is exceptionally talented, it’s impossible to imagine him not going on to enjoy enormous success.

Our monthly pick of the best long players: Getintothis’ Album Club

In support we had the winner of 2016’s Soundstation final, acoustic singer-songwriter Astles who opened the evening at Studio 2. This young Liverpool artist quickly got everyone’s attention with his accomplished performance which featured unexpectedly delicate vocals. His songs, including his final number, Time Forgot, are deep and thought provoking.

We also were treated to Huyton’s Katie Mac who delivered a confident set, skilfully accompanying herself on guitar.