Hels Pattison looks like a canny sort, does she not? And this Newcastle-based artist – who has already gained something of a following – looks set to gain a whole lot more fans in the near future.

I’m of the opinion that ‘Ruby’ by the Kaiser Chiefs is one of the worst singles of all time. That f-ing chorus! But ‘Ruby’ by Hels Pattison (which is not, thankfully, a cover) is one of the best things I’ve heard all year. It’s got a deliciously indie-poppy, rootsy, country feel (think: Kacey Mustraves) and also benefits from having one of the creamiest of melodies going and Pattison’s clear-as-a-bell vocals. The single actually began racking up a tonne of listens on Spotify earlier this year, but was taken down due to being put on a “bot streaming playlist” (which was nowt to do with Pattison). Anyway, it’s now back in all its glory and is the perfect calling card for the singer/songwriter’s bountiful talents. Of it she says: “It’s about a girl I had a crush on last summer and it’s fun, camp and country.” I’m not arguing with that. Pattison is playing ‘Howay Fest’ at Barca in Tynemouth on 27 September and The Lost Wanderer in Newcastle on 21 October. DP

Seek: instagram.com/helspattisonmusic