With the release of her uplifting new single Coming Of Age featuring Trans Voices and the announcement of her forthcoming album Good For The Soul, Natalie McCool is entering an exciting new chapter. Renowned for her inventive approach to alternative pop, the Liverpool-born singer-songwriter has continued to push creative boundaries, crafting a record that celebrates growth, self-discovery and the unpredictable journey of adulthood. Drawing inspiration from her experiences across Liverpool, London and beyond, Good For The Soul promises a bold and expansive sound, blending euphoric pop moments with darker, more experimental textures. We caught up with Natalie to discuss the inspiration behind the new single, the making of the album, her creative influences, dream collaborations and what lies ahead for the rest of 2026.

1. You’ve just released your new single “Coming Of Age” featuring Trans Voices - what was the inspiration behind the single - and how did the collaboration with Trans Voices occur?

I wrote the song with Dan Haggis (from The Wombats) and we actually wrote it on the most depressing day in January! I think we were manifesting better, brighter days ahead ha! We wrote the song about chapters of life, the rose tinted glasses you see life through when you’re young and then growing up, the ups and downs, the wisdom gained - basically how life is a bit of a rollercoaster and you never know where you're going so it’s important to be curious and celebrate the ride.

I've know ILĀ from Trans Voices for a while and have collaborated with her a few times. When me and Dan wrote the song I just had a vision of many voices joining me for the chorus and the bridge, layering harmonies, making a big choral powerful sound - and I just knew I had to ask her if we could make it happen! We had so much fun recording everyone in the studio - it was an absolutely gorgeous day and I think the song really does sound amazing with all the vocal layers.

2. You’re based in Liverpool which is rich with musical heritage - how has this impacted your songwriting process?

I grew up in Liverpool but now spend my time between there and London - they are very different cities but I still feel like I have a really nice community in each. Liverpool is an incredible place and I have so many happy experiences there and friends for life. It’s so rich in creative talent - there are so many people doing really interesting projects, and I think that in addition to being in London around new friends and collaborators has really helped shape the confidence of the songwriting and production of the album. The album was actually written & recorded between London, Berlin, Liverpool and yeah I think you can definitely hear this diversity through the record.

3. You’ve just announced your new album “Good For The Soul’ coming out on 9th September -what were the main influences behind the creative process?

I was listening to and admiring lots of different flavours and styles when writing the album, and I’d just done a massive project for the Eurovision Festival in Liverpool when we hosted the content on behalf of Ukraine in 2023. It was an hour and a half avant garde show with lots of difference featured artists, ten piece female supergroup, orchestra, marching brass, choir and dancers, performing some of my songs arranged specifically for this show and set up, and performing classic songs from the city. It was an incredible experience and really pushed me outside of the box when it came to writing my next record (this record).

4. What are the main themes in the new album?

The main themes are growing up and learning about yourself, knowing yourself, becoming yourself. There are some really bright parts and some darker parts, some of the songs go deep! I see it as an album of two halves - Side A is brighter, more upbeat, and Side B is a bit darker in mood and more experimental in sound.

5. What do you want to achieve by the end of 2026?

I want the album and singles to be enjoyed by as many people as possible! I want it to positively impact as many people as possible. Honestly that’s my main objective.

6. What are the biggest obstacles you’ve had to overcome?

Probably self-belief and the audacity to dream big enough to realise an album like this - with featured guest artists. Inviting other creatives into your world is a joy but it also takes a lot of guts to approach an artist you admire and invite them into your world.

7. If there was one song you wish you had written - what would it be?

That’s a very hard question! I think Good Luck Babe! By Chappell Roan is so uplifting and so sad at the same time. It’s an incredible song. So that’s probably up there!

8. Which artists are your main inspirations on this record?

So many! HAIM, Self Esteem, St Vincent, Christine & The Queens, Wolf Alice, Chappell Roan, Friendly Fires, Madonna. & many more!

9. If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?

I’d love to collab with Christine & The Queens. They are just an incredible performer, singer, dancer, writer.

10. Have you got any live dates coming up?

Yes I am playing Henley Festival 11th July, DevaFest 9th August and I have my big album launch live dates this October 9th (Fri) in Liverpool, and October 10th (Sat) in London! Tickets are on sale now - I‘m so so excited to play the songs live - don’t miss it!!!!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.