Chantel McGregor Talks New Album, Favourite Instruments And More

Over the last 15 years the Yorkshire-born guitarist, singer and songwriter Chantel McGregor has carved a reliable presence on the British gig circuit, traversing the length and breadth of the country, and appearing at some of our biggest festivals. Her forthcoming album ‘The Healing’ is released on Friday 23rd May 2025 and supported with an extensive UK Tour. We at JLTT chatted to her all about it: 

When did you begin songwriting?

I started songwriting when I was around 12 years old. I was taking guitar lessons at the time, and my teacher encouraged me to start writing my own music. At first, it was just simple chord progressions and melodies, but as I grew more confident, I started experimenting with lyrics and structure, it became good way to express myself.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is of my dad playing guitar. When I was just a toddler, I used to toddle over to him, fascinated by the sound, and I’d start detuning his guitar—probably much to his frustration! But instead of getting annoyed, he saw my interest and got me a half-size guitar when I was three. That was the start of my musical journey, and he began teaching me from then on.

 

You will release your third studio album ‘The Healing’ on 23rd May 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

This album is deeply personal. I co-wrote it with Oli Brown and Wayne Proctor, and we spent months in the studio crafting every detail. From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to create something raw and honest—an album that wasn’t just about technical ability but about real, deep emotions. Some of the songs were tough to write because they touch on really personal subjects, but that’s what makes this album so special to me. It was important that every lyric and every note felt authentic.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I recorded The Healing at House of Tone Studios with Oli and Wayne producing. The drums were tracked at Superfly Studios with Andy Banfield, who did a great job capturing the energy and dynamics we wanted.

Do you have any interesting, funny, or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

Oh, there were definitely a few! Songwriting can be such an intense process, so we tried to keep the atmosphere light when we could. There were some hilarious moments with lyrics that sounded a lot better in our heads than they did when we sang them out loud—some dodgy rhymes that, thankfully, never made the album!

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, or recording equipment to achieve a specific sound/tone for the record?

We experimented with quite a few things to get the right tones. For the guitar solos, I used my Carvin Legacy 3 amp, which has such a warm, expressive sound. My main guitars for this record were my Music Man Petrucci and my PRS Custom 24—I used them both for different textures, with the Petrucci really shining on the lead lines.

 

One of the tracks is the single ‘Broken Heartless Liar’, which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Broken Heartless Liar was one of the most cathartic songs I’ve written. I drew from past experiences with bad relationships and went back through old notes I had written at the time. It was like reopening emotional boxes I had long since closed, which was tough but also incredibly therapeutic. Writing the song helped me process a lot of emotions, and I think that honesty really comes through in the track.

 

The latest single is ‘Stand On My Own’ which is out now. Could you tell us about that song?

At its core, ‘Stand On My Own’ is about overcoming the weight of the anxieties and fears that can hold us back in life. It delves into the struggle of overthinking, battling internal voices, and dealing with the consequences of past mistakes or regrets.

It reflects a state of vulnerability and turmoil, where the world feels unstable and the mind is consumed by doubts. It grasps on to a desperate cling to familiar comforts or old beliefs, even as they no longer serve us.

The song stands as a declaration of strength and self-reliance. It speaks to the realization that we don’t need miracles or external saviours to thrive. Instead, the power lies within us to face life’s challenges with resilience.

“Stand on My Own” celebrates the liberating moment when fear no longer dictates our choices, and we choose to live boldly and authentically

Was it a difficult album to write?

Yes, in many ways. As I mentioned, it’s a deeply personal album, and that means tackling subjects like loss, grief, heartbreak, anger, and betrayal. But there’s also a lot of strength and resilience in it. The writing process was emotional, but in the end, it felt like a release—like I had poured everything into it and come out stronger.

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your:

a) Happiest: Stand on My Own—this track is all about resilience, rising above challenges, and finding strength within yourself.

b) Angriest: Truth Will Out—this one is a response to people in the industry who try to mold you into something you’re not, force their opinions on you, and try to dominate your artistry. It’s my way of saying, “No, this is who I am.”

c) Most reflective: The Healing—this song is deeply personal to me. It reflects on a really difficult time I went through with my mum a couple of years ago. It was hard to write, but it’s one of the most honest songs on the album.

 

Who designed/created the album artwork?

I did! I’ve always loved art, so it was important to me to be hands-on with the artwork. I wanted it to visually represent the emotions in the album, so I spent a lot of time sketching and refining ideas until I landed on something that truly felt like The Healing.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

First, I hope I’ve made it through the tour in one piece—29 shows in 35 days is intense! But more than anything, I want the songs to truly connect with people. If someone walks away from a show feeling moved, inspired, or like they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through, then I’ve done my job.

Do you have any favored stage instruments, effects, pedals, or microphones?

I absolutely love my Music Man Petrucci—it just feels perfect to play, both in terms of comfort and sound. Mic-wise, I swear by my Shure KSM9. It’s so responsive, and it just sounds incredible live.

Where is your hometown, and could you describe it in five words?

I was born and raised in Bradford.
Historic, diverse, humble, resilient, creative.

 

How do you look after your voice?

I try to stay hydrated, especially when I’m singing—I always have water with me. I also do vocal warm-ups before shows, though I’ll admit I’m not always as disciplined as I should be!

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I really enjoyed The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair. It was actually turned into a TV series, but I think it would make an amazing film. The mystery, the atmosphere, and the emotional depth of the story would lend themselves so well to a powerful, cinematic score.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks—such incredible songwriting and storytelling.
Alanis Morissette—her raw emotion and strength as an artist have always been inspiring.
Steven Wilson—I love progressive music, and his creativity and attention to detail in his compositions are incredible.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

Yes! We’ve got a full tour of England in May and June—29 shows in 35 days. We’ll be playing all over the country in some fantastic venues, and I can’t wait.

Who is in your touring band?

Colin Sutton on bass and Thom Gardner on drums.

 

What makes Chantel McGregor happy, and what makes you unhappy?

Right now, finishing my album and seeing some sunshine makes me incredibly happy! On the flip side, I really dislike the cold and rainy weather—I should probably just move to Spain at this point!