Natalie McCool dives into the joy of adulthood on upcoming album, Good For The Soul

Good For The Soul follows McCool's 2021 album Memory Girl, and is described as a more diverse journey into her alt-pop world, moving from playful to dark and moody. "Coming Of Age" arrives as the first preview of the new work. The track was co-written with The Wombats drummer Dan Haggis, and features harmonies from London-based collective Trans Voices.

Discussing the single and the collaboration, McCool says, “I’ve known ilā, co-founder of Trans Voices, for a number of years, working with her a number of times for various projects - and she inspires me so much. ‘Coming of Age’ is about finding yourself, and the sheer exhilaration and joy of that journey and what it can mean. I knew the sentiment would really resonate with her, and Trans Voices as a community - and it did!”

The album was influenced by McCool's realisation that she does not have to conform to one genre, and by her experience co-curating and performing in Welcome To Eurotopia, a 90-minute live show that formed part of Liverpool’s 2023 Eurovision Festival. The show was done in collaboration with Stealing Sheep, and included guest vocalists The Lathums and Andy McCluskey (OMD), a ten-piece all-female band, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and a marching brass section.

McCool also recorded and produced most of the songs on Good For The Soul. Speaking further on the inspiration behind the album, she explains, “The album is called Good For The Soul because it explores the hope, joy and exhilaration of adulthood, and the way every experience makes you who you are - even the bad ones. There’s something for everyone on this album. It really is good for the soul!”

Good For The Soul artwork