MUSIC has always provided solace, comfort and a sanctuary for a gifted singer.

Christie Bratherton, from Wincham, wrote her first song when she was only 13.

With tenderness and emotion, she captures her feelings in thoughtful lyrics.

The 26-year-old has won much acclaim from all over the world for her first EP, Fish Out Of Water, released a month ago.

"I had over 1,000 streams on Spotify," said Christie, who used to live in Winsford. "Music has always played a big part in my life. I used to come home from school and play my guitar for five hours until I fell asleep.

"I have experienced health issues and writing songs helps me with anxiety. Music is therapy, I wouldn't be here without it."

The former Holmes Chapel pupil, whose family lives in Knutsford, studied at Mid Cheshire College and has performed gigs at pubs all over Cheshire including the Red Lion in Winsford and Kings Lock in Middlewich.

Her emotive voice has been compared by music critics to Kate Bush, Liz Fraser, Lucy Rose and Julianne Regan.

Christie Bratherton is now writing her second EP

Christie Bratherton is now writing her second EP

Christie Bratherton is now writing her second EP

Five tracks on her EP tackle challenging themes such as anxiety, guilt, depression, addiction, loss, loneliness and depression.

'No sleep can come until I make you smile' is one poignant line in the opening song Switching Addictions.

Another song 'Comfortable Silence' is very thought provoking.

The title track Fish Out Of Water reflects how she has felt at times.

"I have been writing poems since I could write," said Christie, who works in administration. "I write all my own songs. One day my dream is to be able to travel the world playing music.

Christie is already writing her second EP and is looking forward to performing live again after securing some local gigs.

She will be singing at Kings Lock, Middlewich at 4pm on Sunday, May 23 and The Salty Dog, Northwich on Saturday, July 10.

"I am nervous but excited," said Christie. "I am shy, I shut my eyes when I sing but half way through I relax and make jokes and laugh.

"I'm really looking forward to the live gigs. I enjoy the intimacy you get with the audience."

Fish Out Of Water is available on platforms including Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.