Already accomplished as a singer and musician, Zoë had won awards at The Galloway Music Festival for: singing, recorder, piano and oboe.
She picked up the ukulele in January 2011 when she was still only 13 and started to teach herself to play. She quickly learnt some covers and put them up on You Tube. Then over the next few months she started to write her own songs.
By June of 2011 she got her first gig at the Mill Sessions in Gatehouse of Fleet. Her next gig was at The CatStrand Theatre in New Galloway to raise money for Oxfam in August 2011, where she was asked to step in at the last minute as one of the bands on the bill dropped out.
It was at this gig that she was spotted by Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival promoter (Pete Renwick) who asked her to support internationally acclaimed folk singer Emily Smith at an outdoor concert at the Plainstaines in Dumfries, he said . . .
“For someone of only 14 years of age, Zoë has a voice, composure and a lyrical ability that many a pop star could only dream of.”
Also at that gig was Steve Dowling, the owner of Distilled Records, who had no hesitation in offering her a record deal. He said . . .
“We’re so delighted to have found such a young and natural talent on our doorstep. She performs with all the poise of someone twice her age, and her song writing is direct and lyrical … she does simple beautifully, and sings like a wee angel”
This was followed in October 2011 by a winning performance at The Wigtown Book Festival’s talent show with her own song “35 Missed Calls”. Toby Young, author and editor of the Spectator, was in the audience and he mentioned her in his column the following week, saying . . .
“They also boasted an infant phenomenon in the form of Zoë Bestel, a 14 year old who sang a heartbreaking ditty she’d written herself about unrequited love. She was a worthy winner. I told her not to take the first offer, no matter how good it is, and I hope she follows my advice. She’s destined for stardom.”
In November Zoë was approached by Jeff Grainger from Dandelion Radio, an independent station inspired by legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel, to appear on his show.
December 2011 saw Zoë voted onto the prestigious Dandelion Radio Festive 50 at No: 27. The Festive 50 is a tradition that John Peel started back in the 70′s and it charts the most popular tracks that have been played during the current year. Following John’s death in 2004 Dandelion Radio was asked to keep the tradition going.
2012 sees Zoë in the studio recording her first single “35 Missed Calls” due out in early May; performing at gigs around the area and filming a video for the release of her upcoming CD.
She’s also just finished writing and performing the soundtrack for Spring Fling’s 10th Birthday video (Scotland’s Premier Arts and Crafts Open Studios Event).
She’s been delighted with all the offers of gigs in 2012 and has already surpassed her dream of performing at a festival as she’s got offers from several already including: The Wickerman, Eden Festival, Knockengorroch and Comlongon Rocks
zoe, you are just amazing!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Lilly
Thank you!
Zoë x
Hi Zoë! My name’s Aoife and I’m from Ireland! I love all of your songs, their amazing! I think have a very sweet voice as well. Keep writhing more songs!
- Aoife
You have a really cool name, how do you pronouce it?
Thank you so much, aww that’s kind of you.
I shall keep writing for ever and ever, I can’t imagine a future without me writing songs.
Thanks for commenting,
Zoë x
Your amazing Zoe! Your voice is NOT ordinary, its BRILLIANT!
xx
hi this is adam from Australia.
you should never forget were you where born or people that knew you when you were younger.
adam
Hi Zoe, Your Spring Fling song is fantastic. You have a beautiful voice. Well done.
- Shona
Thank you!
Zoë x
I love the video…especially like the touch of throwing the paper aeroplane. For me, it is a modern unrequited love song. Very memorable. Your voice sounds as lovely as ever and the recording itself is not overly produced that we lose the essence of what you sound like live. This thrills me to bits and I am proud of you lass. Keep singing, keep writing and enjoy sharing. xx
Susi – I don’t think I can thank you enough!
x
Thank you x 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Hi Zoë – I am originally from D&G but now living in Austria and a friend shared your link through facebook (where would we be without it!) I first heard your impromptu performance for Matt Baker and loved it, as people have said before you have a truly natural talent which is obvious whether standing in a book shop / on the couch or on a stage. No doubt you will have a long musical career ahead but I think my favourite will have to be the wobbly original videos from your local area and hope there is more to come. All the best for the future.
- Lucy
Oh wow! Thank you :3
Yeah, there’ll still be loads of those – All three of us are terrible at holding the camera still, tehe!
Thank you for the comment
Z x
Pingback: Zoe Bestel « Perfectly Happy Mum
Omg Zoe your voice is AMAZING!!!!! I am 11 and my dream is to be a singer like you someday. I write my songs and would really like to play somewhere. Do you have any tips? Xxxxxxxx
- Alyth
If you believe, it will happen
Aww thank you!
Well the first thing I’d say is to keep going and never give up, my motto is ‘Be yourself and live your dreams’ and I really do mean it
With wanting to play somewhere you could always start off in school, like I did, then look around, maybe there’s something locally you could play at? Every gig no matter where it is, is great experience
Hope this helps,
Z x
Thank you sooooooo much Zoe! Keep up the great songs; I’ll keep an eye on your page for any new ones!!! I’m going to follow your advice and never give up! xxxxx
Good luck!
Hi Zoe, I live in Dumfries and I heard you sing on an early morning BBC Scotland radio programme. I understand that you will be at the Wickerman Festival. What a lovely voice and wonderful song writing talent you have. I wish you good luck at the festival and great success in the future. Best wishes.
Hi Zoe,I would just like to thank you for signing my sister’s cd at the Wickerman Festival,You were brilliant by the way.
- Ross
You’re very welcome and thank you
Z x
Pingback: Especially for Women – A Time for You | Design Resumes