Four local girls have had the unique opportunity to work with an established songwriter to record an EP, and its first single was released today (Tuesday October 17). 

Edie Yandall, Lacey Bristow, Charlotte Martin, and Freya Jeffery took part in SongCatcher, a songwriting programme focused on teaching small groups of children ages 7-11 how to write a song and express themselves through songwriting and singing. 

The programme is led by New Zealand born country singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow.

Lacey and Charlotte.

Jackie worked with the girls as ‘Jackie B and the Mini Band’ to record the EP, 'Summertime', which will be released in January, though its first single ‘Spooky Hollywood’, is out now. 

Jackie said the EP’s songs were “sparkling, radio-ready pop songs”.

Originally from Gore, Jackie now splits her time between New Zealand and Nashville.

She has released several albums and been hailed by ‘American Songwriter’ as “crafting some of the most beautiful, compelling Americana today”.

Edie.

The SongCatcher programme began back in 2020 as a one-day songwriting workshop before it burgeoned.

“It has been such a joyful experience writing and recording with these kids,” Jackie said. 

Edie, Lacey and Charlotte attend Holy Family Wānaka and they are all 11.

Freya, who attended Wānaka Primary School and Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College before recently moving away, is 13.

‘Spooky Hollywood’ is available on all major streaming platforms now.

PHOTOS: Supplied