News
Sunday, May 03, 2009

Holly Kirby Interview

Young Island singer/songwriter Holly Kirby is currently taking her 'A' levels, but beyond that she has hopes to have a career as a professional musician. We wish Holly well. Check out her excellent web site at www.hollykirbymusic.com It is really a great site, packed with Holly's music, poetry ands art work.

I recently caught up with Holly for a quick chat at Quay Arts, Newport.

VK: Are you from the Isle of Wight ?

HK; Yes, born and bred.

VK: Are you from a musical family ?

HK: My parents both love music, although neither of them play an instrument. When I was a baby, music was playing all the time and mum was always singing to me.

VK: How did you first get into music yourself ?

HK: I was able to have piano lessons which was a good introduction. I started to learn when I was nine and finished when I was fifteen. There was a Northwood Primary School camp at Nettlestone in Year 5 which involved a talent show. Mr Thorne the Maths teacher said I was good. After that I sang in assemblies, and started to singing along with backing tracks and the piano.

VK: Are there any singers who have been influences ?

HK: Enya and Loreena McKennitt were influential. Whatever I like, I try to take omn board and put into my music. A Biology teacher gave me a CD of ten songs that he liked. One of them was 'Hallelujah' by Jeff Buckley, so I began teaching myself the guitar part.

VK: How did you first discover Loreena McKennitt (amazing Canadian/Celtic singer, harpist, pianist, accordionist)

HK: From her ' Nights At The Alahambra' DVD. I then contacted her cello player Caroline Lavelle through her MySpace (another amazing musician - VK) I told her that my family and I would be gping to Loreena's gig at Quimpere in the South of France last summer, and I met up with Caroline backstage. I am hoping to go and see her in Devon in my gap year for cello lessons.

VK: Have you started to learn cello ?

HK: I had a year of free lessons,but I can't really afford it now. I am hoping to have a few with Caroline. I don't want to teach myself wrongly. The cello has a lovely sound.

VK: What about singing lessons ?

HK: I have been having lessonbs with Alison Eade, but I have stopped now for 'A'levels. Alison has a chir called Voxpop. She has asked me to write a theme song for them.

VK: What about writing songs of your own ?

HK: Every so often one comes along. Altogether now I must have about thirty. Some are collaborations with other people. A lot of originals I haven't recorded yet.

VK: Where does the Celtic influence in your music come from ?

HK: With Enya, it came from my Dad always recording Top Of The Pops. I used to go through the tapes and write down what ther songs were. I thought 'Who is thi swith flowewrs on the piano ?'. Dad said 'We have got her on CD', and he didn't really sse the CD again after that. I actually performed on 'Stars In Your Eyes' as Enya. I got a message from her forum that she had seen it, and she sent me a signed presentation box.

VK: So what happens after 'A' levels ?

HK: I am having a gap year to concentrate on my music. I want to do as many gigs as possible and get experience. Then I want to go to Surrey University to do a Music Technology Degree. I am hoping to have a full time career in music.

We wish Holly every success.

Vic King