An interview with Heidi Talbot
15-02-2013
Irish singer Heidi Talbot will perform songs from her highly anticipated album Angels Without Wings at Cecil Sharp House next Thursday 21 February alongside a very exciting line-up including Andy Cutting, Julie Fowlis and John McCusker. Ahead of the show we wanted to know a little bit more about Heidi, her inspirations and plans for the future.
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Describe your music?
I think my music is very influenced by the records my parents used to play. My first love is traditional music - the Fureys, Mary Black and the Dubliners. But we listen to Teenage Fanclub and Belle & Sebastian as much as we listen to folk music in our house.
Musical influences?
All the people mentioned in the last question and I'm a big fan of the Pogues. Shane McGowan is one of my favourite songwriters.
Career highlights?
Joining Cherish the Ladies and travelling the world with them was a career highlight. I got to perform in Concert Halls and sing with Symphony Orchestras all over the place - it was an amazing experience & the start of brilliant friendships. Singing at the White House and opening a baseball game with the Irish National Anthem also are great memories. I'm also really proud of my new record Angels Without Wings & looking forward to singing the new songs live.
What was the first tune you learnt to sing?
The First song I learned was the Castle of Dromore, my mother was a great singer and this was one of the first songs she taught me.
Most recent musical discovery?
I know they've been around for years but I heard Blazin fiddles on a TV show recently and they were really brilliant. Who we should look out for in 2013? There are so many incredible young people playing and singing traditional music just now, I'm excited to hear what records they're going to make. I'm also looking forward to new records from lots of my favourite bands - the Low Anthem, Imelda Mae & Eddi Reader.
The future?
This year I'm releasing my new record so I'll be touring that and playing lots of festivals over the summer. A Swedish tour in the autumn and some recording with Tim O'Brien are also planned. My husband John McCusker is going on tour with Mark Knopfler for 4 months so myself and our daughter Molly Mae will be hopping on and off the tour with him. Lots of travelling this year and hopefully lots of laughter.
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Buy tickets for the show
Heidi Talbot - Angels Without Wings
