How old were you when you first became interested in music?
I have been interested in music for as long as I can remember! My mum played a variety of instruments growing up and my dad is a DJ so I almost feel I was born into it!
My musical journey started when I joined the Blackpool Music Service Youth Concert Band as a Flautist in my primary school years. I enjoyed several years in the band and experienced performing in some astounding venues including a tour around Germany! Despite thoroughly enjoying the flute, my attention soon led me to singing which I feel is my true passion.
Who have been your role models and why?
There are so many! First and foremost, my dad. He taught me all my good habits from his experience in the industry and I am proud to be following in his footsteps.
John Stevens and Andrew White, two conductors from my time at Blackpool Music Service, taught me the respect and discipline required to work successfully in the industry and I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities they have provided to me over the years!
On a larger scale, my biggest inspiration has always been Leona Lewis who won the X Factor in 2006. I remember being at my Nan’s house watching the final at the age of 9, I turned to her and said “I’m going to be a singer one day like Leona!” and I’ve not stopped singing since. I was even lucky enough to meet Leona in 2016 when I attended her concert at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester!
Why did you choose to become a vocalist?
There are so many reasons why I love to sing. Not only do I love performing and being on stage but I also have recently discovered a passion for songwriting. I feel this really brings out my creative side enables me to share whatever message I would like to through my lyrics. Whilst singing has become my career, it is very much still my hobby and something that I choose to do in my spare time or when I want to relax – it just goes to show how much I enjoy it!
How would you describe your achievements and successes?
I feel extremely lucky and proud of my achievements to date. My first success was representing my High School and winning Blackpool Music Service’s Pop Idol at the age tender age of 12. I was and still am so grateful for this opportunity as it really kick-started my musical journey!
In 2011, I was lucky enough to be chosen to perform at the grand opening of Nickelodeon Land at the Pleasure Beach where I entertained a whole host of celebrities and high profile guests. Sharing the red carpet with such stars really encouraged me to follow my dream of being a vocalist!
Following this, I have gone on to perform at hundreds of venues across the country and have met some incredible artists and musicians along the way. In 2019, I entered an online singing competition to win the chance to perform at the A Star Is Born This Way Arena Tour. To my complete surprise, I won the competition with my rendition of ‘With You’ from Ghost the Musical and was booked to perform at Sheffield Arena in October!!
It was at this incredible venue that I performed my debut single ‘Glitterball’ for the first time. I am thrilled to announce that ‘Glitterball’ will be released on Friday 28th February 2020. Today I have actually been invited to record an interview at BBC Radio Lancashire who will play ‘Glitterball’ on Wednesday 4th March 2020 – I am extremely excited for this opportunity as I’m sure you can imagine!
How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?
Being a part of the BMS Youth Concert Band has benefited me immensely. Not only did I make some lifelong friends but it taught me the importance of working in a team with other musicians and how communication is paramount. The skills and professional attitude we adopted from the wonderful teaching staff and conductors really set us up to be able to play at such a high standard. I feel I owe a lot to Blackpool Music Service for the wealth of commitment and opportunities that have been provided to myself and so many other aspiring musicians over the years.
What is your ultimate musical ambition?
This is a tricky question as I have so many goals for myself! I think what I really enjoy is making people happy. Not only do I thoroughly enjoy each and every performance I do but it makes the hard work all worthwhile when you see the audience enjoying themselves too.
I would like to continue performing and writing my own music, hopefully an album eventually. Ultimately I would love to perform in some of my dream venues and it would be incredible to perform at a tour of my own someday!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not singing?
I enjoy listening to music, watching shows and going out to watch live entertainment. Aside from this I enjoy dancing and spending time with my friends and family.
What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?
Gosh this takes me back! My first CD was a Sugababes CD that my parents had given me, looking back I bet they wish they hadn’t!! With my costumes from dance classes and the microphone my dad had set up for me in my bedroom, I spent many hours bopping away to this CD in my bedroom. I’m just hoping my parents never caught this on camera!!!
