| Amy Holford |
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If somebody were to ask me, “How long have you been singing for?” I would avoid the conventional answer. I haven’t been singing since I was a baby, because I only ever realised I could sing when I was 11, when I played Nancy in my primary production of ‘Oliver.’ I didn’t realise that I had it in me, but now that I do, there’s no way I’ll ever stop climbing towards success and happiness in the career that I crave. Even now, I know I can improve.
All I know is that I love singing and making music. From the time I could be fully aware of my life and my future, I was confident in what I wanted to do, only because I thought it was the only thing I could do well. I convinced myself that I would end up making music for the rest of my life, and I think that’s what makes it better for me. I’m steadily realistic, but I’m incredibly ambitious, and I strive for perfection and satisfaction in all aspects of singing. I dislike the term ‘celebrity’ and would hate to be a one hit wonder, but would be insanely grateful for any success I may gain. I realise that I have to work for what I want, and at the moment this means a job, University, open nights where I can showcase my talent. I know that the best careers come out of people striving for it, and this is what I intend to do with my own life. I’m only young, but I know enough that I am hungry for this, and will do anything for a career complete with longevity. I am inspired by so much. I’ve taken influence from a wide variety of music, and try and base my own written stuff around honesty and emotion, rather than the next top hit in the charts. I read poetry, and I listen to a lot of different music and realise that the songs that make the biggest impression are the ones that I or other people relate to, or make a difference and inspire. That’s really what I’d like to do for others with my own. Lyrics are important. You can’t just make up a line that’s empty, because at the end of the day you have to sing it for the rest of your career. And the good lyrics are the ones people are going to remember, to get tattooed on their bodies, to get written on their gravestones. Music is so massively inspiring to me, and to others too, and as a musician I deeply respect that. I tend not to idolise anyone, because I need to be my own person. A lot of people think I am my own person, with hopefully, my own voice and my own look. The danger of idolising someone in the lime light is that you don’t become your own, and you make everything about fame and glory. I look at it as inspiration. If I met, for example, Michael Buble, or Eric Clapton, I’d take as much out of it as possible. At the end of the day, they are people, just like me, except they’ve made it and I haven’t! I don’t want to be made over into someone I’m not, and I hope to be in a certain degree of control and input when I finally get on that road. All I can do for now is work hard and hope for a break, because it’s a hard business to get into. I want to make sure that when I do get into it, I’ll never get out. I love everything there is about performing. From standing on stage, belting a massive note, jumping around, playing an instrument to conversing with the crowds. I always want to hear people’s opinions and their reactions to my own written songs. I don’t think I’m perfect at any of these things at all however, and I’m always looking for experience, whether it’s at a Social Club, Leek Show, or even a Beach in Beadnell with a bonfire! I’m a pretty laid back girl who’s happy playing a melodic tune by the fire in the pitch black, to imagining playing to that crowd of thousands at a concert at Metro Arena. I’ve played from the Sage to the City Hall in Newcastle, to the Scottish Grand National. I’ve played for local comedians such as Bobby Pattinson, performed at gigs alongside Peter Donegan (son of Lonnie Donegan) and shown off my country skills to Brendan Healey. I’ve jammed with a drummer from Roxy Music, I’ve had a compliment from Mick Hucknall, dined with The First Minister of Scotland, and I’ve had deep encouragement and faith from Sir Bobby Robson. But most of all, I’ve had support and inspiration. Everywhere I’ve played has developed me in some way and I think without those places I’d still be stuck in my room, unwilling to sing for my parents or even attempt to pick up a guitar. I would never be too much where I couldn’t go back and play for the crowds who saw me first. You have to be thankful for everyone who ever listened to you. Singing isn’t the only thing I’m into, though! I’ve practiced Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre along with group singing at Tyne Theatre Stage School, one of the most well known and prestigious Stage Schools in the North East. I’ve been part of a Cheerleading BCA Dance team, I’m into fashion and I love writing and reading. I found a couple of years ago that as my confidence began to shine out, I managed to play for more people, open up and get a hell of a lot better at what I do. People started to recognise my singing and my guitar playing, and for me it was a boost, as I’d stayed so quiet for so long. I felt like I was bursting out of my shell and had actually become somebody. |
