Trev Teasdel's Interview with KRISTY GALLACHER - July 2008
Kristy, you seem to be highly regarded and popular on the Cov Scene but how did you get started - what inspired to give it a go?
I just love playing and playing a few open mics at the age of 16 seemed to lead from gig to gig and i haven't really stopped since. Having just turned 22 i'm enjoying it more now!
You have a great guitar style or rather styles. How did that develop, what were your influences?
I think just playing in general will shape and develop your own style. I learnt with Clive Layton a truly brilliant Coventry musician for 7 or so years, teaching me songs i love and different techniques. In the last year or so i have been playing with Dave Bennett a fantastic and well respected ragtime player based in Coventry. Dave has had me listening to Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis, Joan Baez just to name a few and i have enjoyed experimenting mixing them all and playing in a completely different style out of my comfort zone.
You have a distinctive songwriting style, as if the listener is privy to an interesting but private conversation, or even the receipient. It kind of draws you in and involves you in the song. Tell us about how that developed, the influences etc.
From the Music i enjoy listening to, Tori Amos, Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega they all have very distinctive writing styles and certain 'tricks' that pop up from song to song. It's quite a natural develpoment for me, i don't think you can force that type of writing because everyone's style is different and if it is forced it doesn't sound natural and therefor untrue. I write from the heart from things i have experienced or have witnessed.
You have a folk style delivery in your live performances but on your new album - Emotional Gun - I noticed a developing jazz ballad style delivery that was full of potential. Is that a conscious direction or influence?
The Jazz style tracks on the album were all written in the same time period where i was listening to a lot of Madeleine Peyroux and Diana Krall at the time learning their songs and this was reflected in my writings at the time.
You've obviously worked hard on your live performances, how hard has it been to get regular gigs and build up your reputation, and does yet extend outside the Coventry area?
Like i said before i have been very fortunate and one gig seems to lead to another, venues in the area are constantly changing and am very thankful for the support that has built up in the West Midlands area of people coming to gigs. I am branching out further though and have a gig at the Regal Rooms, Hammersmith, London on the 29th August.
What would make a difference now, both in terms of the Coventry scene and in career opportunities for your music?
I have just graduated from a Music Composition Degree at Coventry University and am now set up as a full time Professional Musician so in career terms i am very fortunate to be able to do what i love doing. I am also a promoter in Coventry and have two weekly nights, one at the Earlsdon Cottage and one at the Tuns. The Coventry scene has been very kind and supportive to me and by putting nights on in the city i hope to be giving a little back.
Lastly, where can people buy the album? (The shameless plug question!)? Go for it!
My albums are available to buy from my website - http://www.kristygallacher.com/store.html
Read more about Kristy and listen to some more recent youtube on the Hobo - Coventry Folkscene blogspot - here http://coventryfolkclubs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/kristy-gallacher-coventry-singer.html
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