I decided I wanted to be a singer when I was 4 years old. I started my career by serenading friends, family, neighbours...anyone who would listen and at the age of 8 I asked my parents for singing lessons...they promptly refused, and so I continued practising in front of the mirror in my bedroom...

For my 9th and 10th birthday, I asked for singing lessons again... and again I was refused. However, my Mum did enquire with the music teacher at my primary school, who told her to (and I quote) "save your money...!"

 

So when I reached my 11th birthday and discovered I could actually get my own way if I also threw a massive tantrum....my parents eventually said YES!!! (Disclaimer: throwing tantrums does not get you what you want in life. Perseverance is the recommended route) Of course, my chores list also increased....cleaning out the rabbit, tidying my room, washing the pots, walking the dog....the OG Cinderella (lol).

 

So I had my first singing lesson with Catherine Mason, a classical soprano and full time teacher, who taught me the fundamentals of how to be a "proper singer". Now, I'm going to level with you...I did NOT think being a classical singer was very "cool" when I was 11, but I couldn't let go of my dream to be a professional singer, so I practised and practised (nearly 4 hours a day after school). Every day without fail. I studied music theory and I took my singing exams with the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music).

Every school concert, musical, carol concert...I put my name forward for solos. Every opportunity there was to perform, I took it. I also auditioned and was accepted into the CBSYC (City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus). This was a very prestigious choir and continuously tested and stretched me. It also taught me discipline and vocal strength and endurance. 

 

It wasn't until I reached the age of 18 that I decided I was going to actually try and earn a living from singing. So on my 18th birthday I asked the family to (in a way) pay me for all the free concerts they'd received...I basically asked for money for my birthday so I could buy my first PA system. I will always be extremely grateful to my family for this as I was able to start my professional singing career from this moment! 💖

 

The same weekend my PA arrived, I marched down to the nearest Social Club and asked for a gig...and they put me in touch with a local agent. I started getting regular gigs and my diary started filling up on recommendations.

My first gig wasn't easy obviously...and I was using a tape player for my backing tracks 😁 (If you don't know what that is...you will never fully understand how far things have moved on...😂) 

 

At the risk of sounding cliché...I have never looked back (apart from now when I'm writing this of course...) 

 

I have lived and worked abroad, I have been a contestant in reality TV talent shows, I have flown into countries all over the world for One night only shows, I have recorded original music and travelled the lengths and breadths of the country. I have sang everywhere from BBQs in back gardens to stadiums and theatres and have fundamentally never given up on my dream.

 

I will continue to chase the highs and still analyse and reflect on the lows, but I will always love what I do. 

 

I love meeting new people. I love being a part of peoples memories and being the soundtrack to peoples holidays. I love singing and hope you love to watch me perform. The next time you meet me at a show, be sure to say "Hi!"