Photo Copyright Kristy Gallacher.
Marty Meets: Kristy Gallacher:
In the latest in the “Marty Meets” interview series, Marty meets an exciting new talent and star-in-the making from Coventry, Kristy Gallacher.
Hi Kristy, would you like to introduce yourself?
I’m Kristy Gallacher. I’m 22 and a female musician from Coventry.
Where does your passion for music come from?
I have always had it as far as I can remember. I started playing guitar at the age of seven and it really grew from there. Music was always playing in the house when I was growing up. Everything I heard and liked I wanted to learn to play.
Who are your musical influences?
Shawn Colvin, Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Polly Paulusma, Madeleine Peyroux, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and many more.
How would you describe your music?
Acoustic songs of life.
You’re a very talented singer/songwriter. What inspires you to write? Do you keep a notebook close by to jot down ideas as they come to you or do you set aside a specific time in your day to work on ideas?
It changes due to what else is going on in life. Since finishing university I have a lot more time to write. I generally do it when the mood takes me or if something specific has happened. Setting time aside to write never works for me, I find being pressured and forced to write does not produce good material. Sometimes i can write a few days in a row and then nothing for a few days, it’s all due to other circumstances.
How does an idea become a song? Do you work on the lyrics first and then the music or is the music the starting point? Or is it all much less structured than that?
I often write guitar parts and lyrics separately. Normally I tend to write the guitar parts first and then the melody and lyrics come together. Sometimes I’ll have lyrics already written and I’ll use those and as the song starts to take shape, more lyrics then get written along side the song.
You’ve supported some amazing artists (including: Nerina Pallot, Scott Mathews and Polly Paulusma). What’s the experience of being a support act like? Has it helped your career and/or helped you promote your music?
Being a support is really interesting. Glynn Tilbrook sticks out in my mind it was a really great experience. Glynn has built up his fan base from a long lasting career from his time with squeeze and his solo work, his fans were very welcoming and it really was an honour to get to play.
Scott Matthews was a good gig too. I’m a huge Tori Amos fan and last week I went to see her at the Savoy theatre in London. When I got there I saw Scott Matthews was the support so that was a lovely surprise.
Support slots have helped my career as they provide a stage to let me play to an audience that will not have heard of me before. The venues for support slots are normally at larger venues and its all good experience.
In 2008, you graduated from Coventry University with a Musical Composition degree. How has what you learned on your degree course and the whole experience of studying influenced your music?
My degree course gave me time to find my feet. At 19 when I went to University I knew music was what I wanted to do but not in which form or where I was going to go with it. During the three years there it gave me time to grow and learn where I want to come from and the type of music I wanted to write.
I was exposed to different types of music while I was studying that I perhaps would not have studied in such depth, I got to meet people I wouldn’t necessarily have met – good and bad, it’s all life experience. When I left at 22 I knew composing singer songwriter material and performing was what I wanted to do. Also those three years let my writing mature in guitar style and lyrically.
The Coventry Evening Telegraph called you: “Brilliant” and you’re applauded by a lot of local media. How has Coventry influenced your music?
Well, I have been born and raised in Coventry so the roots of my personal influences have come from here. I do love the city, it’s where home is and there is a great music scene at the heart of it. I have been very fortunate to have received really invaluable support from the Telegraph and BBC Coventry and Warks.
I think The Specials reunion of late and local bands such as The enemy and The Ripps give the city music credibility and something to be proud of in the success they have achieved.
Which would you rather have: a number 1 single or critical acclaim?
Without doubt critical acclaim. I’m more interested in making music that I believe in and number one singles seem to be quite transient without longevity.
Which do you prefer: recording an EP or album or playing live?
I really enjoyed recording the Album. I have a fantastic producer – Clive Layton, who I love working with. However, for me I love playing live there is nothing that compares to it. I love playing solo shows and the ones with the band too. Nothing can beat the connection you can get with a receptive audience.
How can people purchase your music?
They can go to www.kristygallacher.com or www.myspace.com/kgunplugged or they can come to a gig, say hello and buy one.
How can people find out where they can see you play live?
They can go to www.kristygallacher.com or www.myspace.com/kgunplugged
I’ve just come to the end of my challenge to learn as many languages as possible in just 1 year. Can you speak any languages other than English? What do you think of my language learning challenge?
I take my hat off to you! English is enough for me at the moment.
What would you most like to have achieved by this time next year?
I would like to still be playing music and enjoying it. We are starting to record the new album in the summer and are hoping for a March release date so would like to be touring the album round.
