Why So Blu?

Liz Madden is ‘Going Home’

If a harp had a voice, it would sound like Liz Madden.  With a sound that flows through the air like rose petals through a wind chime, the Irish-born singer has recently made her way to the United States to grace us with her talent.  Being inspired from a very young age by her parents, Ms. Madden encountered the world of music that would ultimately set the stage for her career.

This past week, I was able to interview the multi-talented performer as we shared conversation about her influences, songwriting and Ireland.  Already with one album to her credit, Going Home, Liz is about to release two follow-up albums that are untitled at the moment.  The first is a Christmas album that will be available on iTunes around early to mid-December.  The second album is a Celtic album, which will also be available on iTunes with a release date around Christmas.  Going Home is available for purchase on Liz Madden’s website at www.lizmaddenonline.com where you can also listen to a sampling of some her beautiful music.  Her tireless efforts do not stop there, however.  She is currently working in tandem with accomplished Riverdance fiddler, Niamh Fahy.  The musical pair is assembling material that will be found on their album due out in 2010. 

As for our interview below, you will notice that one of my questions inquires as to whom she would like to share the stage with.  I can tell you that after listening to her sing, it would certainly be an honor for me to accompany her in a performance.  With a voice that soothes and lyrics that run deep, Liz Madden is one singer whose work you do not want to pass up.  So without further ado, I give you my discussion with this month’s guest of honor at Why So Blu; Liz Madden.

Gregg:  What is your earliest memory of exposure to music?

Liz:  I have a few early memories about music, both my parents are excellent singers and are very passionate about music so I spent a lot of time surrounded by music at family get-togethers.  I remember as a child singing along to the radio with my mother and I have a distinctive memory of singing a song with my Dad, which is something we still do to this day whenever we are at a traditional music session.

 

Gregg:  Who was your musical influence?

Liz:  I have been so lucky in life to have musical influences from every area.  From my Dad I was influenced by traditional Irish music and from my Mother I was influenced very much by folk, country and rock music.  I have always loved music and especially the variety and diversity that find in it.  When I hit my teens, I started to really listen to classical and opera and that area expanded into musical theatre and jazz.  When it comes to being influenced by Artists the list is endless…everyone from Marty Robbins, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller and Fleetwood Mac.

 

Gregg:  Do you have any formal vocal training?

Liz:  I certainly do.  I spent ten years training classically with an amazing teacher here in Ireland, a mezzo-soprano by the name of Sheila McCarthy.  She has been instrumental in my life as a teacher, friend and mentor.

 

Gregg:  Do you play any instruments?

Liz:  I play bodhrán, some piano and harp and most recently I have started to learn whistle/recorder.

 

Gregg:  Can you explain the feeling you get when performing on stage?

Liz:  For me, performing has always felt like home.  I am very comfortable onstage and love to be able to be diverse in what I perform.  I love the connection that you can make with an audience and with the musicians that you are playing with.  It’s a very special relationship and something to be treasured.

 

Gregg:  Ireland is home to a very musical culture and not to sound cliché, but I felt something a bit magical there as a result of this.  Being a native of Ireland, have you ever felt the same?

Liz:  Absolutely, I believe that music is certainly in our blood, it’s part of us.  Most Irish people are very social and love to mix with others and have fun!  So what better way to do that than with a good sing-song!  I suppose we have such an amazing history that it also comes through in our music and that’s magical in itself.

Gregg:  How much time do you spend song writing?

Liz:  I usually go through phases.  I tend to work on lyrics almost every day…it may be one line or I could write page after page.  Melodies I will record and then go back to them when I have a lyric structure that I feel works with them and then I just take it from there.

 

Gregg:  What inspires your songs?

Liz:  Everything and anything! I often will see a scenario in my mind and write a song based around that.  I might read a passage from a book or hear someone say something in passing and that can lead my pen to paper.  Sometimes I write from my own experiences or sometimes about ‘how it might feel’ to go through a particular experience.  Sometimes I get an idea in my head and literally cannot sleep until I have a completed song about it…so I have had plenty of sleepless nights!

 

Gregg:  What is the process like for you when you go into the studio to record an album?

Liz:  Well, I like to start singing early in the day…I know that sounds strange because most singers don’t like to sing until after midday…but for me I start around 10:30 and work through the day.  I like working with people who are relaxed but also get the work done.  On my last album, I worked with two amazing producers/musicians who really enjoy what they do and who were just lovely people and great fun to work with.  Generally I have a couple of sessions with the producers and we shortlist the pieces and then work through them musically deciding on what we want.  After that we just get in and work with the musicians and record!  It’s a wonderful process!

 

Gregg:  For many, music is an escape from their job.  For you, music is your job.  What does Liz Madden do for an escape?

Liz:  My escape…hmmm…let me think about that one….I suppose it has changed over time.  It used to be motorbikes…but I have taken a break from those!  I love the outdoors…horse-riding, hiking, spending time anywhere that is very quiet and peaceful.  Sometimes my escape can simply be a good book or film, or spending time with my family and friends over home-cooked food and a good bottle of wine!

 

Gregg:  If you could share the stage with one person, who would it be and why?

Liz:  Again this is a tough question…it’s hard to define an answer to this.  I would love to perform a duet with Springsteen because I think he’s an amazing songwriter and performer.  I’d have loved to perform with Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra or Louis Armstrong…there are so many phenomenal artists out there, so I would have a long list and need a big stage to get through them all!

Thank you so much for your time, Liz!

 

Liz playing the bodhrán.