Singer songwriter Allison McGrath has come a long way from busking in Belfast city centre.
The 46-year-old performer from Warrenpoint, Co Down is also a producer and is currently working on her forthcoming second album.
BAM writer Debbie Deboo caught up with Allison:
What genre / style do you create in?
“Blues/Jazz/funk”
What would you be best known for?
“Being a singer songwriter.”
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
“Writing recording and producing debut cd ‘overboard’ and getting it onto shelves of HMV and up on iTunes.”
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
“Never give up and don’t be dismayed by the boys club and cliques…it still goes on.”
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
“Fundraiser for Refugees crisis in Calais.”
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
“I’m in a relationship and while I have no kids I do have a retired 24yr old horse who has been with me for 20yrs.”
Tell us about your most recent work?
“Second album…a work in progress.”
PLUG!
“My debut CD Overboard is available for download on iTunes.”
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
“Getting paid to do what I most love in life.”
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
“A couple doing an erotica dance to one of my songs.”
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
“Keep hold of your dreams and strive to accomplish them there will always be barriers for you to overcome which usually become important lessons.”
Who do you look up to and why?
“Shawn Jones USA the hardest working and most talented musician/singer songwriter I know.”
Find Out More
www.facebook.com/allisonmcgrathmusic