Bridget Kelly Quinn is a singer/songwriter from a wee village in the Highlands and is now living in Edinburgh. At a young age Bridget's Granny would sing hymns and scales with her, she would put a book on her head and get her to walk about for posture, little did she know her singing training had started. As a child she could be found in her room with notebooks, writing little ditty's and recording using her fisher price stereo. In her teens she discovered Janis Joplin, Sam Cooke, Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley and fell in love with their music.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Bridget Kelly Quinn. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Hiya aww good question makes me think, I would say I am emotive singer and I sing with honesty. I am compassionate and I strongly believe in equality and I think this comes through in my music.
Who inspired you to make music?
Thats another question and a half. So much inspires me. I remember when I used to get such stage freight my mum would say what are you scared of. You have a voice so use it for people that don't have one. Thats always stuck with me. I think of what's going on around us and the injustices.
Your latest release is 'Dead Flowers'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
A lot of the songs on this album are a stream of consciousness and I was thinking a lot about my brother who never got to 40 and with me Turning 40 it was quite a turning point for me that nothing is promised in this life, but I'm alive and doing what I love. So many people don't get the chance. I used to worry about things I have no control over so this album is about letting go, finding yourself and not beating yourself up when life gets tough.
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks that are on the album?
Track 1 Please stay is about when you think there is only one option left, everyone suffers from mental health at some point of their lifes and its normal to not be ok and nothing to be ashamed of. We all need to listen more.
Track 2 I am me is about situations in life that are not in your control and not allowing someones behaviour to effect how you react and letting go and forgiveness.
Track 3 Walking is about all the injustices in the world happening right now and feeling that heaviness and living with it but seeing hope.
Track 4 Seasons Change is about the every changing life baby, and rolling with it. Finding out who you really fucking are.
Track 5 My house is your house is a little interlude into the next album as thats the title song. Its a work in progress but the jist is that we are all in this together and what is mine is yours and vice vera.
Track 6 Don't wait too long is about waiting for this perfect moment that never arises, do it now. Tomorrow is not promised, no waiting about.
Track 7 Start Talking is about feeling disconnected from everyone and everything and then realising that we all feel that and you need to find the joy and rediscover your happy.
Track 8 Something I'm not is a track that I had a chorus but I kept changing verses and in the end was bit of free styling. The overall feel is not to take life too seriously.
Track 9 Cross the road is a deeply personal song about my parents love and journey through dementia.
Track 10 Dead Flowers is about letting yourself go then finding yourself there smelling the flowers and even though theres pain its ok because we have memories and I have this I dont know if its a belief but I do believe in the afterlife in some capacity. Memories live on.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
What new trends lol I try to keep my listening current but I do have a habit of listening to my old favourites. David Lennon my writing partner is my guru who keeps me upto date and is always sending me music and ideas and listening to me rabbit on. He teaches me ideas of how to come up with new interesting melodies and is helping me move forward with my playing.
What makes you different from others?
I think I have quite unique sound which is that good thing or bad thing? I'm really proud of the stuff I have released with David and Becca and I'm seeing the progression in my music and I'm so excited to see what comes with next project and the next and next etc. Seeing this is just so exciting and hopefully for other people too lol.
What’s an average day like for you?
Average day for me it little one to school in morning and if its day I help my dad or see my mum. If its music day, it will start with coffee and practicing keys then working on next project. Recording vocals for collaborations or having lesson with David, which could be focusing on piano work or working on a tune. I like to get a walk in before I pick up little one. I live by the sea and love it. Then it will be the famous £1 slice pizza for my daughter and play time until dinner and bedtime. I watch too much bloody telly but if I was having a wee watch it would be Kath and Kim, Schitts Creek or American Horror story. At moment I'm reading 'The life and Opinions of MAF the dog and his friend Marilyn Monroe' Ive only just started it so I'll tell you next time all about it.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
Aww Wow fans I would love them eternally. I like to respond to anyone that has taken the time to listen to my music. I keep saying to myself to do wee live but I still have to do this. I haven't had chance to gig yet but once have more songs I cant wait to meet people and sing my heart out.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don't wait, I know they say you shouldn't have regrets but I wish I hadn't let fear win for so long and recorded years ago but I believe timing is everything but you learn so much by just doing it. Self confidence in your own abilities and listen to yourself and meet like minded souls. And just do it.Take Control and work on your craft.
What are your plans for the future?
To keep growing and learning and pushing myself, and taking risks. Can't wait to get working on this next project and to have full band. Cant wait to get on that stage with band singing my words.