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Singer songwriter Alice Lynskey on the soundtrack to her life
What was the first album/single that you ever bought?
The first album/single I ever bought for myself was kiss kiss by Holly Valance. It was on tape. I wish I still had it! I went to Turkey on holidays that year and everyone was singing the Turkish version which I learned too.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My family has always supported me in anything I’ve wanted to do and my earliest musical memory is my grandad playing guitar while I made up a song called “bad girls”. I made up a Britney spears style dance and he sang along with me! He’s really the best!
Is there a particular song/band/singer that made you want to be a musician?
Growing up it was most definitely Britney Spears that made me want to perform. I knew how happy she made me and I wanted to do that for other people! As I grew up I listening to the amazing vocals of Freddie Mercury and the beautiful songwriting of Declan O’Rourke made me realise that music was my love and that it needed to be a part of my life. Whether it means I get to perform my music or writing it for others.
Is there a song/band that you love that was introduced to you by someone else?
My family is incredibly musical and so all of us are constantly listening out for something new and exciting. Something that catches our ear. My mam actually introduced me to the absolutely amazing music of LP and I am absolutely obsessed. Anyone that hasn’t heard of her you need to check her out. My cousin was the lovely Tony Fenton. He gave me loads of great advice and introduced me to the wonderful sound of the band Doves and Kingdom of rust. Another must listen!
Is there a song whose lyrics resonate with you and why so?
I think we can take something from every song. That’s what so wonderful about music! Everyone can find something that will resonate with them! Music has the ability to say something different to every listener.
A song called “along the western seaboard” by Declan O’Rourke really resonates with me. The first time I heard it I fell in love. It makes you sit back and listen and think about the Irish Famine and what people went through. I love to sing my version of this at my gigs.
The band/musician that you grew up listening to?
In my house everything was played……from the Beatles to the gypsy kings to Nick Drake and Pink Floyd. Although at age 3, Barney and Mr Bobby were my favourites, Britney Spears has always been my most listened to . She was and still is an idol of mine. I strive to get to put on shows like hers. I strive to make people as happy as she makes me. Her music is known worldwide….. You sing one line of Oops I did it again and I bet you nearly everyone will sing along. That’s the dream.
What song do you wish that you had written and why?
Ever since I heard the song “Hurts” by Emeli Sandé I’ve adored it and actually one of my first thoughts to myself was “I wish I wrote this”. It’s such a powerful song with the lyrics and also the music. So much energy goes into singing it you can really let go and go through whatever you need to go through and feel.
What song transports you back in time and why?
Eurovision is huge for me and my mam so I think the song “Diva” by Dana International will always bring me back. We used to play it in the car and I could sing that song word for word!!
Which song makes you dance when you hear it?
Oh goodness as embarrassing as this is to admit once “Slave for you” by Britney Spears comes on I’m there. I know the whole dance routine! Just give me some backing dancers and I’m ready for the stage!
Which song makes you sad when you hear it?
The show must go in, sang by Freddie Mercury will always make me a little sad. To think of what he was going though and to see how much passion and love he still had for music. It was such a loss. No matter what he was going through he was going to fight. He is the ultimate showman in my eyes and I will forever love him.
What was the first gig you went to?
My first ever concert was Britney Spears. It was in the RDS and it was her “onyx hotel tour”. I was about 12 and I’m pretty sure I cried with happiness when my mam told me she had gotten tickets. It was an absolute dream for me. My second gig was Declan O’Rourke in Cobh Cork. I was 14 and even got to meet him after!
What was the first song that you ever performed?
The first song I ever performed was at a school talent competition and it was “Because of you” by Kelly Clarkson. I’ve always loved being able to tell a story with music and that song allowed me to do that…….and I also sounded pretty amazing singing it if I do say so myself ? ?
Alice Lynskey – Soundtrack playlist on Spotify
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