Kirsty BertarelliBritish singer/songwriter Kirsty Bertarelli has already seen some major success in the music industry, which includes a collaboration with Ronan Keating and co-writing on the All Saints hit 'Black Coffee'.
FemaleFirst got the chance to chat to Kirsty about her passion for music, her forthcoming album 'Indigo Shores' and more in an exclusive interview.
When did you realise a career in music was something you wanted to chase?
When I was around eight! My mother was always singing and we would sing along in the back of the car: 'Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree, it's been three long years do you still love me..." I still know the words now! We did amateur operatics and musicals together, I was the fairy godmother and sang 'When you wish upon a star'. They were such special times when I look back.
What is it about music that you love?
How it makes you feel, how it brings people together. It hits the same chord in everyone, although people have their own interpretations which will be unique and individual.
How best would you describe yourself as an artist?
I'm a songwriter at heart. I feel compelled to write about an emotion or situation/experience. To describe this in the simplicity of a song is a challenge, to sing it is to convey a message. It’s a way of connecting emotionally.
You were crowned Miss UK in your teens, how was that whole experience?
I remember it quite clearly even though it was so long ago! I remember the elation and disbelief of winning and all the time knowing all I would like to do was write my own songs. In fact this is what I said during the competition!
What would you note as some of your career highlights?
Of course 'Black Coffee'. It's funny because it is so well known yet it's so personal at the same time. Opening for Simply Red and singing at the Montreal Jazz Festival. Claude Nobbs was a gentle genius who believed in my music, I feel blessed to have known him.
Your new album 'Indigo Shores' is out later this year, what creative process went into making this record?
'Indigo Shores' is a collection of moments in life that I’ve observed, reflected on, then written about. For example my new single ‘There She Goes’, I wanted to capture the essence of youth and how we should remain young at heart.
You know instantly when you've managed to capture this moment/feeling in a song. Then the moment of sharing it, staying true to it, throughout the whole production process; it's quite a possessive feeling at one point but then you have to let it go. I can say every song has the same input and emotional attachment!
You filmed two hours outside of Barcelona for the 'There She Goes' music video, what was that experience like?
It was a magical experience that we all enjoyed immensely! I loved driving the beautiful blue Cadillac. It felt rather surreal! Also meeting the characters like the biker granny. She really sums up the song. Staying young at heart.
You've worked with big names in the past including All Saints and Ronan Keating - who would you like to work with going forward and why?
I'd like to write for more artists’, more collaborations - personalise a song just for them. I’d love to write with Bryan Adams.
What should we expect from you in the coming months aside from the new music?
I'm looking forward to going on tour and to get the chance to perform live - I have the Country Festival coming up.
‘There She Goes’ is available to download now.