Songwriter Interview – Heidi Talbot

On The Table Read, the “Best Entertainment Celebrity Magazine in the UK“, singer-songwriter Heidi Talbot talks about her musical inspiration and new single, Sing It For A Lifetime.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed singer-songwriter Heidi Talbot about her music career, her creative process, and what inspired her to write her new single, Sing It For A Lifetime.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Heidi Talbot. I’m a mother, singer, songwriter, yogi and tree hugger.

When did you first WANT to write songs?

My first memory of  making up songs was when I was around 4 years old and singing to my dog, Fluffy, a white west highland terrier.

When did you take a step to start writing songs?

I started playing guitar when I was 8 or 9 and making up my own songs. It took a long, long time before I recorded one of my own songs though.

What was your first song released, and what was it about?

I wrote a song called The Last Star that was released on my album of the same name. It’s about saying goodbye to a loved one and accepting that you’ll always carry them with you.

What was your latest song released, and what was it about?

Sing It For A Lifetime, it’s a joyful sing along song. A Spring song, feeling the energy rising and bursting forth, singing your heart out!

Focusing on your latest song. What were your biggest challenges with Sing It For A Lifetime?

Honestly, it was a joy to create. The melody and lyrics to the chorus came pretty much instantly. Dirk Powell, who produced this record, wrote the rest of the lyrics and really captured that joyful, rising of energy. I loved working with him. Such an intuitive artist.

How many songs are you working on right now?

There’s always a couple simmering away.. I’ll check in on them from time to time to see if they’re doing ok

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

A bit of both. If something comes my way that I love but is maybe not a good fit for the project I’m working on, I’ll put it to the side in the knowledge that I’ll sing it for something else in the future.

What is your favourite song you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

At the moment it’s a song from my new record called I Let You Go. It’s a personal song and resonates deeply with me, I love singing it.

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

It varies all the time. I have two daughters so we take it in turns in the car to chose what we listen to – Songs from Encanto, Megan Trainer, Vampire Weekend, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton.

Do you write your own music, or do you have musicians you work with?

Both! I’ve been blessed with the musicians I have played with and continue to work with. Innes White is one of the best musicians I’ve played with and he’s playing some shows with me in the coming months.

Do you play any instruments?

I play a parlor guitar, baritone ukulele, some bodhran (Irish drum) and a little Indian harmonium.

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

I love performing live and the energy exchange between performer and audience. All shows are listed on my website.

Is your music available online, and where can people listen to it?

My music on iTunes, Spotify and most streaming platforms.

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

I am extremely lucky to make music full time.

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

Yes

What’s something you never expected about being a songwriter? What have you learned that surprised you?

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your songs?

Glen Close asked me to sign a CD for her. That was unexpected and joy filled. People telling me certain songs of mine remind them of meeting their partners or that they played my song during their wedding or family event. Or sometimes that my music helped them when they were having a hard time. That’s such a wonderful thing to hear. To bring joy or healing, what a compliment.

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

My new record Sing It For A Lifetime will be released May 20th

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write songs?

Do it, don’t worry about it being bad or cheesy etc. just do it and let that creative process channel through you. You never know what song might cross your path.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I’m proud of all my albums and projects i’ve been involved in. They are like a snapshot of certain times in my life

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Website: www.heiditalbot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heiditalbotofficial/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/heiditalbot

Instagram: https://instagram.com/heiditalbotofficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aQzmN6t6h7hpWAjN1L0pJ?si=rpsTmqWISQW4YRJpNK360A

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