- Sun, 2003-06-15 15:38
Following her #2 hit 'I Can't Break Down' in February 2003, Sinéad Quinn released her fiery follow up single 'What You Need Is…'
Shooting to fame on the BBC1 hit TV series Fame Academy, Sinéad fast became Northern Ireland's leading lady and has been nicknamed 'The Mighty Quinn' by press. 23 year old Sinéad will always be grateful for the opportunity that the Fame Academy show provided her, but her interest really lies in performing her own compositions. She is resolute that her talent can stand the test of time, and that she won't just be known as that girl from that TV show. As with her first single, Sinéad has co-written her new single, which focuses on a relationship where she is telling someone that she is the best thing for them. Sinéad is currently working on the final material for her debut album due for release in the summer.
''I like music because…… it stimulates the mind, it can bring back memories of good times and bad times, it's emotionally soothing, and the world would be a strange place without music. The emotion of a film even can be lost without music. Music means a lot.'' Sinead Quinn.
I Like Music caught up with Sinead to find out how she's handling her new-found fame and enjoying writing her debut album.
ILM: So how manic has the year been for you so far?
Sinead: It's been a bit of whirlwind to be honest. I was on Fame Academy, I got a record deal, and have just finished the album, after doing the Fame Academy tour, and I've had two singles out, so it's been pretty fast going.
ILM: Your second single, What You Need Is… is out now, can you give us your personal description and its whole vibe?
Sinead: It's upbeat, it's something a bit cheeky and the lyrics are a bit tongue-in-cheek, it's just a good summer tune. And I wanted to do something different from the last single. I didn't want to give anyone the excuse to say it just sounds like the last one.
ILM: Your debut album, Ready to Run is out on July 14th. Can you tell me a bit about that, and which track you had the most fun making?
Sinead: Ready To Run, it's got 12 songs on there which are all self-penned, and it's a very honest album about the various experiences I've been through. It's quite guitary and upbeat, with a couple of nice piano ballads too and the most fun is the second track on the album, Never Happy - it's another cheeky song with tits 'n arse in it and everything.
ILM: It must have been good to have so much involvement in writing the songs on your first album too?
Sinead: I've been really lucky to get the chance to do that, because there's a lot of artists out there who get told exactly what to do. I even got a chance to be involved with production and everything.
ILM: How does it feel generally being in control of your music and destiny now?
Sinead: I'm just very grateful that they respect enough to give me the chance to be involved as much as I am. With this album I even handwrote the lyrics for the album cover, and got involved in that.
ILM: I Can't Break Down, your debut single, went to Number Two in the charts, how did you feel and celebrate that?
Sinead: I had a couple of drinks and felt really honoured. And I didn't think it was too bad to miss out on Number 1 because of two Russian lesbians, so that's ok.
ILM: You were 14 when you first picked up the guitar, can you remember the first song you ever wrote and what it is about?
Sinead: I think it might have been about a cousin who died when he was quite young. I was often writing about death when I was younger, because I had no experience at the love thing. It's generally about emotions and experiences.
ILM: Apart from winning the public's hearts and coming second, what did you get out of the Fame Academy experience?
Sinead: Quite a lot, I'm a lot less nervous when I go on TV, I think I'm more polished and professional than had I gone another route.
ILM: Do you still see Malachi and Ainsley?
Sinead: No I don't see them much at all, now the tour's finished, but we're on the phone quite a lot.
ILM: What dreams have you fulfilled and what dreams have you yet to fulfil?
Sinead: I've fulfilled the dream about getting an album out in the British music industry, and the fact that I've written it myself is fantastic, it's just what I always dreamed of doing. And I'd like to just get a respected following and play some live gigs and get my music out there.
ILM: You're happiest when you're with your friends in Ireland in your local, can you tell me about your favourite place in Ireland?
Sinead: There's a place called Castle Archdale, which has Loch Arren on there. It's nice to go there and relax. It's a beautiful place, and you can really chill out there.
ILM: Do you think young women find it easy to relate to you because you're real and exude a certain strength?
Sinead: I think so, because I'm just normal like every other girl, I enjoy going out for a drink, I enjoy going out for a meal, and I'm not so worried about the whole image side of the music industry.
ILM: Do you think it's crucial to always stay open to learning from your peers in this industry?
Sinead: I haven't even started learning yet, I've a lot to learn. I think it's terribly important for people like me, who are only 23, not to think they know everything, because they'd be mistaken. There's so much for me to learn yet.
ILM: What many people don't realise when they watch Reality TV Shows is that many of those auditioning have been working in the live circuit for years, and are just looking for a break. Can you remember your hardest knock back career wise?
Sinead: I think it's not getting any word back from record companies you've sent demos to. Because you've put the effort in to get it to the right person, so they should let you know how you can make your material better, or give some kind of feedback at least.
ILM: What advice do you have young singers starting out on the road?
Sinead: Just write your own material, and if you can get yourself on some kind of TV show, do it, because it's a great stage to show off your talent.
ILM: Describe your favourite place in earth?
Sinead: Back home in Ireland with all my friends and family.
ILM: How are your friends dealing with your new found fame?
Sinead: They treat me as normal as anything and I get no different treatment. They're really proud of me but they know I'm still Sinead From The Street :-)
ILM: What's in your CD player right now?
Sinead: I just recently bought The Thrills album, they're an Irish band and they're great.
