Anne McMenamin
Anne McMenamin
No band - just me singing. The songs have mostly been written to tell a story, or for political purposes, e.g. crowd singing at a rally - a lot of the old ones weren't quite so relevant. I don't play an instrument, so I've just recorded the songs very simply, just in case anyone is interested in using them. I don'd care if they get altered.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
n/a
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes I sing live, usually unaccompanied. I'm comfortable doing it, because I seem to be able to get the intent of the song across, which is what my kind of music is all about. It's great when people listen completely absorbed. The best experience was singing Eric Bogle's "No Man's Land" to a school assembly of several hundred girls who were absolutely rapt!
Your musical influences
Grew up in a musical family, with classical music, musical comedy, operetta, and Noel Coward. Came to love folk music, especially political or topical. Love Phil Ochs most of all - so much of his stuff is still painfully relevant - and wish he was still here. Also Tom Paxton, Peggy Seeger, Margret Roadknight, David Rovics, Ewan MacColl, Judy Small, Holly Near, etc.
What equipment do you use?
Just voice. Record songs in a local community radio, although my sister has got all the relevant stuff for her computer, so may be able to do more things with her - she's a professional pianist/singer/songwriter.
Anything else?
Love to hear from any like-minded people!!