Linda Coogan

ACOUSTIC/FOLK/JAZZ

Heya guys, I am a singer songwriter. With a debut album coming out in august 2006, titled holding back. heres a little about myself and my music.. Music didnt become a huge part of my life until my late teens. I never picked up a musical instrument until I was made do music as a subject in 5th year in school. I practiced non stop for about 6 months.. and then I met Eoin and formed a band. I had the lyrics and he knew his way around a guitar. It didnt take long for me to pick it up from him. Both our influences were similar, jazz, blues, folk and rock and roll. Id describe mine and Eoins relationship towards music as the most naturally drawn out equation. After the leaving cert I formed a trad band a gigged throughout the summer, then I moved to Galway to study the construction of musical instruments. Harps, guitars and other stringed instruments. After my first year as an apprentice I left as I began playing more instruments than making them. From working in Galway I picked up the harmonica, mandolin and bouzouki, I had already played the bodhran. Which in turn took my music to another level. Turning it more folk sounding at times. I re-joined the trad band and toured the country for about 2 years playing in pubs, functions and weddings. I was writing a lot at the time too. A solo demo I had recorded at a home studio got interest from an independent record label. They were offering a good deal but with no publishing rights so I had to decline. Shortly after I stopped gigging and focused on my debut album which I have just completed. On it I have 2 other musicians, a bassist,/banjo/ bouzouki player and a drummer/guitarist. It was recorded in Orion studios in Wicklow, within a week. It will be out in July 2006. I am funding and managing everything myself at the moment. As I want to get an understanding of the industry first hand before I let go of the reins. But of course will be seeking a manager in time. My debut album contains 13 tracks and is titled holding back. I try to summon up emotion in the music whist maintaining melody and a touch of sensuality in the vocals. Folk music is sang from the heart, which is how a lot of my music is performed, but I wouldnt squeeze it into any category. There is a touch of jazz and blues there too. I could've put together loads of really upbeat songs, because theres so many of them. But 'holding back' just had to be written. Each song isn't necessarily about personal experience all the time but if it's not about me it's about observation of the exterior events in my life. Most of the tracks on the album were recorded live in studio as thats the feel I wanted. I produced it myself, on a very minimal level. I wanted to keep things as simple as possible with the slightest effects on the overall sound so as to keep maintain a certain rawness to it.

Please sign up or log in to post a comment.