Made in Britton
Showtime talks to rising British singer/songwriter Andrea Britton
Andrea will be in Malta on February 14 for a St Valentine's Gala Dinner at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort and Spa organised by MadBox Events.
I understand that you began composing music at a very young age. How young and what was your initial stimulus to write songs?
I started writing at maybe six years old. I used to dabble with poetry and was an avid listener to music - having been born into a family that was surrounded by music, it almost seemed inevitable. I remember my first song was about a boy who obviously wasn't paying me enough attention.
You are a young singer with more than a foot on the ladder to success. How far do you really think you can go?
Well, that's a good question. I have goals, sure, but I believe that my road is already mapped out and it's just up to me what opportunities I wish to pursue. The personal goals I have, I will definitely achieve. They are realistic and possible and I am going to have lots of fun achieving them, but I will never take it for granted. I am blessed.
A lot of talented young singer/songwriters aspire to great things, but for one reason or another fall by the wayside. Why do you think you have succeeded where others have not?
Belief, sheer determination - and a full understanding that I know my path. I couldn't be doing anything else and what I do makes me.
Where do you come from in the UK, when were you born and what sort of an upbringing/education did you have?
I live in South London, a 70s child (that's all I'm saying there). My upbringing was one I cherish, my parents were and are amazing and have made me who I am. They have supported me throughout all my ventures, even if most of the time they don't understand them - and have always helped me follow my dreams. I have a younger brother and sister and they also accept me for who I am. Through school I have really grown up having the space to understand myself fully, which in turn aids my writing and helps me achieve everything I set out to achieve.
Which artistes/songwriters are your greatest inspiration, and why?
Prince is my all-time hero ... the writing, the musicality, the performance and his sheer passion for music are a true inspiration. As I mentioned before, I was brought up in a family that loved music, all music, and so I have a wide musical vocabulary and am always listening to new music for inspiration. One of my favourite albums at the moment is Roisin Murphy - what a chick!
Have you modeled yourself on any successful artiste? If so, who and why?
Nope. When I was growing up, I did the hairbrush in the mirror thing, of course, but being true to yourself is what true expression is all about.
Sure, you pick up little things along the way, but only if they are comfortable to you will they be believed by others. Be yourself and be proud of it.
Where have you performed to date, and which performance do you consider your most successful?
I think supporting Kylie (Minogue) around Europe has to be the most exciting performance to date. Playing in front of 36,000 people is a real buzz.
Although I love playing to smaller, more intimate audiences too, you get a real feel of what people are into this way.
On a wider scale, where do you think music is going in the UK and beyond. In other words, what is the next big thing?
Music is becoming more accessible to a wider audience, with the Internet and downloads.
It certainly makes it easier for new music to become available, quicker and easier - which in turn gives new artistes a reason to make their music in the first place, if it can be heard and enjoyed. Of course, the competition is vast and will grow and grow, which makes my theory of making music for yourself, and not for the masses, even stronger.
As long as I am able to carry on doing what I am doing, and pleasing the people that get to hear my music, then my job is done and I have nothing to worry about.
I understand that you began composing music at a very young age. How young and what was your initial stimulus to write songs?
I started writing at maybe six years old. I used to dabble with poetry and was an avid listener to music - having been born into a family that was surrounded by music, it almost seemed inevitable. I remember my first song was about a boy who obviously wasn't paying me enough attention.
You are a young singer with more than a foot on the ladder to success. How far do you really think you can go?
Well, that's a good question. I have goals, sure, but I believe that my road is already mapped out and it's just up to me what opportunities I wish to pursue. The personal goals I have, I will definitely achieve. They are realistic and possible and I am going to have lots of fun achieving them, but I will never take it for granted. I am blessed.
A lot of talented young singer/songwriters aspire to great things, but for one reason or another fall by the wayside. Why do you think you have succeeded where others have not?
Belief, sheer determination - and a full understanding that I know my path. I couldn't be doing anything else and what I do makes me.
Where do you come from in the UK, when were you born and what sort of an upbringing/education did you have?
I live in South London, a 70s child (that's all I'm saying there). My upbringing was one I cherish, my parents were and are amazing and have made me who I am. They have supported me throughout all my ventures, even if most of the time they don't understand them - and have always helped me follow my dreams. I have a younger brother and sister and they also accept me for who I am. Through school I have really grown up having the space to understand myself fully, which in turn aids my writing and helps me achieve everything I set out to achieve.
Which artistes/songwriters are your greatest inspiration, and why?
Prince is my all-time hero ... the writing, the musicality, the performance and his sheer passion for music are a true inspiration. As I mentioned before, I was brought up in a family that loved music, all music, and so I have a wide musical vocabulary and am always listening to new music for inspiration. One of my favourite albums at the moment is Roisin Murphy - what a chick!
Have you modeled yourself on any successful artiste? If so, who and why?
Nope. When I was growing up, I did the hairbrush in the mirror thing, of course, but being true to yourself is what true expression is all about.
Sure, you pick up little things along the way, but only if they are comfortable to you will they be believed by others. Be yourself and be proud of it.
Where have you performed to date, and which performance do you consider your most successful?
I think supporting Kylie (Minogue) around Europe has to be the most exciting performance to date. Playing in front of 36,000 people is a real buzz.
Although I love playing to smaller, more intimate audiences too, you get a real feel of what people are into this way.
On a wider scale, where do you think music is going in the UK and beyond. In other words, what is the next big thing?
Music is becoming more accessible to a wider audience, with the Internet and downloads.
It certainly makes it easier for new music to become available, quicker and easier - which in turn gives new artistes a reason to make their music in the first place, if it can be heard and enjoyed. Of course, the competition is vast and will grow and grow, which makes my theory of making music for yourself, and not for the masses, even stronger.
As long as I am able to carry on doing what I am doing, and pleasing the people that get to hear my music, then my job is done and I have nothing to worry about.