Claire
Vocals
How did you get started?
I come from quite a musical family, my grandfather was an opera singer, auntie – singer, uncle – sound engineer, cousins all write / record / produce and perform; my dad could sing and play guitar, along with my older brother, and my mum can hold a tune and used to play piano! It was her who put me through some musical tuition in my younger years to enable me to develop my passion.
Who’s your hero musically? Who influenced you?
My family were my earliest inspirations, followed by the likes of the Spice Girls and Mariah Carey! Over time, I learned to love other artists such as Jenna G, Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse, Ella Eyre and Nina Simone to name a few.
Any previous bands?
The first band I joined was when I came out of two years at music school when I was 21, and we covered mostly rock and pop, despite me being classically trained vocally and having interests in jazz, UK garage and funky house! I was fortunate to have played in the USA and Spain with this band. I have also been and occasionally still am active with another band, a jazz pianist, and also as part of an acoustic duo or trio.
What instruments do you play?
I reached a decent level on piano when I was in my teens, but then moved house and the piano got sold, so I neglected my skills for a few years and lost half of them! I now have an electric piano at home which I tinkle on occasionally. Think there’s a clarinet in a cupboard somewhere too – I wanted to learn sax, but my mum’s friend had a clarinet which I was gifted with, so that’s what I ended up with! Got to grade 4 before putting it away.
