One of my vocal students, the incredibly talented 12 year old Breeze Redwine from Starston, had recently made it to the grand final of TeenStar 2015, the UK’s biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers. I’m really excited to say that she was the winner in her category! I was so proud that she performed my song ‘Here Alone’ to a capacity crowd at Birmingham’s NEC, an acoustic song which she had recently recorded at the Mill Studio near Diss.
She also achieved the highest score of the night from the industry judges. TeenStar is organised by Future Music who have been responsible for the likes of former X-Factor finalist Luke Friend, Lucy Spraggan and Birdy and over 9,000 acts entered the competition this year across the UK.
The prestigious music industry judges included record label representatives, executives from music management companies, recording studios, professional musicians, national press and the examination board, Rock School. It’s an amazing achievement and I’m sure Breeze has a great career in music ahead of her.
Here is her stunning performance at the NEC of 'Here Alone'
Also this month I’ve been filming a new music video which will be online soon. The video, which is for one of my acoustic songs ‘Time to Grow’, was made by hugely talented local film maker and photographer Claudia Taveira Photography and we’ve collaborated on a few videos and photo shoots in the area. Norfolk provides many beautiful locations for shoots, from the coast to the broads, around Norwich cathedral, Foxley Wood is another favourite, and she has filmed lovely music videos for my songs. You can see me playing my guitar and ukulele all over Norfolk on my YouTube channel which includes links to our previous videos: www.youtube.com/lisaredfordmusic
I've also recently covered a song by country artist Kacey Musgraves. Doing a ukulele cover of her song 'Late to the Party' https://youtu.be/Hg_gpvD4Hjw
Music and songwriting is my passion and I enjoy writing a regular music column for Songwriting Magazine, aimed at songwriters and fans of song-led music. In the column I also share my experiences as a songwriter and give advice on various aspects of being an artist. Previous subjects have included dealing with stage fright, writer’s block, using social media, face to face networking, collaborating with other writers and writing music for film and TV. My latest one has been about crowd funding, something that has become increasing popular over the last few years.
As an independent singer/songwriter, self funding and promoting an album and EP has been a costly business, so for my next release I’ve been considering the crowd funding route, something I’ve not tried before. Fans actively participate in an artist’s project and in return artists offer a variety of rewards which can range from exclusives, experiences and signed merchandise, depending on the amounts of money they’ve received.
Here’s a link to all my songwriting columns so far and I’d love to hear from any songwriters and bands in the area who have successfully funded a release: http://lisaredford.tumblr.com/songwritingblog
Another passion of mine is music education and I always feel really inspired after going along to music workshops and masterclasses. Music & arts charity Musical Keys who work with people with complex &/or additional needs and who this year are celebrating their 25th anniversary, are running Creative Connections, free music and arts workshops, aimed at 13-25 year olds. They’re happening all this month and provide a great opportunity to learn some excellent creative skills.
Workshops include song and lyric writing, music technology and production, sampling, sound for film, foley recording and sound FX, group drumming, iPad composition and Rock School, a two day workshop where those attending get the chance to develop song writing and performance skills, receive instrument tuition and get to write and play music with band mates with the help of professional musicians. All these sound like invaluable skills for embarking on a music career and I’d certainly be interested in attending a few of those myself.
The morning and afternoon workshops will be happening at Create Norwich (formerly the Norwich Music Hub) who have recently moved in to new premises in Trowse creating a relaxed, engaging environment full of hi-spec kit. Places are free but must be booked in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more information visit www.musicalkeys.co.uk/c
Looking ahead to autumn and I’m really looking forward to be supporting the renowned Eliza Carthy at OPEN Norwich on October 14th. For all my upcoming gigs and teaching information, please take a look at www.lisaredford.com
Lisa Redford
"In a sea of smart female singer/songwriters Lisa Redford is an admiral" Maverick magazine ****
www.lisaredford.com
It has been a little while since my last All Things Norfolk column. I had a really busy summer playing lots of festivals in the area and further afield. Here in Norfolk I really enjoyed performing at the first F-19 festival, a major new music festival in Feltwell at the stunning St Mary’s Church; all profits from the festival went towards the upkeep of this stunning medieval building.
I was also part of a brilliant line-up for The Waterfront Sessions. It was an all day promoted by The Tilting Sky celebrating some of the regions finest country and Americana artists by the riverside at Norwich Waterfront and it really showcased the wealth of talent here.
In July I also released a single Let Go - the second from my latest EP Edge of Love. It has been receiving some lovely airplay on many stations and shows including BBC Introducing Norfolk. Edge of Love has continued to get great reviews, so much so that I’m excited to be releasing a new single I Just Can’t Forget next month. The ballad, like all of my songs, comes from the heart and has a more soulful country sound with harmonies, piano, pedal steel acoustic and electric guitar
It features terrific local musicians: The Vagaband’s Jose McGill - who also produced the EP - plus Mark Howes from local blues duo Dove and Boweevil and Mikey Shaw on drums. The single has already been performed live in session for Whispering Bob TV’s Under the Apple Tree - intimate live acoustic sessions recorded in the home studio of legendary BBC broadcaster Bob Harris - certainly one of the highlights of my career so far!
It has been a very busy and exciting time as my new EP Edge of Love - recorded and mastered in Norwich and featuring a whole host of local talent - is now released worldwide!
I have been blown away by the wonderful airplay and reviews I have received including 4 stars in national music magazines Maverick and RnR. The title track also features on the excellent Un-Herd cover mount CD which comes with the May/June issue of RnR, in shops now.
I have been interviewed for a few local glossy publications - including Norwich Resident Magazine, KL Magazine and Norfolk Magazine - as well as had airplay on BBC Radio Norfolk and Suffolk, most recently a live acoustic session for Drive Time on BBC Radio Suffolk with Stephen Foster.
It’s been a little while since my last All Things Norfolk article as it has been a very busy time. Anything But Easy - the first single from my brand new EP “Edge of Love” - was released on 22nd February and I’ve been working really hard to promote it, doing radio and magazine interviews. It has been wonderful to receive such a lovely response and so much airplay including many BBC Shows and various stations across the world. I was also recently interviewed by Sam Day on BBC Radio Norfolk and chose my Norfolk Anthems (favourite songs!) as well as talked about the single.
It is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and also at my Bandcamp page:
https://lisaredford.bandcamp.
Huge thanks to All Things Norfolk who has already shared the official music video for Anything But Easy. Filmed in beautiful Dunwich and Walberswick, Suffolk on one of those glorious February days we enjoyed recently! Thanks to talented local videographer David McKenna at Light to Love Productions for filming and directing and capturing such a magic light.
Here is a link to the video - really appreciate any watches and shares via social media: https://youtu.be/8cT1opG9HiU
I am really excited that the PledgeMusic crowdfunding campaign for my next release is already at 86%! A huge thank you to all those of you who have pledged or shared the project. As an independent artist it really means a lot.
Recording for the new EP has just finished here in Norwich and it has been a really productive and exciting process. As mentioned, I am working with the super talented musician and producer José McGill – band-leader of the award-winning local band Vagaband – who has created some beautiful arrangements and played an array of instruments.
There is also a host of other local musicians who have been involved. Noel Dashwood – from Norwich based folk trio Alden Patterson and Dashwood - has contributed his wonderful dobro and harmonies. We have performed live together in the area playing festivals such as Folk East in Suffolk and supporting Sarah Darling and Eliza Carthy at Norwich Waterfront and OPEN. He will be performing with his trio at Epic Studios on 22nd November opening for renowned folk artists Show of Hands.
I am really excited to have launched my first ever PledgeMusic crowdfunding project for a brand new release. I have already started recording material with local band The Vagaband - recent recipients of The Music Award at the 2018 Norfolk Arts Awards - who I also recorded my last EP with.
There are some very special rewards and exclusives on offer including two beloved guitars and some rare signed memorabilia from my back catalogue. You will also be helping Dogs Trust as I spend a lot of time walking rescue dogs in the area and their companionship is truly special. Please watch the video and check out the rewards on offer - I would so appreciate any shares on social media.
Here is the PledgeMusic project link and video: