Russian-Irish Mezzo Soprano Larissa Tormey has released her new song, Crowded Places. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the new track, the Kilbeggan based artist says, "We're all in such a strange place still, even though things are getting much better at last. And thank God.
"It's funny in some ways to think that only a couple of years ago crowded places were part of normal life. That was for everyone, but especially for anyone working in the music world. And then, all of a sudden - overnight - you couldn't find a crowded place anywhere for so long.
"Now, we're getting back there again slowly, but crowded places are still something many people will be unsure of for a while."
Larissa was recently won two categories at the Red Carpet Awards Show in Holland, taking home the top prize for both the Best Folk Cover for Danny Boy (with a Russian flavour) and Best Folk Original for The Wind on The Hill.
Crowded Places is the latest offering from her album of original songs that's set for an early 2022 release.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I am the only one Russian-Irish singer-songwriter and I have a university degree in classical singing and piano. After the dramatic move from Moscow to rural Ireland in 2001 I not only found love in my personal life but also fell in love with Ireland.
I am very conscious that our world is fast becoming very self-centred, so I decided to promote my fellow musicians on my social media two years ago via my vlog and the radio show My Music And My Story.
How would you describe your music?
My original genre of music as a songwriter/contemporary pop. But I tend to experiment and also sing in -country, folk and classical. I can say I am a crossover singer. Poetry and writing the lyrics is a very important part for me. I am a very spiritual person and like to express it in my music.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I discovered Dolly Parton when I moved to Ireland. I love her as a role model, because she is amazingly versatile and combines business mind, music talent and amazing personality. She also (like myself) has a husband who hates the limelight, and (like me) is still happily married!
What are you most looking forward to post-lockdown?
I am like a gipsy, love to be on the move. I am looking forward to travelling also love people and have many friends who I prefer to see in real life but not on Zoom
What's your favourite song right now?
I know you will think I am big headed, but my favourite song it is my latest release - Crowded Places. Latest song is always like a baby child- The favourite
Favourite lyric of all time?
I have a song that I wrote during the lockdown after the big health scare in a family
"If God will let me live another year,
I'll start to hug you hundred times a day,
I'll stay around, I’ll never go away,
Ill savour every moment when you’re near,
If God will let me live another year".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
I get bored very easily so I don’t think I could listen to one song, but if it would be one singer it probably will be Willie Nelson, he is amazing songwriter.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and my personal website.
