Irish pop/singer-songwriter Ciara Lawless has released her new single, Where Are Your Wings? Her debut album follows in April. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Ciara's musical journey began at a young age, training in acting and singing. Her interest in classical and opera led her to the Academy of Music in Tullamore, where she honed her craft but also competed in national and international competitions.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have been a huge fan of theatre and musicals all my life, which inspired me to study classical and opera at the Tullamore Academy of Music. My favourite musical to date has to be the Phantom of the Opera, which I had the good fortune to see at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2011.
I love meditation. I meditate every morning for 15 minutes, which gives me great focus and clarity for the day ahead. I'm also a big fan of the Wim Hof Breathing techniques, which are very complimentary to my meditation practice. I discovered a love for meditation when I turned 20 and found it worked well with combining it with my vocal warm-up and breathwork technique routine.
I am a former Miss Earth Ireland contestant, participating in 2022. Miss Earth Ireland's mission is "beauties for a cause," striving to promote environmental awareness, conservation, sustainability, and social responsibility. I was invited back to perform my original music at the 2023 Miss Earth Ireland event.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as soul pop with a sprinkle of folk. I really take a lot of inspiration from past eras, especially the '80s. My music leans into a contemporary neo-'80s style in a modern slant. I feel I bring my own style to my songs, adding to the ever-growing palette that is modern pop music. I love to write about my own learnings and experiences; I feel people can connect with lyrics when they are coming from an honest place. My songs and the theme of my lyrics are generally about reconnection, healing, and self-discovery.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have to admit I lean more towards female singers with great singing voices such as Christina Aguilera, Kate Bush, and Barbara Streisand when it comes to vocal inspiration. Barbara Streisand for her powerful vocals; for me, she is truly the queen of full belly belts. Kate Bush for her unique vocal style bridging the gap between classical tone placement and pop-style music. In terms of song writing and music, Christina Aguilera for her vocal technique of mixing between the registers of her voice.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I ever went to was Taylor Swift in the O2 Arena in Dublin in the summer of 2015 when I was 16 years old. It was a turning point in my own interest in everything music, and it was the moment I said to myself, "What Taylor is doing... That’s exactly what I want to do and will do." Now, while Taylor was the first, I think it’s only fair to mention that before that, when I was younger, I went to a theatre show in the Roscommon Arts Centre. It was a musical melody from a London production team.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought was The Kick Inside by Kate Bush. I was 12 years old when I bought this album. It was the album with Wuthering Heights, and I must have had the CD on replay for months! Kate’s voice has been a big influence on my singing ever since and has left a lasting impression on my own artistry, singing, and song-writing.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I’m listening to a lot of Joni Mitchell at the moment. My favourite song that I am listening to right now has to be Both Sides, Now - a Joni Mitchell song first recorded and released in 1968. While there is so much great new modern music out now, I love revisiting the greats and the classics!
Favourite lyric of all time?
Speaking of modern music, my favourite lyric is from Taylor Swift’s song Marjorie from her 2020 album Evermore. 'Never be so kind, you forget to be clever. Never be so clever, you forget to be kind.’
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
For me, the words suggest a holistic balance between kindness and intelligence or cleverness. Being excessively kind without considering the implications or being overly clever without empathy may lead to negative outcomes. It’s a reminder to always stay both humble and aware.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would have to be Return to Innocence, a beautiful song by the German group Enigma. This song for me is like a transformative meditation or a chant. This song holds so much value for me as it represents the importance of respecting nature and expressing joy in this crazy world that often times is demanding.
Where can we find your music/more information?
To listen to my songs on any streaming platform. To find me on all social media outlets, my handle is @ciaralawlesshq. You can check out my videos on YouTube by searching @ciaralawlesshq.
Alan Corr
