Maria Silker (Q&A 16th May 2016)
Maria Silker first came to our attention with the release of her second album in March 2016. We were so impressed with 'Little Did I Know' that we made it our 'Album Of The Month' - May 2016.
Recently featured in our Introducing series, we were keen to find out a little bit more about the Liverpool based singer songwriter. In our interview Maria chats about early music memories, favourite artists, the writing and recording process of her two albums and much, much more:
How and when did you first get interested in music?
When I was a child I sang and played my guitar at Sunday Mass in church from about the age of 9. It was a big gig every week 200+ and a captive audience!!
What was the first song you remember hearing?
The first song I remember was my Nana singing to me When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. I think I was 3. The first song to have an impact was hearing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' when I was about 10. My dad did an LP swap with a friend in work and brought it home. I had only listened at home to the crooners - Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Perry Como. They were great but when I heard Simon and Garfunkel it was the first time I had ever been really moved by music. I have been a fan ever since. My dad didn't rate the recording quality of the album on his hi-fi and so gave the LP back!!! I was devastated!
What was the main thing that inspired you to want to become a musician?
I was in a folk band with my friends and we started going out to the folk clubs in Liverpool and the Wirral. I loved performing, creating harmonies and it was just a really good laugh. None of us thought it could ever be a career - so we stopped after about 8 years of gigging. I went into accountancy and my friends went into the legal profession - and that was the end of that!
What was the first instrument you learned to play?
I started with the recorder at 6 and then the piano at 7. I was about 9 or 10 before my hands were big enough to play the guitar.
First live performance?
My first major performance was when I was with the folk band in the 80’s and we played Dingwalls at the end of Brownlow Hill with The Dubliners.
Who are your favourite bands and musicians? Influences?
Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Carole King, Billy Joel, Gilbert O’Sullivan. I also love Barbara Dickson - I adore her voice.
Favourite single(s) and album(s)?
The album would be a tie between the Beatles 'Sgt Pepper' and 'Tapestry' by Carole King. Single has to be 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.
How would you describe your music and sound?
That’s such a hard question - I think I fall somewhere between folk and country. That makes it hard for festivals and radio shows when you're not quite one thing or the other! I can't change what I do - so genre I guess will always be a challenge - or an opportunity!
Recently featured in our Introducing series, we were keen to find out a little bit more about the Liverpool based singer songwriter. In our interview Maria chats about early music memories, favourite artists, the writing and recording process of her two albums and much, much more:
How and when did you first get interested in music?
When I was a child I sang and played my guitar at Sunday Mass in church from about the age of 9. It was a big gig every week 200+ and a captive audience!!
What was the first song you remember hearing?
The first song I remember was my Nana singing to me When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. I think I was 3. The first song to have an impact was hearing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' when I was about 10. My dad did an LP swap with a friend in work and brought it home. I had only listened at home to the crooners - Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Perry Como. They were great but when I heard Simon and Garfunkel it was the first time I had ever been really moved by music. I have been a fan ever since. My dad didn't rate the recording quality of the album on his hi-fi and so gave the LP back!!! I was devastated!
What was the main thing that inspired you to want to become a musician?
I was in a folk band with my friends and we started going out to the folk clubs in Liverpool and the Wirral. I loved performing, creating harmonies and it was just a really good laugh. None of us thought it could ever be a career - so we stopped after about 8 years of gigging. I went into accountancy and my friends went into the legal profession - and that was the end of that!
What was the first instrument you learned to play?
I started with the recorder at 6 and then the piano at 7. I was about 9 or 10 before my hands were big enough to play the guitar.
First live performance?
My first major performance was when I was with the folk band in the 80’s and we played Dingwalls at the end of Brownlow Hill with The Dubliners.
Who are your favourite bands and musicians? Influences?
Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Carole King, Billy Joel, Gilbert O’Sullivan. I also love Barbara Dickson - I adore her voice.
Favourite single(s) and album(s)?
The album would be a tie between the Beatles 'Sgt Pepper' and 'Tapestry' by Carole King. Single has to be 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.
How would you describe your music and sound?
That’s such a hard question - I think I fall somewhere between folk and country. That makes it hard for festivals and radio shows when you're not quite one thing or the other! I can't change what I do - so genre I guess will always be a challenge - or an opportunity!
When did you write your first song and what was it about?
I wrote a Christmas Carol for BBC competition when I was 15. I think that was the first complete song that I wrote that other people actually heard.
What is your usual songwriting process?
I generally write on the piano. Sometimes songs come quite quickly but others can take weeks - months even. I try to have a bash at writing everyday if I can.
Your debut album ‘Tearing At The Surface’ was released in 2012. The follow up album ‘Little Did I Know’ was released some 4 years later in 2016. Did you find the writing and recording process easier for the second album? What do you feel are the main differences between the albums?
There is quite a gap. I had all of the songs completed in 2013 but sadly my Dad was ill and passed away in 2014. It was hard to focus on getting the whole thing together. For me the writing is the easier part of completing an album. The main difference between the two albums is the recording process in that the second was recorded live with a band, with strings recorded separately. It was an amazing experience. I was working with professional musicians - Clive Gregson (Any Trouble, The Richard Thompson Band), Mark Griffiths (who plays with the current line up of The Shadows) and Martin Hughes (Any Trouble). I really had to step up to keep up. It was a great learning curve for me and I think it has helped me in performing. Clive Gregson produced the album. He is also an amazing songwriter and was such an inspiration. John Wood (who has worked with Squeeze, Pink Floyd, Nick Drake and Sandy Denny) was the engineer and was brilliant. John mixed it in analogue and I think this brings a warm sound and tone to the album. I also enjoyed singing the songs in one go with all the band - the integrity of song holds intact and I think the emotion hangs together too. We generally did about 3 takes and picked the best one. The vocal was the priority all the time so it was my best performance that it was judged on.
What is the story, background and inspiration for the collection of songs on 'Little Did I Know’?
Some of the songs are inspired by travel such as 'The Lady Of Guadalupe' and 'Cape Town'. A few years ago I was really lucky to have a job that took me around the world and I worked in Africa and Mexico in 2012 - so that has inspired me. I think there is also a theme in the songs of the passing of time and doing the things we are meant to do in life. 'The Boat', 'Lost Time', 'The Alchemist' and 'The Mirror' have these thoughts and ideas in them. 'April Day' was inspired by the poem 'The Wasteland' by TS Eliot. I was fascinated by this poem. I did it for A level and went back to it later in life thinking that I may understand it more. I didn’t, but the song came after reading it again.
I wrote a Christmas Carol for BBC competition when I was 15. I think that was the first complete song that I wrote that other people actually heard.
What is your usual songwriting process?
I generally write on the piano. Sometimes songs come quite quickly but others can take weeks - months even. I try to have a bash at writing everyday if I can.
Your debut album ‘Tearing At The Surface’ was released in 2012. The follow up album ‘Little Did I Know’ was released some 4 years later in 2016. Did you find the writing and recording process easier for the second album? What do you feel are the main differences between the albums?
There is quite a gap. I had all of the songs completed in 2013 but sadly my Dad was ill and passed away in 2014. It was hard to focus on getting the whole thing together. For me the writing is the easier part of completing an album. The main difference between the two albums is the recording process in that the second was recorded live with a band, with strings recorded separately. It was an amazing experience. I was working with professional musicians - Clive Gregson (Any Trouble, The Richard Thompson Band), Mark Griffiths (who plays with the current line up of The Shadows) and Martin Hughes (Any Trouble). I really had to step up to keep up. It was a great learning curve for me and I think it has helped me in performing. Clive Gregson produced the album. He is also an amazing songwriter and was such an inspiration. John Wood (who has worked with Squeeze, Pink Floyd, Nick Drake and Sandy Denny) was the engineer and was brilliant. John mixed it in analogue and I think this brings a warm sound and tone to the album. I also enjoyed singing the songs in one go with all the band - the integrity of song holds intact and I think the emotion hangs together too. We generally did about 3 takes and picked the best one. The vocal was the priority all the time so it was my best performance that it was judged on.
What is the story, background and inspiration for the collection of songs on 'Little Did I Know’?
Some of the songs are inspired by travel such as 'The Lady Of Guadalupe' and 'Cape Town'. A few years ago I was really lucky to have a job that took me around the world and I worked in Africa and Mexico in 2012 - so that has inspired me. I think there is also a theme in the songs of the passing of time and doing the things we are meant to do in life. 'The Boat', 'Lost Time', 'The Alchemist' and 'The Mirror' have these thoughts and ideas in them. 'April Day' was inspired by the poem 'The Wasteland' by TS Eliot. I was fascinated by this poem. I did it for A level and went back to it later in life thinking that I may understand it more. I didn’t, but the song came after reading it again.
Towards the end of 2015 you won the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge with 'The Right Goodbye'. Are there are plans to release this song?
I was delighted to win the competition. Liverpool Acoustic is an amazing organisation which supports local acoustic music. Graham Holland does a great service to original music in the city. It has made a massive difference to me and given me a lot more confidence. Jon Lawton of Crosstown Studios who was one of the judges has recorded it and we plan to release it soon.
Can we expect any more new songs from you in the near future?
I have enough new songs for an album already and would love to release more songs in the near future. An EP maybe.
Have you played many gigs?
I haven’t played many gigs. My job has taken up a lot of my time but I am trying to rebalance that and get out more.
What do you enjoy most about playing your songs live?
It’s the connection with the audience who are a completely unique group of people listening to a new song that I most enjoy. The joy of a stranger coming up to me and saying they enjoyed one of my songs is the best feeling in the world.
Most memorable gig(s)?
The recent Liverpool Acoustic Festival at the Unity Theatre stands out and I am sure it always will. I felt privileged to be part of it.
Favourite venue(s)?
I thought the Unity Theatre was fabulous venue. I would love to perform there again and also at the Music room in the Phil. It’s new and has a great atmosphere.
As a musician how important is it to have an online presence? How do you use social media tools like Facebook and Twitter?
I try to use Twitter as much as I can. I am less of a Facebook user but it's clearly essential to be accessible online and have profile.
The internet has changed the landscape of the music industry and made it easier for musicians to record and make their music available. Do you see this as a positive thing?
In some ways it is a brilliant thing. The accessibility of music and the ability to share so easily is great. Recorded music, however, has lost its monetary value and I don't think there is another industry that gives away products and original ideas for free. I worry that if talented people can’t see themselves making a living out of music then they will choose other professions and a lot of great potential musicians will be lost.
What do you think about online music sharing services such as Spotify?
I suppose it's the same point in that I don’t quite understand why music should be free or given away for next to nothing.
Music format of choice - CD, digital or vinyl?
CD - I like the physical aspect of holding a CD and reading the covers - finding out where it was recorded, who played on it, produced it, took the photos. I love all that. I have always liked vinyl too - but you can’t play it in your car!
What was the first and most recent music you bought?
First album was the Beatles Blue album. My brother and I bought it between us one Christmas. Second was 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. Most recent album purchases - 'The Traveling Wilburys Collection' and London Grammar.
What was the last gig you went to as a music fan?
Clive Gregson in Any Trouble at the Music room in the Phil.
Highlights in music so far?
Winning the Liverpool Acoustic songwriting challenge was a brilliant moment, playing live on the Billy Butler show was fantastic and the Liverpool Acoustic Festival are all highlights.
Plans and ambitions for 2016 and beyond?
More local festivals, another album/EP and some touring would be brilliant - and if anyone knows Barbara Dickson I would love to be her support act!
I was delighted to win the competition. Liverpool Acoustic is an amazing organisation which supports local acoustic music. Graham Holland does a great service to original music in the city. It has made a massive difference to me and given me a lot more confidence. Jon Lawton of Crosstown Studios who was one of the judges has recorded it and we plan to release it soon.
Can we expect any more new songs from you in the near future?
I have enough new songs for an album already and would love to release more songs in the near future. An EP maybe.
Have you played many gigs?
I haven’t played many gigs. My job has taken up a lot of my time but I am trying to rebalance that and get out more.
What do you enjoy most about playing your songs live?
It’s the connection with the audience who are a completely unique group of people listening to a new song that I most enjoy. The joy of a stranger coming up to me and saying they enjoyed one of my songs is the best feeling in the world.
Most memorable gig(s)?
The recent Liverpool Acoustic Festival at the Unity Theatre stands out and I am sure it always will. I felt privileged to be part of it.
Favourite venue(s)?
I thought the Unity Theatre was fabulous venue. I would love to perform there again and also at the Music room in the Phil. It’s new and has a great atmosphere.
As a musician how important is it to have an online presence? How do you use social media tools like Facebook and Twitter?
I try to use Twitter as much as I can. I am less of a Facebook user but it's clearly essential to be accessible online and have profile.
The internet has changed the landscape of the music industry and made it easier for musicians to record and make their music available. Do you see this as a positive thing?
In some ways it is a brilliant thing. The accessibility of music and the ability to share so easily is great. Recorded music, however, has lost its monetary value and I don't think there is another industry that gives away products and original ideas for free. I worry that if talented people can’t see themselves making a living out of music then they will choose other professions and a lot of great potential musicians will be lost.
What do you think about online music sharing services such as Spotify?
I suppose it's the same point in that I don’t quite understand why music should be free or given away for next to nothing.
Music format of choice - CD, digital or vinyl?
CD - I like the physical aspect of holding a CD and reading the covers - finding out where it was recorded, who played on it, produced it, took the photos. I love all that. I have always liked vinyl too - but you can’t play it in your car!
What was the first and most recent music you bought?
First album was the Beatles Blue album. My brother and I bought it between us one Christmas. Second was 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. Most recent album purchases - 'The Traveling Wilburys Collection' and London Grammar.
What was the last gig you went to as a music fan?
Clive Gregson in Any Trouble at the Music room in the Phil.
Highlights in music so far?
Winning the Liverpool Acoustic songwriting challenge was a brilliant moment, playing live on the Billy Butler show was fantastic and the Liverpool Acoustic Festival are all highlights.
Plans and ambitions for 2016 and beyond?
More local festivals, another album/EP and some touring would be brilliant - and if anyone knows Barbara Dickson I would love to be her support act!