When Chordblossom came into existence, it was always our aim to shine a spotlight on the artists and bands that make up the music scene in Northern Ireland. We’ve been doing it for over ten years now and one of our favourite methods is our Introducing feature.
Put the kettle on, curl up on your sofa and and join us for a quickfire Q&A with some of our favourite new musicians. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your new favourite artists.
This iteration of Introducing features the musical talents of Daisie Conway who just released their latest single ‘Lighthouse’.
What was the inspiration behind your artist name?
My artist name is just my own name. My mum was an Irish dancer and the last tune she danced to before she had me was a set dance called “The Garden of Daisies” which inspired the name my mum and dad chose for me!
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
My new single is called “Lighthouse” and it’s really song which describes finding a safe harbour when you feel lost at sea. Everyone has someone who is their lighthouse, who looks after them, loves and cares for them unconditionally and makes you feel calm. Everyone has a “lighthouse” in their life and I wrote this song about mine which makes it a very special song to me.
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
I’m currently working on my first EP of original songs which is very exciting and I have a couple of studio collaborations lined up too.
Tell us about your song writing process.
I write all of my original songs about my own life experiences. I write most of my songs either at the piano or with my guitar. Sometimes the lyrics come first and other times it will be the melody, it depends on what the song is about. My favourite thing to write is the lyrics though.
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
I always loved listening to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift growing up. I think a lot of their music has inspired my own. I love Maisie Peters too and her storytelling in her music. Growing up playing the Fiddle and being heavily involved in Irish music has influenced a lot of my music style. I take a lot of folk music from my own upbringing into my music.
The 2022 NI Music Prize has just concluded, what’s been your favourite album and single released this year?
My favourite album I’d say is Dark Tropics with Ink, and favourite single is Dani Larkin ‘Heron until we’re free’. It’s so amazing to hear such incredible talented musicians work. It’s really inspiring.
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
I’m currently a student Primary School Teacher and that goes hand in hand with music. It’s so amazing bringing music into the classroom with the children. I just love having music in my life.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
I’ve collaborated with a lot of emerging singers, songwriters and musicians at Soft Gut Song Camp and Kenneth Branagh’s 21 Artists for the 21st Century. I would love to collaborate with any of the amazing artists I met and who helped me during these projects like Ciaran Lavery and Naomi Hamilton from Jealous of the Birds.
It is intensely difficult to be successful in the music industry. What does NI need to do to invest in/develop to boost your chances?
I think for NI to develop more with music it is amazing to see the likes of Soft Gut Song Camp which is designed to bridge connections and make music more collaborative and encourage musical networking. It’s so lovely to see more experienced musicians helping out new artists.
What does success look like for you?
Success to me for my music is having my songs heard by people and having them relate to it!! I would love for some people to hear the stories in my lyrics, feel inspired and connect to them. Music is a beautiful thing that connects everyone. The biggest success anyone can have though is to be genuinely happy, content and fulfilled as cliché as it is and being surrounded by the right people who love you unconditionally.
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
I love a blanket, warm or cold, I always have to have a blanket. I’m obsessed with my blanket oodie too. I’m just a very cosy person
Where and when can we next catch you live?
Couple of holidays planned in the next two months which I’m so excited for!! It’s so special to get to spend so much time with the people I love. Belfast Mela is my next big performance in amongst some weddings.
If you enjoyed this feature and fancy discovering some more new artists, we suggest you jump on over to our archive of Introducing pieces.
If you are a band or musician based in Northern Ireland interested in taking part in our Introducing feature, we recommend submitting new music to us via our Contact page and if we enjoy it, you’ll no doubt hear from us.
