Local musician and Arts Rutherglen member, Claire O’Connell talks about her passion for singing, her inspirations , new projects with Arts Rutherglen and an upcoming new album!
Singing is my biggest passion in life!
I’ve been singing my whole life, growing up in The King Valley, in Victoria and performing at music events in Primary and high school. I was top 50 in the country in Australian Idol when I was eighteen, which was an incredible experience! I also lived in Melbourne for six years, singing at open mics and busking, as well as collaborating with other musicians, before moving to the UK for eight months. I performed at many pub gigs in London and throughout Scotland and decided to start my own music business two years later, in North East Victoria.
I was also approached by a local music school, in 2015, to start teaching vocal lessons, and fell into a whole new side of the music business, which I love! I currently teach vocal lessons three days a week (all online now) and perform at gigs, when it’s possible, with Covid19 restrictions.
I’m very inspired by strong women who like to make positive change in the world. Some of my favourite singers include; Tracy Chapman, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox and Adele.
I’ve been performing at local wineries, weddings and council events for the past eight years and released my first original album earlier this year, in May, in Rutherglen where I now live. All of my original songs were about the 2019-2020 bushfires and Covid19 situation.
I’m currently working on my second original album which will be released on the 13th of November at Squires Winery. It’s a very personal album, called “That Woman Is Me”, about some of my life experiences. I feel very empowered by this album and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
I recently joined Arts Rutherglen, to work with the fabulous team of creative people, in the hopes of bringing more music events to the region. I believe that music brings communities together, creating a wonderful space for participation and engagement. Music is all around us; it’s such an important part of our self-expression and a very therapeutic way to express our emotions. I’m very excited to continue working on new projects with Arts Rutherglen, over the coming months!
I’ve been singing my whole life, growing up in The King Valley, in Victoria and performing at music events in Primary and high school. I was top 50 in the country in Australian Idol when I was eighteen, which was an incredible experience! I also lived in Melbourne for six years, singing at open mics and busking, as well as collaborating with other musicians, before moving to the UK for eight months. I performed at many pub gigs in London and throughout Scotland and decided to start my own music business two years later, in North East Victoria.
I was also approached by a local music school, in 2015, to start teaching vocal lessons, and fell into a whole new side of the music business, which I love! I currently teach vocal lessons three days a week (all online now) and perform at gigs, when it’s possible, with Covid19 restrictions.
I’m very inspired by strong women who like to make positive change in the world. Some of my favourite singers include; Tracy Chapman, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox and Adele.
I’ve been performing at local wineries, weddings and council events for the past eight years and released my first original album earlier this year, in May, in Rutherglen where I now live. All of my original songs were about the 2019-2020 bushfires and Covid19 situation. ( Listen here)
I’m currently working on my second original album which will be released on the 13th of November at Squires Winery. It’s a very personal album, called “That Woman Is Me”, about some of my life experiences. I feel very empowered by this album and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
I recently joined Arts Rutherglen, to work with the fabulous team of creative people, in the hopes of bringing more music events to the region. I believe that music brings communities together, creating a wonderful space for participation and engagement. Music is all around us; it’s such an important part of our self-expression and a very therapeutic way to express our emotions. I’m very excited to continue working on new projects with Arts Rutherglen, over the coming months.
Here are some links to my website and social media pages:
Facebook page
Instagram account
Website
Want to join Arts Rutherglen? Go to our membership page