Top singer plans Gourock gig
Paul John Coulter • Published 26 Jan 2012 19:00
EXCITING new singer-songwriter Carly Connor has supported the likes of Paolo Nutini and The View and played warm-up for the legendary Chaka Khan - but an intimate gig in Gourock is more up her street.
Ahead of the launch of her debut album later this year, the 19-year-old from Easterhouse is playing a UK tour in February in response to a sold out string of shows in December.
Cafe Continental on Thursday 16 February is one of the dates on her tour - sure to be a treat for local music lovers.
And she says the prospect of playing to a smaller crowd at the local nightspot is something she is looking forward to.
Carly told the Tele: "Honestly, after doing big shows I am really looking forward to going to a small intimate crowd and getting cosy with the people, talk to them and just perform.
"On stage I never know what to say to fans but with smaller crowds people talk back to you and there's a bit of banter."
Signed to record label Atlantic Records, the young songstress is one of the country's hottest prospects and is set for major success in 2012.
Her mature songwriting and heartfelt lyrics have been shaped in part by her Glasgow childhood, and draws on influences such as Janis Joplin and early Tina Turner records.
She has been performing live since she was 11 and delivers her songs with a unique and powerful voice.
At just 19, Carly has already racked up an impressive live résumé having supported fellow Scot Paolo Nutini on tour across the UK and in Europe, including playing to 10,000 fans at the Estadio Municipal, Milan.
She was also selected to play this year's Montreux Jazz Festival, billed alongside Chaka Khan, as well as performances at Arthur's Day in Dublin and Rockness.
Speaking about her once-in-a-lifetime warm-up slot for Chaka Khan, Carly said: "That was mental.
"That was in the summer and I think it was a mistake - I have no idea how that happened.
"I wasn't told she was playing. I just turned up and that was it.
"I thought I would be on some wee stage somewhere but it was the main auditorium and then somebody said she was on after me. I said 'shut up, no way'.
"All the shows with Paolo were amazing because I got to go to Europe and he was doing such massive shows - it was very overwhelming.
"I was thrown in at the deep end it was a bit mental."
But away from the glitz and glam of touring the world, Carly loves nothing more than chilling with her mum back home.
She said: "To be honest, I like to take a couple of days out and chill with my mum.
"It sounds boring but it is nice to just relax and detox away from all the partying on tour."
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 26 Jan 12
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