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Canal St chats to Horse

Canal St chats to Horse

Horse is a Scottish female singer-songwriter and an LGBT icon. She has a wide following in the UK and worldwide and has toured with Tina Turner and secured several record chart hits in Europe.

She is appearing again at Band on the Wall and we caught up with her to find out about her music and why she is as busy as ever.

You’ve had an amazing career so far - what’s the secret to your longevity as an artist?

Dare I say it’s all about creating good music that hopefully resonates with people?! I also try to keep my standards high, in terms of the quality of my performance, the songs and giving my all every time. I have never tried to shape myself into someone else’s form or tried to rearrange what I do to fit in with a style or trend. Its all about enjoying what you do and caring about it - being yourself! To a degree, I  do make myself accessible to people. 

How do you think your music evolved over time? 

I think it evolved, as I was evolving. As my abilities improved as  a musician and writer, so did the songs. I love what I do. I love the journey. Being a creative person is one of the most rewarding things you can be. You become an explorer, an adventurer. How exciting is that? I understand more what I am looking for now. I do get frustrated at times though, at not being able to play a part or find a sound - but I never give up. The elements in my music are still similar to the early days - band, strings, piano, guitar and voices, but I am more able to express what I am looking for. HOME my most recent album was a real coming together of the years, both personally and musi-cally. I’m very proud of that album, however, I am always looking towards the next. Undoubtedly, every album is all about the songs. I think for some people I will never surpass ‘The same sky’, the first album, but I do think some of that love is in the nostalgia for that time they heard it ...

How has the music industry changed over the years and do you think it’s changed for the better?

It certainly has changed over the years. There are several ways of looking at it. I don’t believe there is a music industry in the way there was in the past. On the negative front, what I would call the x factor model is prevalent. People think that they will be picked up, magically have songs written for them, voice coaching, styling , money, and FAME. The ‘golden ticket’  moment may be happen to one or two individuals, however the reality is that that is a rarity. Those people often get no further than one hit or a couple of tours. Actual major record labels are very rare. It IS mostly all about the money.

There are loads of smaller labels that pick up on artists and I think they are the equivalent of the old A&R depts as they pick up and develop artists in a more organic fashion. Of course its also easier for individuals to run their own - Ive had my label Randan now for 15 years.

Having said all of that, it is an exciting time in that the alternative to the ‘fame above all else’ camp, is that there are many differing styles of music and artists out there making amazing music. 

One major downside for most up and coming musicians, sadly, is its harder than ever to make a living from music.

Who are your musical influences and are there any new artists on your playlist? 

I think a lot of influences are subliminal, but I could certainly name a handful that I think played a part in the fusion! In the early days I think Joan Armatrading, Labelle, Laura Nyro, Bowie and Bo-lan. Amongst other music, I now listen to contemporary composers like Max Richter, Craig Arm-strong. Relative newcomers, Nadine Shah and Karima Francis are a couple of cool writers and performers that I admire.

You’re a woman of many talents and you debuted your autobiographical play, Careful, this year. How did this come about?

My wife had been suggesting for some time that I ought to get my story out there - in a play. If she hadn’t, I really don’t think I would have contemplated it at all. I definitely  had my doubts - I have never acted before. The thing that was the most touching for people about the play it is someone’s search to find their voice. It’s not that it is a ‘gay’ play, the message is universal, you have to be yourself because when you are yourself then there is more likelihood of finding happiness! The audiences were so mixed but were all equally moved. Love is all.

I know Lynn Ferguson, writer actor & comedian based in LA. I mooted the idea to her with a view to her writing and after hours and hours of Skyping I was sending stories to her. She then rewrote and formed it. Maggie Kinloch came on board as the director. She is an exceptionally talented director but also just retired from the Royal Conservatoire here in Glasgow as their director. So - the top people- what a team we had! We did read throughs with Lynn in LA and Maggie and I in a studio in Glasgow. A truly international project! It was not an easy process for me.  I had to learn so many words in a short space of time. I had to learn to be ‘still’ - for those that know me will know that this a was nigh on impossible and the antithesis of how I am on stage usually! All of the difficult times coming back to me - sometimes very dark journeys. However with such a strong team I made it to the other side. I was delighted to receive x7 5 star reviews and x8 4 star reviews.

With a tour of Careful just announced, can we expect a career move into theatre on the cards? 

In the past I would have said a firm “No!” Mainly because I could not think of a character that I would be comfortable playing.  However, my director Maggie has already suggested a few and I thought “Mmm, possibly!! “

As an openly gay woman and active LGBT advocate - how important is to you to be out and proud?

I feel duty bound to be visible and vocal where I can. There were no role models around when I was growing up and I feel this was to my detriment. Its very important to be there for others, abso-lutely. 

Have you noticed a change in attitude towards out LGBT people in the media? 

I have seen many changes in my lifetime. To be in our parliament for the equal marriage vote was one of the most moving things I’ve attended in my life . With these changes politically I’ve felt as a consequence that there is a parallel falling away of old attitudes to our community in media. By the same token I think it does not pay to be complacent where the media are concerned. Transgender people in particular are likely to be hit on in terms of being the latest ‘freaks’ and sought out to flesh out some salacious story.

What advice would you give to people worried about coming out? 

I never felt like I ‘came out’, I was visually androgynous so people always presumed. I would stand by my message from the play, that to be yourself, in whatever you do or are, makes you a much happier person. Every situation will be different, not every family will get the gay bunting out ... you must have support from somewhere if you feel very under confident about sharing something so personal especially when vulnerable. I am a patron of ‘The Swtchboard” which although is London based it is accessible UK wide. From a bit of reassurance to more major issues please do give them a call.

What does the future hold for Horse? 

As ever, loads coming up for me next year. 

The play is starting to tour March April May. There will be an autobiography out next Autumn. I will tour again with the band as well as a few solo shows. I am writing songs for the next album. 

Hope to see of you at one of these!!

Horse is playing Band On The Wall on Thursday 3rd November. Tickets are available below and listen to an interview from a previous tour, click here.

By Hayley-Jane Sims for Canal St Online

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Published: 27-Oct-2016: (3951)

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