Fast Five: Kelly Oliver

When did you begin making music, and did you ever ponder a different career?

I’ve been making music since I was quite young, mainly writing lyrics and melodies, but my lyrics from when I was 8 years old were understandably not the most insightful! I started playing the guitar at the age of 15 and have been writing music properly since then. I do have other aspirations that I would pursue if I felt that I wasn’t achieving what I set out to, and as a budding musician I’ve always thought it would be wise for me to imagine a different career, mainly for my own sanity!

How would you describe your music?

My main influences for my original songs come from acoustic music and traditional Irish folk music, so I’d say the genre would be acoustic folk. I compose in both major and minor keys, so there are songs for different occasions and emotions hopefully. I use the harmonica as an extra accompaniment which works really nicely with the guitar and just adds another element to my music.

What have you been up to so far and what can we expect over the coming months?

I’ve been playing at folk clubs and folk festivals this summer, and I’ve been working to promote my music online. I’m currently recording my first EP which will hopefully be ready for release before Christmas, and then I’ll be promoting the EP at various gigs booked for next year.

If you could duet with anybody who would it be and why?

I think Dolly Parton, just because she’d be so much fun to sing on stage with! I’ve also covered the Bob Dylan song Boots of Spanish Leather, and I’d love to sing that properly as a duet with a male voice like Johnny Flynn’s.

What’s your desert island disc and why would you take this one album?

It would be Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Pill. It’s a brilliant album the whole way through, and I’ve played it so many times that at least I’d be assured it wouldn’t start skipping on me while I was out there.

www.facebook.com/kellyolivermusic