The rural Brendon Hills in Somerset, seems an unlikely place to find a young singer/songwriter of such distinction as Lyra Brae.
Her ever developing tone is regularly likened to Kate Bush but her style comes from a different place. Inspired as a young girl by such greats as Aretha Franklin, Carol King, Jonny Lang, Al Green and Joss Stone, Lyra started writing her own songs.

Recognising her talent as an eight year old, her Parents put Lyra into classical piano, dance classes & Acting; Studying at ITV workshop in Bristol and playing many venues in London as a young singer/songwriter, Lyra was coached at ‘Mama Stones Academy’ in Exeter by Wendy & Jonathan Joseph, ‘The Voice’s’ Adam Isaac.

Lyra recorded her first self-written album under a different name aged 14. Many of her works being featured on BBC introducing Bristol/Devon & BBC Radio Somerset. She went on to write and record with songwriter Gavin Thorpe and engineer Ali Staton. Lyra performed on ‘Party Wright around the world’ with Mark Wright on ITV.

In 2013 Lyra met guitarist Julian Hutson-Saxby (Nina Hagen Band, TM Stevens, SAHB, and Ted McKenna) and started writing and recording demo material towards what is now Lyra Brae. In 2015 after recording with producer ‘Mark Tucker’ she released her debut single ‘Black’. She went on to tour the UK supporting Ben Montague, Emma Stevens & Emmy J Mac.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

I am new to releasing music and although I have tracks up on Soundcloud/YouTube, I have only put out 1 single “Black” of which I have sent many Fans that have been supportive a free MP3. I think it’s nice to credit the people who support you daily online and share your music and videos. I think in anything it’s about a balance, and I suppose the more music we release the better balance I will get between charging for a song and giving free downloads.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

The advice that I think I would give, it that you have to have a budget, and if its something you really want you have to treat it like a business with the same discipline. Make sure you find a good PR company that can offer you good prices on campaigns, to help book you shows and help with radio play. Also although you need a team around you (and this has all been very recent for us) you have to drive it yourself and don’t be scared to chase people to listen to your music.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

When I’m feeling down inspiration seems to hit for some reason! I write in many different ways, sometimes Ill sit at the piano and a ballad will just fall out of me in the space of half an hour, or sometimes myself and Julian my Co-Writer/Guitarist will jam in our music room grooves and riffs and come up with a rough idea, then lay it out on logic and Ill adlib vocal lines over the track to create a melody. Another way we write is a way I like the most, in the kitchen with a glass of red, chocolate and Julian jamming on the guitar, Ill go “Play that again! That was a great riff” and ill sing what he just played. Then we start creating a song around it, normally it falls out of us very quickly; I think we are a good writing team and work very well together.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Yes I do! Its www.lyrabrae.com and I also have many social media sites to share my music on, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud etc.! And also a new Blog on Tumblr!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

That’s a hard one. I am a right country girl and would probably buy a bigger farm and a pig, a nice big grand Piano and sit in my pajamas writing music all day and surrounding myself with loads of creatures!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

What is working best for me atm is using social media, Mainly Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud and connecting with people daily online. I have done many musical projects in the past where I have been distant from the audience I am trying to gain, and I’ve learnt by being more involved and letting people get to know the real “Bonkers” me, that people are showing more and more interest in my music and avidly supporting me daily. Also Radio Play and Blogs are brilliant for getting your name out there!!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

I am currenty recording my new single “Sail away with me” which I am so so excited about, and can’t wait to show my friends and fans! I am also looking to record an EP/Album, which I would like to aim for it to be out by the end of the Summer/Early Winter this year!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I would probably be a writer, or a job that involves caring for animals.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Its really hard because “normal life” can always get in the way, I am just trying to be as disciplined as possible! It can be a hard task sometime but you have to be very committed and keep at it. Everything has to come second to the music. Everything.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

New music, new videos and new everything really! I am getting a band around this project now and hoping to be performing live with them in the not to near future at gigs and festivals around the UK. I am also looking forward to releasing an EP and promoting it! Oh and my new single “Sail away with me” which I will be giving a release date for shortly!