Linda Conway is a relatively new artist on the music scene, although she has been writing songs for many years. Her debut release, Strongest of Bonds, is a heartbreaking piano-led tune, based around the loss of her mother when she was very young. You can really feel the emotion in the track – find a full stream at the end of this interview if you haven’t checked it out yet!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song called Strongest Of Bonds. It has quite a poignant message, relating how you sadly lost your mother at a young age. What can you tell us about the track?
My debut single Strongest of Bonds was a very personal song to me. I lost my mother at the age of 12, which was very difficult. Loss and grief are hard to come to terms with, and it stays with you. I crowdfunded to help an artist Daisy Chute and wanted to write about it, and music is the best way to deal with this. This song is what I would love to have a conversation with my mother about and be best friends if only she were here. The release date was the anniversary of her death, and there was no better date to do it. With hard and tragic losses in life, we need to express them and learn how to live with them – we don’t get over loss and I hope this song helps people (even one) and I have this song always as a tribute to my mother who I never really got the chance to know, like I would have loved to.
How has the reception to Strongest Of Bonds been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The reception to this song has been so moving, the first time I sang it live people were so moved by it and expressed the loss of their loved ones, which I love and is all I will ever hope.for this song to do. It will always be out there. It can be purchased on Bandcamp, iTunes and all the digital places.
It’s your debut single! What was the writing and recording process like?
Writing this song was such a moving and emotional process, almost needed, and I cried writing it, singing it and recording it. An artist I know wrote a song with the line, “Grief is love with nowhere to go”, and this is what this song is. It is where the love and emotions have gone. Music is so powerful in this way.
Do you have any more singles planned for release?
I have a new single ready for release early next year called To Be A Woman celebrating womanhood and what that is like -to appreciate and listen to all.our voices. It is also a piano ballad track and I wrote it over 10 years ago. It feels right to release this acoustic version, as it’s simple yet effective. You can go to Linda Conway Music on Facebook for details and links for pre-ordering.
Are there any plans for an EP or album anytime soon?
Plans for an EP are in the works, I need to tweak a few things on it before putting it out there! Watch this space!
Strongest Of Bonds is a piano-led folk song. What/who were you most influenced by when making the track?
Music to me has always been the safest place to be. It is such an amazing medium of communication. I love a stripped back version of any song as you can hear the lyrics and feel the words so much more deeply. The greats for me are Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Sara Barielles, as well as greats to be like Daisy Chute, Jenny Colquitt, Cerianz Harriet Rose and many more who inspire me with their honesty, rawness and simple yet effective with songs recorded in this way. I LOVE IT!
You also have a radio show, titled Voice of a Woman. What can you tell us about the show? How did it come about?
Voice of a Woman has always been in the back of my mind as I wanted to showcase and make up an account of the talent, stories, voices and messages these women are bringing to us each and every day. I dislike saying this as I wish it wasn’t the case, but in some instances women get less support, opportunities, help and respect than males within the industry at times, more for their looks and being a good girl that what they can learn, and I want to present evidence to dispute this as well. I love how many artists have gained the confidence to go off and do things within the music industry as a result. I would love to play more each week so I’m hoping to plan and have more time in 2024.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
Exciting things are being planned, watch this space! I am just back from New York which was one of the most exciting things as I had never been and I saw Jessica Lynn in her Christmas show which was amazing and record breaking for her in her hometown.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I have some thoughts and ideas for shows, so I hope things come to fruition, I cannot give anything more away as yet!!!
Any last words for the fans?
I would like to say to people who listen to my music, thank you for taking the time to listen. It is more appreciated than you will ever know. I am learning as I go, and it is amazing to connect with you all. Get in touch and see you soon.