Linda Lamon Is Shining Brightly

Your new single ‘Venus Shines On’ was released on 11th August 2023 and is out now. What is the inspiration/story behind this track?

The brightest star in our sky is named after the goddess Venus and has inspired so many artists. I wrote the song to celebrate and inform listeners about the planet’s contribution to the universe.

Who did you work with on the track?

The instrumental parts were recorded remotely In Nashville, USA by a guy called Tommy Harden and his team – then I put down the vocals and harmonies in Bath, UK with Josh Clark at Get Real Audio, who also mixed and mastered the track.

Interestingly, you sent the track to Sir Brian May guitarist of the band Queen and Astrophysicist. How did that opportunity arise and had you spoken to him/met him previously?

I met ‘Sir Bri’ in a field in Dorset ten years ago after he asked me to perform one of my own songs (The New Woodland Song) at the planting day with local musicians and choirs. We became friends after that as we both lovers of the natural world, wildlife and the wider universe. I’ve also written songs to support his charity, Save Me.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Stockport. Strawberry Studios. Blossoms, Hollies.

When did you first become interested in Astrology? Was there a particular moment or event that sparked your interest?

I was always fascinated by the night sky as a child but had no opportunity to explore it further, (especially as a girl in the 1950/60’s), then life got in the way. Fast forward sixty years and I met Brian May, who introduced me to STARMUS, an international science/astronomy/arts festival. It blew my mind! I met so many scientists/astrophysicists/astronauts who fast tracked me with our research of the Cosmos and I’ve never looked back. People like Brian Cox, Stephen Hawking, Buzz Aldrin, Brian Eno, etc, etc, really inspired me and I went on to write two songs that opened and closed UNESCO’s flagship event in Paris for the International Day Of Light.

 How do you look after your voice?

I was 70 before I really ‘discovered’ my voice! I’d been working with a soprano (Katerina Mina), who recorded 5 of my songs for an EP. I watched how she warmed her voice and followed her example when I was forced to record my own vocals on my songs for my first album because of lockdown rules. I never attempt a performance, either live or in the studio without first exercising my vocal chords for about 30 minutes. Deep breathing, singing through scales etc if done correctly will last for up to 8 hours. I’m asthmatic, so I also use my inhaler just before a performance and I’ve been known to take a spoonful of honey in the studio. It really makes a difference! I also keep to a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get out in the open air for walks.

Do you have any future EP or album releases scheduled?

I write multi-genre songs so my next release is a country album ABOUT TIME Country, which will be out there around October 2023.

In doing my research, I was interested to read that you are also a photographer. Do you have any interesting photography stories or favourite photos that you have taken?

I was a photo-journalist for over 20 years and continued to take photographs as a hobby, mainly taking snaps of nature. I also became interested in 3D photography and Sir Brian May included two of my pictures from his woodland in his book ‘Stereoscopy Is Good For You,’ which was launched at Proud gallery in London. My favourite is a picture I took of a native bluebell at sunrise.

Do you have any favoured instruments/effects/pedals/recording equipment that you used during your recording sessions.

Although I play acoustic guitar, most of the instrumental tracks on the recordings are performed by other musicians, but I do add some guitar. I also play ukulele and that featured on one song. I also played glockenspiel for another universe themed track Twinkle, Twinkle, We Are One.

Do you have any plans for any live appearances to support your new music releases?

We had a launch party on August 8th at the Spinning Top in Stockport for Venus Shine On, where my band ABOUT TIME performed. 

What makes Linda Lamon happy and what makes you unhappy?

I’m happy being in nature with quiet times to reflect and create. Performing with my band and spending time with friends and family. I’m unhappy about global warming, the loss of habitats and the growing number of satellites in space.

(Photos Supplied By Lisa Davies Promotions)

Linda Lamon’s latest single ‘Venus Shines On’ is out now on Lamon Songs. For more information visit: www.lindalamon.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/lindalamon

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/zeplammy/ 

Bandcamp – www.lindalamon.bandcamp.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LindaLamonMusic