Karen Cleary - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, music & lyrics. All songs copyrighted to Karen Cleary.
And here's a little bit about the songs:
Each of these songs were recorded in different places, so the sound may differ slightly on each one, but it's all pretty decent! Here's a brief:
1- Awful Down---
This is the one I'm asked for everywhere I go! Very simple song, and apparently a bit catchy.
2- Dead Men Tell No Tales---
This song was inspired by bedtime stories about Pirates told to me when I was a little'un, and further inspired by the Disneyworld ride in Florida (Pirates of the Caribbean), also inspired by a day-trip to Penzance, and lastly by the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie - the song was written just after it's release in the UK. Lots of people tell me my music would be great for use in film, and everyone who hears it thinks this song would have been perfect for use in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which is a very much appreciated compliment and a very lovely thought
3- Train---
This was originally a much faster and louder pop-punk song (from when I used to rock out with 'The Natives') but I toned it down to almost a whisper. Very popular song... Hoping to do a better version of this one sometime. Need to do some more recording generally I think
4- The Hotel---
This song was also inspired by a ride in Florida, namely the Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror (one of my favourites). I'm decidedly pleased with the recording of this song (by Sibby from SAE) as it perfecly captures the mood I was trying to create - that of a once glamorous and sexy era now a ghost of it's former self, combined with dark secrets and a slightly seedy Mexican twist. Sort of spooky and vintage and rough around the edges. Listen to the soundtrack of the film 'Desperado' and you might cotton on to the sort of gritty Mexican feel I was going for here. Thanks to Derek, & Robbie (Great Northwestern Hoboes) for being my session musos on this one, and understanding correctly all my wild gesticulations
5- Inside---
A simple song about those butterflies in your stomach when you see a certain someone you'd like to be a little closer to :-)
Hope you enjoy the songs as much as I enjoyed writing and recording them. More to come soon, hopefully, so watch this space!
Karen Cleary was very lucky to be born into a family of very talented musicians. Both her parents are veterans of the legendary ‘Cavern’ era of 1960s Liverpool - her Mum a bass player, and her Dad a guitarist and multi-musician who played for 28 successful years in the hit comedy/musical group: Candlewick Green.
She grew up in a house bustling with musicians and musical instruments, so started performance training from a very early age in road shows on the local club circuit, and dance and drama schools until her early teens. She also appeared in a couple of musical plays on Merseyside, before starting full-time work for the owners of the world famous Cavern Club & International Beatle Week in Liverpool (where, of course, she ended up jamming around the Cavern Quarter with local music legends and good friends)
Karen started songwriting very early and as a kid was always playing at putting bands together, so when she was finally old enough to put a real band together she threw herself into it heart and soul. The band was Native Instinct (later The Natives) and played regularly at all the popular live venues in Liverpool (the Lomax in Cumblerland Street, The Picket, The Cavern, the 147, etc.). Record companies became interested in the group, but unfortunately at that moment the band broke up, and that road was never taken.
The music of the band had mainly been rock and then later developed into a melodic pop-punk but the acoustic music Karen plays these days was always around even then. After the band broke up Karen was encouraged by all to keep playing, and through local acoustic nights in Liverpool she finally had the chance to play the other songs she'd written which hadn't so far seen the light of day.
At the same time, however, Karen became a full-time self-employed musician as a member of a Corrs tribute, which quickly became one of the UK's top tribute bands. Travelling all over and hardly ever being at home meant that original music ended up being left on the shelf for a while, but the experience gained through working professionally as an entertainer was invaluable - and a lof of fun, besides!
Now, finally, Karen is free to work with her own music, and feels very lucky to have learned so much about being a musician on so many different levels along the way.
When asked, Karen says she's not sure how she'd describe her music, "except maybe to say that it's simple and honest and comes much more from the heart than the head."
So, what next?
Well, it's a 'watch this MySpace' kinda thing!
In response to public demand Karen is hoping to record a lot more, put a CD/EP together, and is back out on Liverpool's vibrant acoustic circuit. She is currently available for acoustic gigs, session vocal work (most styles), extra work, and artistic projects.
Karen can be contacted directly through either the ' send message' button on this page or by emailing karencleary@myspace.com. All positive comments and emails are very welcome! :-)
Thanks very much for stopping by and showing your support - it’s very much appreciated!
Ah, thanks. It's good to get feedback - well positive feed back, at least. It was lovely to see you too. I wasn't feeling terribly well when I arrived - bit of a cold me thinks - but you helped lift my spirits with your great singing and lovely songs. Looking forward to your fb message. See you soon x
Acoustic Live Lounge this Monday (9th November) we've got the beautiful Karen Cleary and Liverpool duo The Lees performing. Acoustic Live Lounge takes place at the Bar 3345 on Parr Street in Liverpool and starts at 8:30pm and also features open mic aswell. Hopefully see you there!
... hi, Karen! thank you so much for friendship, I appreciate it, and.... yes!! I really like your voice, end your sound!..... great vibes on "Inside" !!!!
Hi Karen, Thanks for playing our charity gig tonight. You performed beautifully as ever and contributed to a wonderful and successful night. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
hola karen que bueno que hablas español, yo tambien lo hablo eres latina? yo hablo italiano, español, e ingles , tu puedes habalrme como quieras yo entiendo perfecto los tres idiomas ok? gracias por pasas a mi pagina y si me gusta mucho tu mussica,es mu bella al igual que tu, ESPERO QUE
hola Karen!! muchísimas gracias por pasar a saludar, y muchas felicidades por tu música!! se nota que tienes mucho talento! te deseo todo el éxito del mundo!! espero que podamos seguir en contacto...muchos saludos!!
Thank you for the accepting Karen n'nice to meet you! How about you? Yeah it's an original songs and you have a sweet voice.:) Hope you have a good Thursday and i wish you an awesome continuations! Take care. Momo.<:)
