Bio

[link="http://www.marykburke.co.uk"] My Official Website [/link] I come from a small village called Park Co Derry in Northern Ireland and developed my lifelong love of music through being exposed to regular performances at parties and events within the family home and local community. Singing regularly from a young age, by the age of 15 I had learned guitar and keyboards and had played with a showband, a country band and latterly as a solo performer. Seeking to expand my horizons I moved toScotland at the age of 16 to pursue a career in music. . Where have I played? I played at a range of different venues around the country as a solo artist performing mostly Irish and Scottish traditional music (using the stage name Tanya) until 1994 when I joined the established country band Nevada who I performed with for ..4.....years before forming my own band (Tanya and Sneaky Moon) to continue and expand on my love for country music. Due to family commitments and other projects I resumed performing as a solo artist featuring a wide range of music encompassing traditional and contemporary folk and country music. >As well as performing solo and with bands I have also had the good fortune to play support act for top performers including Sean Cannon (The Dubliners), Toni Catlin (nashville)Daniel O`Donnell and Bob Cheevers from Nashville. What else have I done besides music ? Outside of live performances I have been developing a range of skills within the music field including creating the website ,Country Music Scotland which was an online country music magazine serving the needs of the many country fans in Scotland. The site acted as a contact point for artists, promoters and country fans it also allowed me to develop an expertise in the area of promotion and public relations both in representing myself and also acting as an agent for other musicians both local and from America and other parts of the world. . The Neilston Music and Arts Festival In 2005 I founded programmed and directed The Neilston Live Barfest the fringe to a nine day festival of music and Arts in Neilston Village were I am based. I programmed 16 bands to four venues over a nine day period. I also provided the Headline act Bob Cheevers to the main Festival. I opened at The main Festival for Macumba and opened at the Closing concert for Bob Cheevers.. The Festival was very successful and so I repeated it in 2006 again it was very successful. I am working on a format for this year also and need more sponsors.Last year I was sponsered by local business's and musicians and helped by local volanteers. www.myspace.com/neilstonlivebarfest . Recording Projects Due to fulfilling a hectic schedule of performances over the years and meeting my family commitments I have only been involved in recording for the last two years. I Produced a five track EP at Stealth Studios in Glasgow recently and am currently recording my debut album"A song in her heart" which will be a mix of covers and original material of different styles including Celtic ,Jazz,Country and Folk. my debut album is due out this year. I have now formed a band of very high caliber players to take the album on tour when its ready and I have had some interest in my music from abroad. Music Qualifications and experience I gained an HNC in musical performance and promotion last year and have studied Music Law, Music History,music theory,Practical Musicianship,Recording techniques,instrument study,and have a good knowledge and understanding of The Creative industries . I have to do 2 years at University to obtain a Degree in Musical Performance and promotion so I hope one day to do that. I am Dyslexic but this has not stopped me in any of my goals in life and I see my dyslexia as a gift.. I just process information in a different way to non dyslexic people. My musical ability comes from within and I sing very much from my heart and no one can teach you that its just there its a gift which I appreciate very much and want to share with other people . I have learned to trust my own ears and am much better placed at this point in my life to be a successful recording artist. . Influences In Music Too many too type in here but heres a few, Nanci Griffith, Joni Mitchell, Mary Black, Francess Black, Dolorus Keene, John Martynn, Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Norah Jones, John Prine, Emmi Lou Harris, Enya, Shane Mc Gowan , Christy Moore, The poozies, Bob Cheevers, Willie Nelson,The Dixie Chicks,Janis Joplin Tracy Chapman,The Dubliners , Joan Baez Mary Gauthier and many many more