Vanessa Murray

I'm very excited to introduce to you an incredibly talented singer/songwriter from Liverpool: Vanessa Murray.

Vanessa released her debut E.P. "It's About Time" on iTunes 7th November 2015 and she received many positive reviews (Including Sandie Shaw who praised Vanessa’s musicality as ‘Astonishing’, Paul Carrack who described Vanessa as a “Great New Artist” and Jo Dipple Cwho described Vanessa’s songwriting ability as “Incredible”).

This talented young singer is often described as "a small girl with a big voice", she's a very talented woman. Just listen to any song she sings, she is literally a powerhouse of emotions.
An absolutely awesome artist!

Another beautiful song "Tell Me Something" written & produced by Joung Hee Chai and performed by Vanessa Murray (Vocal) & Audun Laading (Bass) here on Soundcloud.

The Vanessa Murray's channel and her complete last live show on the bottom of this page.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Vanessa.



Let’s start at the beginning, where did you grow up, are you originally from Liverpool?

I was born in Liverpool and have lived here ever since. I do however get asked if I am from spanish descent because of my olive skin tone haha!


What started your love for music, and how old were you?

I remember watching a lot of the music channels on TV when I was younger. The band BUSTED in particular caught my attention because they played guitar and I thought they looked really cool haha. I was inspired to pick up guitar from then and have been playing since I was 11 years old.


How did you figure out you can sing and do you remember the first song ever sung?

I always sang along to songs when I was younger. I joined the school choir and that was my first opportunity to perform in front of an audience. But the first song I ever sang by myself in front of an audience was ‘A Thousand Miles’ by Vanessa Carlton. It was for a school competition and my performance was chosen to win the competition.


Is what you studied music or did you learn on your own?

I learned a lot of chords from watching my musical friends around me, but I have also picked up other things by myself. I think the internet has played a big role in recent years with the amount of tutorials on YouTube.


Who were some of your singing influences growing up?

When I first started writing songs I was really into rock bands such as Paramore. So I would stylistically sing with an american twang. I think this was because at that point I hadn’t found my own voice but I have definitely found it now.


How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you perform?

I would describe my music as catchy acoustic pop


How would you define your approach toward music?

I think my approach is quite relaxed. I know some music theory but I tend to write and compose music by using my ear and really listening to what I think sounds nice. I’ve been experimenting on different instruments when it comes to songwriting which has helped with the creative side.


What was your first recording?

My first recording was a song I wrote with a couple of friends from school. We were 11/12 years old and it was our first attempt at writing a song. It was called ‘It Ain’t Cool To Be A Bully’. I was singing the song and playing rhythm guitar on the song. I couldn’t play the guitar very well at that point so it wasn’t very good. It’s quite funny to listen back to though!


You released your first E.P. " It's About Time" the 7th November 2015. Have you written all the songs for this album?

That’s right! Yes I wrote all of the songs for the EP. The collection of songs were written over the past 4 years (since I first starting my solo project).


Are your songs mostly fictional or autobiographical? Where do you get inspiration from for your lyrics?

My songs are mostly autobiographical although some songs have been inspired by another persons life events.

There are many reasons why I write the way I do. Firstly, I believe that an audience can connect with the songs more if they have a personal approach. Also it really helps to write down your thoughts and emotions and then turn it into a song. It’s therapeutic in a way.


Will you release an album? Can you tell us a little more?

I would love to eventually release an album! I’m working on my songwriting and I'm constantly building my repertoire. I’m definitely not going to leave it 4 years until I release something else!


What do you think of this blog and have you discovered some singers?

I really like the blog, there’s a variety of artists and some really great questions asked. I really loved Ray Gibsons video. She has a beautiful voice! I also see that you interviewed Billy The Kid, I supported her at her Liverpool show back in 2013.


How long are you wearing glasses?

I have been wearing glasses since I was 11 years old


Is this appearance is important to you? Do you really need glasses?

When I was younger I only really needed glasses for watching TV and going on the computer but I continued to wear them so now I wear them permanently. I quite like having the option to wear glasses or contact lenses. I think the glasses give off a more distinctive look.


Is that you have a web site to disseminate your music?

I have a website because it looks professional and I can edit it how I like. It’s also easier for an audience to contact if they don’t have social media accounts such as Twitter and Facebook. I do need to update it more often though!

Website: Vanessa Murray
Facebook: Vanessa Murray
Twitter : @vanessamurray95
Soundcloud: Vanessa Murray


What artists do you like listening to?

I will always love Sara Bareilles but quite recently I have found a love for the duo Oh Wonder. They have such a great style and really catchy songs.


Are there any artists you have, or are planning to collaborate with?

Yes! I’ve written a single with collaboration group Operation Lightfoot which is available on iTunes. I’ve also recently collaborated with Ross 248 on an electronic pop song called Tell Me Something which can be heard on SoundCloud.


If you could collaborate with one singer, who would you choose and why?

It would have to be Sara Bareilles because she is my favourite artist lyrically and stylistically. I don’t think there is a song of hers that I don’t like. Sara writes from the heart and isn’t afraid of being honest in her lyrics. I really admire that.


What are the challenges you face today getting your music out?

The internet is a great place to promote your music across the world but it’s also becoming increasingly difficult to be seen because of the sheer volume of musicians. I think it’s sometimes difficult to find your market and target them specifically. As a musician you also need to be a jack of all trades, so as well as writing and performing, you need to manage yourself, edit photo’s and videos, update and be active on social media. Sometimes I find it distracting from creating music.


Are there any plans for a tour?

At the moment I’m focussing a lot on my final year at university. I’m studying music at LIPA. In the spare time that I have, I hope to start gigging outside of Liverpool to keep building my profile and help promote the EP.


What are your goals/dreams in life?

My ultimate dream is to travel the world playing my music and to know that my music is relatable and has inspired someone.


What's next for you?

I’m going to be working on a single next year. I have one in mind as I’ve received a lot of positive feedback with that song recently.