Parliamentary boost for singer
IT’S been at the heart of British politics for centuries and was the stomping ground for Churchill, Blair and many more down the years. However, there’s been a new name on the lips of MPs in the House of Commons: a 14-year-old singing sensation who has topped the charts with her debut single.
Mayah Herlihy’s country balled On My Way has proven a smash hit since being released last month, fighting off country royalty for the number-one spot.
It has also delighted Glasgow East MP David Linden, who sent a letter to the teenager’s Mount Vernon grandparents after reading about her story in the Glasgow Times and playing her song in his parliamentary office.
“It’s crazy to think that it’s actually made it that far that it’s been played in the House of Commons,” Mayah said.
“I would have never expected that. It’s done so well and still at number one and that’s because of all of the support.
“A few MPs have also shared it and played it. I just never imagined that could happen.”
Mayah captured the artwork for the tune’s cover on the steps of Mount Vernon Park, just yards from the Carrick Drive home of grandparents Ronnie and Josephine McKenna.
Written during lockdown, the song was inspired by the teenager’s experience of life in a pandemic and her hopes for the future.
Mayah, who lives in Carfin, Motherwell, with mum Joanne, dad Martin, and siblings Brandon and Bonnie, admits she has been overwhelmed by her success.
“It’s been amazing and really overwhelming to think I have been given so much support,” the Brannock High pupil said, who is also the youngest ever artist of Coatbridge’s Main St Studios.
“It wasn’t the first song I’d written but it was the first one I’d put into a recording studio. It was actually the first time I’d been in a recording studio.”
When asked what the highlight of her month had been, she said: “Getting a letter from Parliament is definitely a highlight.”
Mr Linden said: “I was actually catching up with the Glasgow Times in my office in Parliament when I read about Mayah’s story.
“It had been a pretty tough day at work so I stuck on Spotify to check out Mayah’s music.
“It was absolutely fantastic and what a lift it was during these grim times!”
“I knew that Mayah’s grandparents lived in Mount Vernon in my constituency, so I thought I would drop them a wee note to say how much I enjoyed her music.
“I’m absolutely certain that this won’t be the last we hear of Mayah.”
It is just crazy to think that it’s actually been listened to by so many MPs