Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
SONGS FROM THE HEART
She’s got a big voice and made a big impression on the nation when she won The X Factor in 2013. Now Sam Bailey is back on home turf in Kent and doing what she does best – singing her heart out, as she tells What’s On
SUPPORTING SAM
Sam will be supported by singer Nikki Loy while on tour, who released her own single, Hold Me Now this month, and her third studio album, Pivotal.
Also supporting Sam at her Dartford gig on Saturday,
April 1, will be up and coming musician Jordan Walker. Jordan, who has previously worked with Busted and Westlife’s Shane Filan, said: “I cannot wait to get on stage. I’ll be singing a mixture of big musical theatre numbers and famous pop songs. This opportunity is a once in a life experience.”
Each date on the tour will raise funds for the Rainbows Children’s Hospice as the chosen charity for the tour.
How do you feel about touring?
Performing live to people who have paid to see me is the most fulfilling part of what I do. I absolutely love performing and all the build-up to being on tour. I’m really looking forward to performing my own material from my new album too.
Your tour gives aspiring local musicians the chance to perform at your show – why did you do that?
I know how it feels to be gigging for little money and chasing a dream. It is so hard to get a break in this industry and I wanted to give back to people who are in the same boat that I used to be in. If I can give even just one person a leg-up into the industry then I will be happy.
How do you prepare before performing on stage?
I like to chill out in my dressing room with a cup of tea – vocal coaches would have a field day with me as you are not supposed to have milk before singing, but I have never found that I have a problem with this. I usually have my hair and make-up done and then just have some time to sit. I always have to Facetime my hubby before I go on stage, if he is not there with me. It’s become a bit of a ritual for me now to get my good luck message from him and it makes me feel good before a show. Facetime is a life saver for me whilst I am on the road as it makes me feel like I am not missing out on time with Craig and the kids.
Who was the first person you ever saw in concert and what was the
first album you bought?
The first album was by Color Me Badd. My first concert was when I was 14 or 15 – I went to the Capital Road Show at Crystal Palace Park, Take That and a group called Bad Boys Inc performed. It was amazing!
Tell us about your new album Sing My Heart Out
After the success of my first album, I knew that I wanted to release more music. This time has been so different for me because it contains my own material. I have been songwriting since I was a teenager and it’s always been an ambition of mine to release original music.
Which song is your personal favourite?
At the minute my favourite is No Tomorrow. It is such a beautiful love song and is exactly how I feel about my wonderful husband Craig, who I wouldn’t be able to pursue this career without. Even my children love this song and whenever I hear it I always imagine couples using this as their first dance at their wedding.
Do you have any goals – professionally or personally – still to achieve?
I loved starring as Mama Morton in Chicago and this is definitely something I want to do more of. I’m a huge musical fan and have seen Les Mis about 10 times so it would be a dream come true to be in that. I’m keen to do more acting and presenting – but I will never ever stop singing my heart out!
BEFORE THE X FACTOR
With her powerhouse vocals and close-knit family, Sam Bailey stole the nation’s hearts when she won the 10th series of ITV’S The X Factor in 2013.
A former North West Kent College student, she worked as a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree as well as performing on cruise ships before winning the show under mentor Sharon Osbourne, receiving more than a million votes. She has released two albums and last year toured with Chicago the Musical as Mamma Morton alongside John Partridge and Hayley Tamaddon, which also came to the Orchard Theatre in Dartford and the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.