Originally from Bradford, UK, actress, singer and songwriter Heather Peace got her start performing for friends in bars. While pursuing her dreams of being a musician she steadily began to build a fan base. But the Lip Service star put her music career on hold while she earned a degree in drama from Manchester Metropolitan University. She went on to land parts on series including Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Holby City.
Following what Peace has described as a bad breakup, the unapologetically out performer was inspired to write new songs and to start doing gigs again. Peace released her first full-length album Fairytales in May of 2012. From acting in the popular lesbian-themed BBC series Lip Service to touring Australia, Peace has been keeping herself busy. Her debut album made it to No.7 in the Independent music charts, and has a dedicated following. Recently back from a sell out tour down under, Peace is due to start her UK tour very soon.
Peace’s single, “Fight For” will be released on March 11. And the video, done on a budget, shows her fans and friends all sharing various messages of inspiration and hope. An artist who is clearly grateful for her fans and continued support, Peace stands out from the crowd.
SheWired grabbed some time with Peace to ask about her inspiration for Fairytales, and whether or not a US tour is in the works.
SheWired: Your love for music seems to have stemmed from time you spent in church. Are you religious now, or was it just something you did as a child?
Heather Peace:I'm not religious now at all. I find the whole Catholic Mass quite theatrical if I'm honest. The Catholic church just constantly upsets and offends me with its views on everything from female priests to Equal Marriage. There is nothing about it I can relate to anymore and that's sad seeing as it was a massive part of 19 years of my life and still a small part for a long while after that.
I am quite spiritual though. Probably searching for what I think is the truth. I'm not an Atheist but I am, boringly so, Agnostic. I think that translates as "haven't got a clue what's out there!”
Has church music influenced your music style?
No, not at all. It was where I met the lady who taught me classical piano for ten years for free though. So it that sense it's had a massive influence. It was also where I first learnt to sing solo in front of the congregation.
Who were your first musical inspirations?
Michael Jackson. Loving his music led me to The Jacksons, Jackson 5, Motown and then jazz.
Are there any current artists out that you listen to?
Not massively. I like what I like. I've been listening to a lot of classical music recently, I find it very calming.
My favourite duo of all time are "Tuck & Patti.” Check them out if you've never heard them. I've also been revisiting old stuff on my iPod, especially Stevie Wonder.
more on next page...
\\\
(continued)
Are you aware that you have a pretty big American fan base out there?
I don't know really. How do you measure something like that? I know Lip Service was watched by American viewers, and there are a few lovely folks from the US who tweet me, but I have no idea how big or small the fan base is?
Do you have any plans to tour America?
No. Not as of yet. It's too risky. We are completely independent. Everyone goes to America, so I think the choice you have out there is massive. We'd have to know we could sell shows. Of course, if there was a demand, I’d love to come over. If there are any tour promoters who want to make it happen, give us a call.
If you could work with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder.
Your album is titled Fairytales. What inspired the music and lyrics on it?
The album is a diary of events during a very difficult period of my life when I was in a bad relationship and unable to get work. Let's just say I was in a very deep, dark funk!
Do you believe in actual Fairytales?
Not at all. It's just rubbish we shouldn't be fed as children. There is no "happily ever after”... That's what the title track is about. Life and relationships are ongoing and ever-developing and changing. If there was "happily ever after" then we'd just have to stop and freeze frame. Life constantly moves. We have periods of bliss and periods of heartbreak. Periods of ease and periods that are difficult. There is no "The End" -- until we are dead!!
What is next for you?
I am just going to continue the way I am right now. Writing, performing and acting. I have had difficult periods of very little work so when the work is there then that's what I will continue to do. I'm blessed to love the job I have. I'm blessed to have the opportunities that have come my way this last few years. Who knows, maybe things will work out and we will end up in the US sooner than I thought!
Like SheWired on Facebook.
Follow SheWired on Twitter.
