Bray based singer songwriter Kim Hayden releases her debut solo album, The Other Woman next Friday, August 25th.

You may have seen Hayden on The Voice of Ireland back in 2013; since then, she's gone on to collaborate with Paddy Casey on his hit 'Out of Control' in 2015 and now she's set to go it alone with her first solo offering.

'The Other Woman', which was written and recorded in 2016, is out now and she plays Upstairs at Whelan's, Dublin on Sunday, August 27th.

 
What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?

I remember the first two voices that blew me away when I was a child was Elvis & Annie Lennox, and they are still on my playlist when I'm driving around. The first album I listened to on repeat for weeks was Christina Aguilera's 'Stripped'. I also still stick that on once in a while to take me back to those days - and of course, the Backstreet Boys are one of my guilty pleasures. 

When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?

The first time I sang in public I was 10 years old. I made a cardboard ship and sang Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On', thinking I was her. I remember after that I knew I wanted to be on stage and sing - but unfortunately I can't always stand behind a fake Titanic. Maybe one day if I get a big stage production I can. 

In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.

I feel lucky.

How do you wind down after a gig?

I do a lot of traveling to my gigs and on the way home I would turn on some of my favorite songs. By the time I get home then I am ready to hit the pillow with a nice cup of tea made by my mother!

What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?

My favourite song on the album is a song called Trouble. I do wish it was the first song I put out when I first started releasing original material, but I wouldn't have been able to write a song like that then; I didn't have enough experience in music or heartache to get it out. I am happy I have it on my very first album though.

What song of yours are you most proud of?

The song I am most proud of again has to be Trouble - sometimes when I listen to it I can't believe it is mine. I need to go to that place more often when I write. It just doesn't always happen; it depends what emotions are out on the day.

 

What’s your favourite venue to perform in?

I performed in Vicar Street with Paddy Casey a couple of years ago when we released our duet Out Of Control and I will never forget that feeling of having everyone sing our lyrics back to us. That's what it's all about. The sound, the atmosphere and the stage in there is just sensational - I loved it. 

Your best and worst gig so far?

Best gig was a support slot I did in Whelan's for Paddy Casey. It was one of the first times I sang my songs to a large audience - that's the feeling I want for the rest of my career, and that's why I can't wait for the album launch on the 27th of August back in Whelan's again. The songs have been locked away for a year now can't wait to sing them on stage. Worst gig would probably be one of the first gigs I did and I didn't have the experience to know that you have to play to the audience, rather than what you like listening to. I wondered why an older crowd weren't reacting to me singing Britney Spears and Mariah Carey. Experience is everything. 

Whose career do you envy, and why?

Hozier. He is from the same area as me and to see someone from your local area go from playing in small places and work so hard to get where he is today is just so inspirational. He is so talented and deserves every bit of success he gets. He also seems to handling it so well. I can't wait to hear more music from him. 

Give your thoughts on Spotify in three words.
Sad but true. 

You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?

Alanis Morrisette - Jagged Little Pill
Enigma - MCMXC A.D 
Justin Timberlake - Futuresex/Lovesounds 

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.

Christina Aguilera's microphone from her Back 2 Basics tour. 

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.

I don't read books so I can't recommend one, but a record that everyone should hear is Craig Armstrong's 'The Space Between Us'.  Movie? I would say Now & Then. 

You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?

Cheese burger, chips and can of orange. 

You’ve been given €100,000 to spend, but only 1 hour to spend it. What do you buy?

A really nice acoustic guitar and a very fancy VW camper van with loads of goods, so I can runaway and just live in it.

Describe your perfect day off.

A lovely walk in Glendalough, a lovely lunch on the way home and then stay in my comfy clothes and chill for the day with movies and loads of tea.

Tell us why we should listen to your album.

I think if you like hearing an album with a theme from start to finish have a listen - also, just please listen it because it took a long time to make, haha. 

What else do you have planned for 2017?

2017 is all revolving around the albumm but I will hopefully get away on a nice holiday after the launch. 

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Kim Hayden releases 'The Other Woman' on August 25th and plays Upstairs at Whelan's, Dublin on Sunday August 27th.