Watch: Larne teen’s lockdown songs an online hit

Daisie Conway (19) recorded a cover song from the musical ‘Mama Mia: Here we Go Again’, ‘I’ve Been Waiting for You’, which attracted positive feedback and led her to perform on live stream events including the Celtic Songbirds concert.

This early success has brought her to the attention of audiences in a number of countries including Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Australia and across Europe.

The former Larne Grammar School pupil launched her debut single ‘Tell me I’m Not Dreaming’ a Katherine Jenkins cover in November 2020. It is available to download on Spotify and other streaming services.

Daisie, who is currently studying Law at Queen’s University Belfast, has also recorded a version of ‘Tell Him’ with Voice winner Andrea Begley from Co Tyrone. The song is due to be released soon.

Speaking to the Larne Times, Daisie said: “I have been involved in music my whole life. I was trained on classical and traditional Irish violin and piano and competed in competitions.

“I got heavily involved in music in school and was part of all of the choirs and the orchestra. I’d always been really shy, but that all changed when I played the part of Frenchie at the age of 16 in the school production of ‘Grease’.

“From then onwards, I finally had the confidence to sing on my own and trained as a classical and a music theatre singer with Susan Shepherd and started to focus heavily on my solo singing career.”

Detailing how this year is set to be an important one in the advancement of her musical career, Daisie, who has been a member of the Belfast Operatic Company since last August, added: “I am currently writing my own original music, taking inspiration from everything that has happened in my life.

“I hope to have my first album ready by the end of 2021. I am performing a number of solo live stream concerts with the International Songbirds group, founded by Australia-based Robert Scullen in February and March.

“I am set to perform with Eddi Reader and the Hot House Flowers as part of the Friends Goodwill Festival. I also have academic ambitions to become a human rights barrister after I complete my studies, so who knows what the future holds.”

Daisie, who has seen her star rise over the last year, has offered inspiration to other budding musicians in east Antrim.

She said: “The most important piece of advice I could give anyone wishing to pursue a career in music is that you have to believe in yourself. There will always be people who try to put you down or dislike your music, but if you have self-belief in your own talents and surround yourself with positive people, you will go far.

“I would also say get involved in lots of music groups and spend time with other artists who inspire you. I would highly recommend music lessons as it is a great way to improve the more technical aspects of your musical talent.

“I have been inspired by local artists who have been so supportive and have given me great advice, such as Paul Sexton and Mairead Healy.”

Recording the song with Andrea Begley was one of the highlights of the past year for Daisie. Thanking the Pomeroy star for her support, Daisie said: “It has been lovely getting to know Andrea and working together. We have lots in common as Andrea also studied Law at Queen’s.

“She has been really supportive and is such a down to earth girl. We had great fun recording our lockdown duet and hope to meet up after the lockdown to record another song.”

The east Antrim songstress uploaded her first video in a bid to try and bring a bit of joy to people during the first Covid-19 lockdown. People have reached out to her since to thank her for brightening up their experience of the pandemic.

The award-winning Soprano and violinist added: “I have had some lovely feedback and comments from all around the world and great support from family and friends.

“It has been lovely reading all the comments and an honour to have my voice being compared to Etta James and Katherine Jenkins. But the comment from Angeline King, local Larne author saying that she will associate my voice as a ray of hope during lockdown was really touching.

“That means the world to me because I’m so happy that I was able to make so many people smile because of my music. My original aim was to spread a little bit of positivity during such a terrible time with the pandemic and it’s incredible knowing that I’ve been able to do it.”

For more information about Daisie and her social media channels, check out daisieconwaymusic.co.uk

In October 2018 the Larne Times reported that Angeline King had penned a book on the history of Irish dancing in the region. For more on this story, read here

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