Their hopes, dreams and aspirations ....
Sephira
Interview with Ruth & Joyce O'Leary
BY L.SHANNON
May 7th 2010
BY L.SHANNON
May 7th 2010
L Shannon: Well, good evening girls and thank you both so much for agreeing to take part in the "Interview With The Stars"! You know, I was reading your profiles and I am very impressed that you both started learning the violin at such a young age; two and a half! That’s quite young! Yehudi Menuhin, the great American born violinist (born to Belarusian parents) began his love affair with the iconic stringed instrument at the tender age of 4. Just wondering, can you remember what your favourite piece of music was; that you liked to perform when you were children?
Sephira ~ Joyce: Minuet by Bach
Sephira ~ Ruth: Vivaldi Concerto in A minor
L Shannon: One of my favourite violinists that I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago at the National Concert Hall here in Dublin; was the American violinist, Joshua Bell. His wonderful playing was heard throughout the movie "The Red Violin". Is that something that you would both like to be involved with at some stage in your career? Have you composed music for any directors involved in the Irish or international movie industry?
Sephira ~ Joyce&Ruth: We've written music for short films in the past and it's something we're really interested in getting more involved with in the near future.
L Shannon: That’s very good to know. We definitely do need more Irish composers to be more involved in that industry. You know, I think talent shows such as Britain's Got Talent and the X Factor are a great way to unearth some of the most amazing talent, and I believe the same can be said of Myspace; what is your opinion about that? Has Myspace opened more doors for you so that a lot more people can enjoy the experience of one of your concerts?
Sephira ~ Joyce: Times are changing very quickly within the music industry. Yes, there was a time where Myspace was THE place people found up and coming artists but now it seems to be Facebook. People love interacting with the artists. So that's what's working for us now!
Sephira ~ Ruth: I think that shows such as X Factor are either the make or break of talent. It can be the most amazing break an artist ever got but it can also ruin a career unfortunately. As for Myspace, it is a great way to get music out there although it's a lot quieter recently. As Joyce said, a lot seems to be happening with Facebook these days.
L Shannon: Yes, I agree with you Ruth! Facebook definitely generates a great community spirit and does seem to be leaving Myspace dawdling behind them! So, could I assume that you have both totally enjoyed your time touring with Celtic Thunder? Ireland needs more of these shows and artists; especially since the success of Riverdance and Celtic Woman which have taken the European stages by storm. You both must have had the most amazing time embracing the wonderful talents that surrounded you during this time and over the last few years. Let me say, your latest album is wonderful; I love the vocals and arrangements. Do you have plans for a third album and have you chosen a theme for it yet and will you incorporate that theme into your next concerts?
Sephira ~ Joyce: It's been fantastic touring across the US and Canada. We feel so lucky to have performed in amazing venues such as Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon Theatre in NYC. In between tours we've recorded some potential album no.3 tracks in the UK. Next, to be recorded, are our latest songs. So exciting times ahead!
Sephira ~ Ruth: Yes, we're working on our third album as we speak. We're going to be trying it out live during the summer....we haven't really chosen a theme yet but the new material is some of our best yet if we may say so ourselves!
L Shannon: That’s a very good idea to do that. A live audience can be your greatest critics and especially if they have the chance to meet you after the show; generally they offer the artist their feedback. It’s a brilliant opportunity as you say; for both sides to interact. Finally, we're nearly half-way through 2010, time goes by very quickly doesn't it, how will you spend your summer and where can we expect to see you in concert?
Sephira ~ Joyce: In June we're heading to Canada to perform with Celtic Thunder for a few dates. We're then heading to NYC for 5 weeks to suss the city out! Our manager is based there so we'll be spending time in meetings with agents, going to gigs, writing, writing, writing! Really looking forward to it.
Sephira ~ Ruth: We're also looking forward to testing out the social scene in New York...not to mention the shopping!!
L Shannon: Oh good for you! A little retail therapy is always advised! New York is a shopping mecca and there are a great variety of Broadway shows. You’ll both have a brilliant time! So, girls, I'd like to thank you both for taking the time out answer a few questions and I wish you both "Sephira" great success and all the very best for the future. You inspire a wonderful generation of young Irish musicians.
Sephira ~ Joyce: Thank you Lesley. For those of you wanting to find out more about us, check us out on www.myspace.com/sephira, www.sephira.ie, or just find us under "Sephira" on Facebook!
Sephira ~ Ruth: And don't forget about www.youtube.com/sephiratv !! Thanks a million Lesley.
L Shannon: You have both been a pleasure to get to know and I look forward to coming along to one of your concerts in the near future. Have a great summer! So, there you have, a fascinating insight into a wonderful young Irish duo, Sephira, check out their dates and start pencilling in your diaries! Irish artists all over the world are incredible ambassadors for our country and I look forward to more Interview With The Stars!
Sephira ~ Joyce: Minuet by Bach
Sephira ~ Ruth: Vivaldi Concerto in A minor
L Shannon: One of my favourite violinists that I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago at the National Concert Hall here in Dublin; was the American violinist, Joshua Bell. His wonderful playing was heard throughout the movie "The Red Violin". Is that something that you would both like to be involved with at some stage in your career? Have you composed music for any directors involved in the Irish or international movie industry?
Sephira ~ Joyce&Ruth: We've written music for short films in the past and it's something we're really interested in getting more involved with in the near future.
L Shannon: That’s very good to know. We definitely do need more Irish composers to be more involved in that industry. You know, I think talent shows such as Britain's Got Talent and the X Factor are a great way to unearth some of the most amazing talent, and I believe the same can be said of Myspace; what is your opinion about that? Has Myspace opened more doors for you so that a lot more people can enjoy the experience of one of your concerts?
Sephira ~ Joyce: Times are changing very quickly within the music industry. Yes, there was a time where Myspace was THE place people found up and coming artists but now it seems to be Facebook. People love interacting with the artists. So that's what's working for us now!
Sephira ~ Ruth: I think that shows such as X Factor are either the make or break of talent. It can be the most amazing break an artist ever got but it can also ruin a career unfortunately. As for Myspace, it is a great way to get music out there although it's a lot quieter recently. As Joyce said, a lot seems to be happening with Facebook these days.
L Shannon: Yes, I agree with you Ruth! Facebook definitely generates a great community spirit and does seem to be leaving Myspace dawdling behind them! So, could I assume that you have both totally enjoyed your time touring with Celtic Thunder? Ireland needs more of these shows and artists; especially since the success of Riverdance and Celtic Woman which have taken the European stages by storm. You both must have had the most amazing time embracing the wonderful talents that surrounded you during this time and over the last few years. Let me say, your latest album is wonderful; I love the vocals and arrangements. Do you have plans for a third album and have you chosen a theme for it yet and will you incorporate that theme into your next concerts?
Sephira ~ Joyce: It's been fantastic touring across the US and Canada. We feel so lucky to have performed in amazing venues such as Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon Theatre in NYC. In between tours we've recorded some potential album no.3 tracks in the UK. Next, to be recorded, are our latest songs. So exciting times ahead!
Sephira ~ Ruth: Yes, we're working on our third album as we speak. We're going to be trying it out live during the summer....we haven't really chosen a theme yet but the new material is some of our best yet if we may say so ourselves!
L Shannon: That’s a very good idea to do that. A live audience can be your greatest critics and especially if they have the chance to meet you after the show; generally they offer the artist their feedback. It’s a brilliant opportunity as you say; for both sides to interact. Finally, we're nearly half-way through 2010, time goes by very quickly doesn't it, how will you spend your summer and where can we expect to see you in concert?
Sephira ~ Joyce: In June we're heading to Canada to perform with Celtic Thunder for a few dates. We're then heading to NYC for 5 weeks to suss the city out! Our manager is based there so we'll be spending time in meetings with agents, going to gigs, writing, writing, writing! Really looking forward to it.
Sephira ~ Ruth: We're also looking forward to testing out the social scene in New York...not to mention the shopping!!
L Shannon: Oh good for you! A little retail therapy is always advised! New York is a shopping mecca and there are a great variety of Broadway shows. You’ll both have a brilliant time! So, girls, I'd like to thank you both for taking the time out answer a few questions and I wish you both "Sephira" great success and all the very best for the future. You inspire a wonderful generation of young Irish musicians.
Sephira ~ Joyce: Thank you Lesley. For those of you wanting to find out more about us, check us out on www.myspace.com/sephira, www.sephira.ie, or just find us under "Sephira" on Facebook!
Sephira ~ Ruth: And don't forget about www.youtube.com/sephiratv !! Thanks a million Lesley.
L Shannon: You have both been a pleasure to get to know and I look forward to coming along to one of your concerts in the near future. Have a great summer! So, there you have, a fascinating insight into a wonderful young Irish duo, Sephira, check out their dates and start pencilling in your diaries! Irish artists all over the world are incredible ambassadors for our country and I look forward to more Interview With The Stars!
Candlebridge Fashions Ireland
extends sincere thanks to the artists for their kind permission to appear on this website. Artists featured on this website are personally known to me and I wish them all continued success in everything they do.
L.Shannon
extends sincere thanks to the artists for their kind permission to appear on this website. Artists featured on this website are personally known to me and I wish them all continued success in everything they do.
L.Shannon