INTERVIEW
HAYLEY SANDERSON… JUST SONGS As the glitter dust settles on another series of Strictly Come Dancing, Peterborough girl Hayley Sanderson, singer with the show’s live band, gets ready for a busy year ahead. She’s just released an album of her own and is preparing to go back on the road as the Strictly tour begins once again. As Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan waltzed off with that famous glitterball trophy, singer Hayley Sanderson once again had the best seat in the house looking on from the bandstand. If you’ve been glued to the dance show and marvelled not only at the couples’ efforts on the dance floor but the fabulous versions of the songs sung live by the band you’ll know that Hayley is a seriously talented young lady. It might come as no surprise then that she’s been recording songs since she was twelve and been in various girl bands as well as performing at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scott’s in London. Now she’s hoping her new album of covers, Just Songs, will get her noticed as an artist in her own right, not just as one of the Strictly band. “I love Strictly but it’s nice to step centre stage with things I’m doing,” Hayley told ESP. “With this project I want to be front of house because I love it. It’s not about fame it’s about the music and I want people to remember some of these artists because they were so good. I’m really about the songs, the melody and the chords, not ‘show-off’ singing – it’s about the detail. Whatever I come out with it’s going to be honest.”
feature @espmag.co.uk
Hayley’s album is a collection of classic songs performed with the simplest of arrangements. It includes many of her favourites and demonstrates her stunning voice and broad taste. Covering songs without turning it into karaoke is always tricky and much care (and respect) has gone into the interpretations. As a massive Bowie fan herself, Life On Mars was a particular challenge for Hayley, especially as it was the first time Rick Wakeman had recorded it with another singer since playing on the original Hunky Dory sessions in 1971. Soon though, Hayley will be back on the road with the live shows again and admits the Strictly tours have brought her closer to the team. “I’ve really got to know everyone more it’s more like a family. I’ve got much more emotionally involved. “It’s a bit like being at school, there are so many people involved and such a massive cast. I’m always really excited to turn up. Blackpool was like a big school trip!” Strictly is one of very few shows to have a live band but this job is extra difficult as the dancer’s performances ride on Hayley and the team’s performance. “You have to keep strictly to the record, if you change anything you can really throw them off – even the cameras. “I’ve been very lucky to have songs like Eva Cassidy but I’m no good at the pop –when it comes to things like Kelly Clarkson I’m awful at those! With modern songs you can’t really recreate them as they have so much production.”
JANUARY
Hayley grew up training with Peterborough choreographer Mel Carmassi and Michael Cross and the late Derek Killeen from The Key so she’s used to strong characters who insist on getting the very best out of performers and retains that work ethos. “If I’d never been to The Key none of this would’ve happened,” she says “it was central to what I did. Michael Cross has been brilliant – when anything’s gone wrong he’s always been so supportive. It’s really where my heart is.” And for the future, what is she hoping for in 2010? “I’ll be happy if it carries on like last year. I’ll keep writing and release another album and do more gigs.” Available for private bookings and functions
1st 2nd 7th 8th 9th 14th 15th 16th 18th 21st 22nd 23rd 28th 29th 30th
Available (for gig please call 07775 841239) Blues After Midnight James Edmonds The Throwaways Richard Hall Band Karaoke Open Mic Lloyd Watson Quiz Night Callum Lavender Taking Care of Business The Mambo Boys & Monique Karaoke East Coast Filthy Lucre (Sex Pistols tribute)
www.hayleysanderson.com
83-85 Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6JQ Tel: 07775 841239 Email: thecellarbar2009@hotmail.co.uk