Alice MC
Interview conducted March 19, 2020
By Dan Locke
London’s Alice McCarthy (21), was born in the UK but raised in the South-West of France by her teacher father and composer mother. This collision of the arts and education in her formative years, opened up a world that would come to heavily influence the young impressionable mind.
What is your up bring?
I was brought up in France by British parents – my dad being British Caribbean
How did you discover music?
I grew up in a very musical family, my mum being a composer which led to me wanting to pursue a career in music.
How were vocal lessons with Dr. Atarah Ben Towim?
My lessons with Atarah built the foundation of all my vocal training and allowed me to have a safe space to build up my stage confidence and other skills
Tell me about performing in front of Humphrey Burton?
I was invited to perform at the Orpheus and Baccus festival in France which is near to where I lived at the time.
Humphrey Burton happened to be staying there the same year I was asked to put on a jazz recital with the incredibly talented pianist Ben Comeau.
It was a very exciting and thrilling opportunity.
Why did you decide to go study Opera at Guildhall School of London?
I think at the time it seemed like a good idea and it allowed me to discover what I really wanted to do which was to write and perform my own music.
Why did you pick your name?
I used to get called MC at school and the name kinda stuck.
Your single “Far from Heaven” tells the story of our experience of growing up. What was the hardest thing about growing up for you?
I think one of the hardest things about growing up is having to figure out who you want to be.
Do you still do Jazz Duos?
Yes, I often play duo with Pete Wilson (guitarist) or Innes Yellowlees (pianist) who arranged ‘Far from Heaven’ with me.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song mean to you?
I would have to say ‘Stormy Weather’ sung by Lena Horne because it’s a song I listened to a lot growing up and brings back a lot of happy memories.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I would love to be touring my own music and collaborating with some of my favourite artists.
You must be logged in to post a comment.