Redlands, CA- People come to America for several reasons. Some visit for awhile, and then head back to their country, and there are some who choose to stay and begin a new journey in life.
Scottish, singer and songwriter Rebecca Connelly moved to Redlands, California from Scotland five years ago. She decided to stay and make Redlands her home after a divorce.
“It’s been a journey with lots of ups and downs,” Connelly explains. “But it’s all part of what makes you who you are as a person and an artist.”
Connelly’s voice has been described as one that is sweet, pure and echoes through the diverse range of her songs. Connelly has been compared to pop singer Jewel, Natalie Merchant of 10,000 Maniacs and Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan. Connelly received her push to become involved in the music industry in California through the recording of her first album, “Coming Home", which was recorded in a friend’s home studio in Palm Springs.
“I always been into music,” Connelly explains. “I took piano lessons as a kid and was brought up in a very musical household.”
Connelly’s grandfather used to sing and tell stories to the family throughout her childhood. His creativity and singing inspired Connelly. Her mother and sisters also sing. Although Connelly has been around music all of her life, she didn’t fully pursue it until she started seeking different career options. “I’ve never really fitted into the normal 9 to 5 b, and was always brought back into music and writing,” she explains. “So I decided it was what I should and wanted to do. It’s mu passion. It’s like a relationship, you can’t leave it and it never leaves you.”
After the release of her first album, Connelly sold dozens of copies of her album during her shows, which was well received by fans and critics. She was then invited to play a live acoustic set on the local KCLB radio station.
In 2010, Connelly won Best Female artist in the SoCal Live Music Competition with her song ‘Hollywood’. This was her first big win within the America music scene. Since then she has gathered an ensemble of musicians and production staff that enhance both the elegiac clarity of her voice and the powerful thought imagery that defines her song-writing gift. In 2012, Connelly went on tour with her band, ‘Dolalay’. They toured in the United Kingdom (UK).
“Last year I went on tour with my band in the UK,” Connelly said. “It was fantastic. We were asked to perform at the rock-n-roll marathon in Edinburgh which was awesome.”
Dolalay recently released an EP before the tour, which also received radio play in the U.K. Connelly also received the chance to perform for Harrison Ford last year at the AOPA aviation summit. “That was really cool,” she said.
Currently Connelly is working on her second album which will be released by the end of this year. She is also planning a tour in Canada for 2014, as well as a few smaller tours around the States and U.K. As she continues to progress in her career, she would love to get signed by a major record label.
“I’m working on getting my music into television and film,” Connelly explains. “I’m also writing for other artists. I don’t have any expectations and try not to get carried away. As long as I can keep making, recording and performing music I feel like I will be successful. I’m just seeing where life takes me and enjoying the ride.”
For more information and to keep updated with what Connelly and her group are doing please visit www.Dolalaymusic.com.
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