UNISON link for new UK singing sensation Amy Macdonald

by Ryan Mcnamee, North Lanarkshire Branch

Amy, from Bishopbriggs, has recently taken the UK music charts by storm with her debut album 'This is the Life' smashing into the album charts at No 2, the highest new entry that week.

Unfortunately, only Paul Potts stopped Amy from a debut No 1 UK album. The upside was the album went straight in at No 1 in Scotland, where it stayed for six weeks. Scotland obviously has better taste!

Amy's mother Jo is a UNISON steward in North Lanarkshire Council. An accountant for Environmental Services, she has worked in public services for 15 years and been a steward for five.

Asked about her daughter's chart success, Jo said, "I'm proud of Amy because she is a kind, considerate and caring young woman. The same reasons that make all mums proud of their children.

"She had a dream, the opportunity to realise it and has been lucky enough to follow it. She has also remained grounded, even with her recent success, and that's also very heartening to see."

20 year old Amy started singing after asking her grandmother to buy her a Travis album and was influenced by them to learn how to play the guitar. She started writing her own songs and even sneaked into bars in Glasgow aged 15 to play at 'open mic' nights.

Last year, Amy received offers of recording deals from most of the UK's major labels and decided to sign with Vertigo Records, who also have Razorlight and The Killers in their stable.

Her debut full release single 'Mr Rock and Roll' recently entered the UK charts at No 12 and also became Scottish No 1, whilst previous limited release 'Poison Prince' about rock star Pete Docherty gained critical approval.

Her new single 'L.A.' is released on October 15 and is expected to enter the Top 10. So far, she has supported Elton John, Paul Weller, Travis and Paolo Nutini at concerts and has played sets at 'T in The Park', 'King Tuts' and Glastonbury (where UNISON ex NEC member Bill Heeps also played), as well as various TV appearances such as 'This Morning', 'The Friday Night Project', and the 'BT Digital Music Awards'.

She also has a gig at Glasgow's Barrowlands on 14 December, a venue which was the inspiration for her song 'Barrowland Ballroom'.

Amy actually recorded her first demo tapes in a Council run facility. North Lanarkshire operates Petersburn Recording Studio in Airdrie which enables people to record music and gain experience in music production without paying extortionate charges in privately run facilities.

Keep an eye out for Amy, she's here to stay!

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