A native of Loughrea, and now living in Roscahill., Co. Galway Linda Welby has a very defined vision of where she is going and what is important to her in life.

As a composer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and singer, Music has always been at the forefront for Linda.

“ I love music and have a great interest in people with stories to tell of the older days of singing and music. I was brought up in a very musical house where local musicians would gather for song and dance sessions on a very regular basis. I love all the fleadhs and festivals and mixing with fellow musicians. I have been involved in bands since I was twelve years of age.”

Linda’s grandfather Paddy Doorhy played with the first Ballinakill ceile band and was known throughout Ireland having won many musical awards. Linda’s Dad also played drums with accordion player Joe Burke for many years. Linda says, “Dad is totally my inspiration and hero”.

Linda’s career is driven by her passion for adventurous meaningful compositions and in pursuing this passion her musicianship and mastery of arrangement are broadly appreciated in the music industry. Linda has always kept her head and her heart despite her consistent rise and has no need for elaborate vocal embellishments to get her message across. Linda’s cool, clear, soulful voice has always worn its emotions in the open.  Her goal is to continually offer something new and different. “I don't know whether you would call it ambition, but I certainly have a strong determination to succeed”.

Linda for many years has had the uncanny ability of being able to very successfully manage raising a family, coordinating several work projects as well as dedicating time to continued education.  Linda’s pure interest in people is clearly evident in her very approachable and friendly manner. She volunteers on a regular basis in old folks homes and her music and songs bring joy to many people. “I sing because I love it and I do feel that any success that I have had has not changed me as a person. I like to keep things as normal as possible in my life because that is just the way I am. I am very lucky to be able to enjoy family life and to be also a part of a local community”.

Who are your musical inspirations?

“ My favourite singers, I have quite a few. I like all types of music including sean nos, traditional and continental music with Pat Boone and Glen Millar having a particular 1950’s influence on my style. My songs tell a story of real people in real times, stories that are true for a lot of people not just me, I believe that is why people of all ages connect with them”

Many of the songs in this new collection are earnest ballads.

“The song Mother is a dedication to my mum similar to Dear Dad some years back. Both are dedicated to my parents as I cannot express in words how proud I am of both of them as they did so much for us all”.

“The Galway Fiddler is an interesting song as for me it represents the real talent that can be found on the side of the street that isn’t always showcased in the music industry”.

“My Love for You: This song originally began as a poem I wrote when I was fourteen or fifteen”.

“Ticking of the clock:
Asks the question if you had the chance to turn back the clock, would you”?

What does the future hold for Linda Welby?

“I have a lot of goals in the music business. I have written a lot of songs, songs that are sentimental to me, some of which I have recorded and released on my new CD……..( name ) I am currently promoting my new CD which is a really exciting for me. I am very pleased with the outcome as the songs chosen for the CD are particular favorites of mine. Later in the year I will release a new album, songs recorded by one of my favorite artists. We have local as well as national events currently lined up so all in all this is going to be a very exciting year for me. This is my wish, this is what I always wanted to do, my absolute dream come true. What the future holds for me I do not know, right now I intend to enjoy every moment of the wonderful opportunities that are starting to come my way. It is a great surprise of this stage of my career to be branching out in new directions. A sincere thank you to everyone who makes it possible for me to live this dream and I hope our paths will cross along the way.”

They say that when you are doing a job that you love you never work a day in you life. Well this certainly seems to be the case with Linda Welby

GALWAY NOW MAGAZINE APRIL 2008