Shirin profile picture

Shirin

I am a folk/rock singer/songwriter

About Me

Check my music page out - myspace.com/shirinmusic
I graduated with an MSc in Human Molecular Genetics in 1998. Later I left science to become a musician, and joined the British Academy of New Music in 2003. I has a Yamaha flat top acoustic guitar. In my first year there I was taught by Martin Rossiter from the early 90s Indie band Gene. I'm good buddies with Katie Skilling, another up and coming folk-rock artist who was also at the college last year cos we share similar music taste and have a lot in common with our interests and outlook on life! I have mingled and networked with artists such as Claire Grogan (Altered Images) and A-List producer Steven Lironi (Bon Jovi and Space) when I went to one of Katie’s gigs at the Cobden Club. Early last year I met her current singing partner Karina, from Southend, Essex, who sings harmonies for me. Karina is also into Indie and Goth music and likes The Smiths, Franz Ferdinand, Sisters of Mercy, and many more! I have been performing gigs internally at college and at other venues. My set is like a mini-hippy festival and it always gets the crowd clapping along – a pile of wood planks at the back of the stage nearly fell on someone due to the vibrations! Layout made by kelsey1203 at CreateBlog.com .

My Interests

Going to gigs, eating out, cafes, and just exploring new parts of London all the time! Nothing like a quiet walk around Hampstead Heath which can clear the mind - great for songwriting! There is this really cool cafe in Islington where I live, I go there and hang out with friends, or on my own when I want to write songs. You see, they play great music in there - their playlist has all the latest Indie songs and cool obscure bands I can learn about - you should check out "The Concretes" which they played in there once, I bought their album. The music is loud enough to give a bohemian atmosphere but quiet enough to just feel a groove to put me in the mood to write songs. I also love cooking, I always try out new things. I made some lovely chocolate mouse laced with the cherry liquer I brought back from Portugal. Any PMT can be cured with this!

I'd like to meet:

Other musicians and people into my music taste and just like minded fun loving people!

Music:

The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Siouxsie, Danielle Dax, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Joni Mitchell, Jesus & Mary Chain, Gary Numan, early 80s alternative is what I grew up on!

Movies:

I love ghost and vampire stories so I love all the old Hammer Horror movies. I also enjoy comedy films - we all need a laugh to release the stress of this earth! And we need fantasy for an escapism!

Television:

I don't watch much TV cos I spend much more time listening to music and playing my guitar when I'm at home. I only watch it when something special is on, like a rock n' roll documentary, a film, or whatever interests me.

Books:

I read horror or ghost stories, and fantasy like I read this book all about fairies - it's amazing cos it talks about all types of fairies from lepracauns to mermaids, even giants! Great inspiration for songwriting! I've never been able to read Lord of the Rings as I have not got round to reading a book that big! I just watched the film instead! One day I will get round to it!

Heroes:

God, where do I begin? I don't have heros as such cos I don't kiss arses! I do love lots of bands and admire all the bands I've mentioned. The only time I am really in awe of someone is when I am in love with them. Do you know, I used to be in love with Marc Bolan from T.Rex so I wrote a song about him called Hackney Boy - where I fantasised that I was going on a date with him. I admire anyone who plays the guitar really well and think gosh, I wish I was that good! There is an unsigned band called Puggy Band, they are an amazing acoustic rock band and the lead singer in that band is the best guitar player ever, and he is good looking!