Congratulations on your East Coast Music Award nomination for Traditional Solo Artist of the Year. You're fresh back from the East Coast Music Awards in Saint John, NB. How was the experience for you this year? What was the response from the fans/industry on your performances?

This year at the ECMA's was fabulous! This was my first ECMA as a nominee. It felt really nice to be recognized for Primrose and all my work this past year. The response from fans/industry was truly exciting! I had a great set at the Roots Room (a new venue this year) and we had some great meetings with the International Industry representatives.

What is the "Patricia Murray" history? Where were you born? What got you started in music?

I was born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. I grew up both in Summerside and Saint John, New Brunswick. I started singing at church and school and eventually started private singing lessons. I started to learn Celtic/Gaelic sings after working at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada in Summerside.

For someone who is new to your music, how would you describe it?

The songs I sing are story based. I love creating a setting and characters though the music. Many of these songs come from or are based on traditional Celtic/Gaelic culture. I use my voice to portray the emotions that evolve from these stories ­ from grief and loss to passion and love.

Do you have any other musicians in your family? Are your parents musical? Siblings?

Ah well, I don’t see the Murray family making a musical appearance anytime soon, but my family does enjoy music. My grandfather is a fine singer and my sister plays and teaches piano.

What instruments do you play?

I started first on the piano, but I also play guitar and the bodhrán (Celtic drum)

In 1997, you were the first Canadian to win the Silver Pendant Award at The Royal National Gaelic Mod competition in Scotland. What made you decide to enter this competition? What was it like competing there?

I decided to attend the Royal National Gaelic Mod as more an observer than a participant. I wanted to experience and hear Scots Gaelic song and what better place to take it all in than at a week long celebration of all things Gaelic. I decided to compete to see how my Gaelic singing compared to those in Scotland. I don’t think I realized how intense or important the competition was until I arrived in Inverness. That’s when I started to get a bit nervous. I had traveled to Scotland on my own, so when I won the competition, I had to call home to let friends and family know that I had won. Luckily, I met up with some Canadians and Scottish friends to celebrate with.

How did someone from Prince Edward Island come to be singing songs in Gaelic?

I first started singing Gaelic through Scott MacAulay’s cousin (Scott, Director of the College of Piping) Annette MacAulay of Lewis. I traveled to Scotland several years before the competition and learned from Christine Primrose of Skye and Findlay MacNeil of Inverness.

In 2001, you released your 2nd album "Primrose", which was produced by Chad Irschick who has worked with artists such as The Rankins and Susan Aglukark. What was your experience like working with him?

Chad Irschick was such a pleasure to work with. I had wonderful conversations with him about the direction I was taking with my music. He has such a wonderful way working with artists. He really listens to what you want and takes it a step further and lifts it to another level. I can’t say enough about him!

How did the production for "Primrose" differ from that of your first album "Portraits"?

We recorded Primrose at Chad’s studio, Inception Sound with full production and with stellar players. I spent over a month at the studio which gave us time to fine tune the album. Portraits was recorded at Scott MacAulay’s house with equally stellar musicians, but with just 5 days of recording time! That’s a BIG difference!

Both of your albums contain a selection of both original and traditional songs, as well as songs by other songwriters. What are your inspirations for your songs?

While I was taking Celtic Studies at the University of Toronto, we were introduced to many Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Breton legends and folktales. I really enjoyed these stories and many of my songs are based on these readings. Also my songs reflect where I come from ­ the East Coast, the landscape and culture.

How long have you been songwriting for? Do you consider yourself a singer or a songwriter first?

I started writing songs before I recorded my first album, Portraits. I consider myself a singer before a songwriter, although I want to continue exploring and improving my songwriting skills.

What is your ideal songwriting situation? (by yourself, in a certain location, etc.?)

I usually write by myself, but I am really interested in collaborating with other songwriter’s in the future.

I enjoyed your performances at the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton in October 2001. Will we be seeing you on tour across Canada anytime soon?

This year will be busy! Besides hosting ceilidhs at the College of Piping this summer, I will be traveling throughout the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario (no plans for out west ­ yet!) and down into the States.

Now, for anyone seeing you in concert in the near future, I hear they may not recognize you because of the makeover that the TLC Channel from the US did on you. How did this come about?

My best friend and manager, Laurie Gillis and I applied to the Makeover Story. Based on our application, that we were preparing for the East Coast Music Awards and wanted a new look for the Gala Show, we were picked. They had never been to the Canadian East Coast before, so we had a bit of a session where we had some tunes and I sang a few songs. They really gave me a makeover ­ I now have red and blonde hair! ­ but I was very pleased with the end result. The show is viewed by over 2 million people and our episode will be aired later this year.

Who are the members of your band that are currently on the road with you?

The people that I play with vary, depending on when and where I am performing. Currently, Troy MacGillivray of Antigonish, Nova Scotia has been playing piano with me. When I have a full band, I usually have smallpipes/whistle and cello/bass with piano. I’m also looking at adding more percussion in future performances.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Here are people I love to listen to: Loreena McKennitt, Jane Siberry, Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, Karan Casey, Christine Primrose, Diana Krall, Mary Jane Lamond, Billie Holiday, and Dougie MacLean.

What do you enjoy to do when you're off the road?

I love having friends over and cooking big meals. Going to the movies, the local market and hearing or seeing live musical / theatrical performances.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

Winning the Silver Pendant at the Royal National Mod was a huge thrill as well as the 2002 East Coast Music Award nomination for Solo Roots Artist of the Year.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

I see myself still involved with music in some shape or form ­ Music really defines a large part of who I am.

Where have you toured?

I have performed in every Canadian province (except for up North!) and I have toured through parts of the UK and US.

Is there a place that you have yet to tour that you would like to visit?

I would like to explore more of the US in the future. There is a strong Folk music community throughout the country. Australia would be another interesting place to go!

Now for some more entertaining questions!

What's your favourite movie / TV show?

Favourite movie: Princess Bride ( I’m a sucker for romance!)
Favourite TV show: Made in Canada (Rick Mercer is fabulous!)

Who are your favourite musicians?

All those listed as influences as well as: Dervish, Bothy Band, Dave Matthews, Tragically Hip, Indigo Girls

If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Dougie MacLean. He is a true storyteller and writes and performs with warmth and honesty.