Fresh from their first ever gig CommunityAd had the pleasure of sitting down with talented duo Kristen and Paul who, inside the music venues of Kent, are soon to be known as NoteWorthy.
So, firstly, what’s the story behind NoteWorthy, when and why did you form?
NoteWorthy is a brand new, Kent based duo, of vocals and piano. Kristen on vocals and Paul on keys.
I’ve been a performer for over twenty years, and professional for over fifteen. Paul has had a similar journey. Back in Cambridgeshire I’d been in concerts, large scale musicals and pantomimes, as well as lead singer in an ABBA tribute act, function band and duo with a guitarist. But more recently I had been focusing on my solo career. Moving back to Kent, I was keen to get back into singing with a partner in crime! Having live music is so uplifting and expressive, and, for me, it brings so much more to my performance.
You can let the music allow your emotions to flow freely, without the restrictions of a backing track. So I auditioned Paul, shortly after moving here. I say auditioned, but, he had barely played half a song and he was hired! Paul is a gifted musician, and we have terrific chemistry together and lots of fun too. It was great, those early meetings, discussing the sort of music we wanted to perform. Of course, we then had several interruptions, with various lockdowns and restrictions, but with determination, we have put together a class act, ready to entertain the people of Kent. I think vocals and piano seems to be a more unusual combination. Let’s hope that makes us extremely bookable!
Talk us through the band’s first gig? How good did it feel to finally be on stage?
It was wonderful to finally get back out there on the music scene. Paul is very familiar with this area, but it’s all quite new for me. We played at The Alma, a delightful pub and restaurant in Deal. I literally loved every second of it! Being a performer, it’s been indescribably hard to put that part of myself on hold, for such a prolonged time too. Singing runs through my veins, as does playing the piano for Paul. It was fantastic to perform to real people again! We have a superb mix of gentler songs and upbeat numbers, from the last six decades.
If NoteWorthy were put into isolation by big Boris right now and were permitted only three singles to be able to listen to… firstly, would you be able to agree? Secondly, what would they be?
We both absolutely love ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder. What a tune! That would keep us up and dancing for sure! Paul thinks Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ would be essential, and ‘Your Song’, by Elton John. Solid choices I think you’d agree!
I would have to say ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, by the simply incredible Frank Sinatra. One of the most perfect songs for every mood. And probably ‘Nessun Dorma’, performed live by the infamous Pavarotti. It makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
If you could have anyone join the band dead or alive, who would it be and why?
What a great question! As a duo, that’s a complicated idea, but here goes! Paul would like Brian May. He’s uber talented, interesting, clever and humble. I would like to say Mark King, phenomenal bass player from Level 42, a nod to my formative years, enjoying the awesome music of the 80s. And he is particularly brilliant!
Why is it so important that the community support live music venues and get to gigs now in this restriction-lifted world?
Live music is life! It fills your heart with so many emotions. It can raise you up, or allow you to let go of sadness. It is a vital part of society, and, let’s face it, we all need to be uplifted after everything we’ve been through. When you support live music, you bring so much joy to those performers. You validate them, and you share some of the joy too. Win win!
Can you really imagine society without music? How grey would that be? For Paul and I too, it’s our job. So being able to earn money, and to be valued for what we do, is so important. I didn’t earn a penny for over fifteen months!
NoteWorthy are looking for regular venues to perform at. Our act is suitable for large restaurants and pubs, hotels, sports and social clubs, and organised events as well as private functions. Please contact Kristen Ellery for more information, and to arrange bookings: 07939 341913, [email protected].