Kerri Boyles

“I would class my style as Americana/Country. My songwriting style is 100% based on the saying that country music is ‘four chords and the truth’.”

 

Up n Comin’ NI is thrilled to introduce this weeks artist, Kerri Boyles, a singer songwriter from Raloo, Co. Antrim. Kerri has always had a passion for the arts. She started dancing from the age of 5 and has now graduated with an honours degree in Drama and Applied Theatre from Northumbria University. 

 

Music has always been a huge part of her life. “Some of my earliest memories are of family Sunday drives up the north coast. Myself and my sister in the back seat singing to old country CDs. I always say I grew up with the greats… Dolly, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. The majority of our home videos consist of me singing in the living room at 7 years old (hairbrush in hand). I was 9 years old when I got my first guitar. I began to teach myself and played it literally until my fingers bled. I started writing songs soon after. It’s only been in the past few years that I have been brave enough to record and share any. I sang and played at different events throughout my school and university years and now am lucky enough to sing at weddings and gig all over the country.”

 

While a lot of Kerri’s musical roots came from old school country music, she does say that her writing and singing styles have definitely been influenced by the americana country music of today. “I have loved playing about with the country pop sound!” Some influential artists would include Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Carly Pearce. “They are always included in my playlist.”

 

“If I’m not listening, writing or playing music… then you’ll probably find me watching bad reality TV with a big cup of tea.”

 

“For me, songwriting is something that happens organically. If I was to sit down with a piece of paper to write a song, I would end up with nothing more than a blank page. For me, it’s normally an idea that will come to mind and the song is written around that. A lot of my own songs I have written themselves as they have come from a feeling rather than a sit down writing session.”

 

Kerri describes herself as “a people person!” With a love of meeting new people, she has collaborated with others in the past and recently with likeminded musicians. “When it comes to my own songs, I do prefer to work alone for the simple fact no one knows your style and the message your trying to convey better than you!”

 

Writing very personal songs can make musicians feel quite vulnerable. Kerri says, “All my songs come from a place of personal experience. Either a story I’m telling from my own life or my own perspective. My first single ‘House On A Hill’ is essentially a thank you to my mum and dad, and an ode to the house that I grew up in. It wrote itself and is probably the most personal song I have ever written.” What makes Kerri’s music stand out is the raw and honest place that the music is written from. 

 

“My dad has always said ‘Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’ I have slowly realised as I have gotten older that you are the only person that can make your own happiness, so find your passion and go at it with full force.”

 

Kerri plays acoustic sets 3/4 times a month. “Most of my bookings come through the wedding industry for the ceremony and drinks reception.”  

 

In saying that, she continues with, “My favourite gigs are always those back in my local pubs- the pubs that were some of my first nights out. They bring back that nostalgic feeling of old friends and good craic. No matter when you go back to play, you will always see a familiar smiley face.”

 

Kerri’s proudest achievement so far has been releasing her own music in 2023 and listening to it live on radio stations across NI and the UK. “That is something I never thought would happen and it’s still surreal when I hear people discussing or talking about my music on the radio a few months on!”

 

So, what is next for Kerri Boyles?

“I have a new original song called ‘Could Have Been Magic’ realising in spring of 2024.  Honestly my hope for the future is that I can continue gigging, writing music and doing something I am truly passionate about for as long as I can!”

Make sure you follow her and keep up to date with all her songs, events and gigs: 

Spotify: Kerri B

YouTube: KerriBmusic

TikTok: kerribmusic

Instagram:kerribmusic

Facebook: Kerri B Music

Website: www.kerribmusic.com