What was it like to grow up in such a family as the Brennan family?
Crowded! Pretty normal really. Being the youngest, most of the family were always away touring and performing. It was always great when they returned home – bringing their latest album with them. I loved listening to all their albums. But I didn’t realise until years later that my brothers and sisters were so famous and I would think “Wow! That’s my family!” Then down the line I began to realise that we all had a talent that people enjoyed.

Describe your childhood.
It was very much music orientated, music was like a second language. And for a long time I assumed that it was the same in every house! My Mum taught Music in secondary school, as well as teaching Piano and Keyboard after school. My Dad was in a Dance Band (The Slieve Foy) for years and then went on to entertain in his own pub for 30 odd years… and still does. So there was always music in our home, in one form or another.

You were brought up speaking Gaeilge as well as English – how has this influenced you?
I feel very lucky to have learned Gaeilge as a child, it was my first language. It really isn’t an easy language to learn and I have to admit that I get a bit rusty if I am not around it. But when I pick up the phone and call my Mum it’s always Gaeilge. With my Dad, I speak more English although he does understand Gaeilge and speaks it well. I have to say that one of my old school friends (Dawson) would put me to shame with her flawless Gaeilge… mind you she is a Gaeilge teacher! I will speak it to my children (when it happens!) because it really is a beautiful language. Of course, it does help too when you are on holiday! Nobody knows what you are saying! I remember on tour with Clannad in Washington, Moya and I were having dinner on a rare day off. There was a group of US senators at the table next to us and they were absolutely intrigued with our language…so much so that they came over to our table to find out what language we were speaking. It transpired that they had put bets on with each other… needless to say, none of them got it right!

You toured with Clannad extensively in Europe, and especially in the States – what was that experience like?
It was great fun, and an absolutely terrific experience. I was always very nervous before a gig. But once I got up on stage and saw the crowd enjoying the music, I always relaxed. It was a real buzz!

You didn’t follow your family immediately into the music industry. How did your decision come about?
That’s true. When I first left school I was determined to try something that did not involve music, so I trained as a hairdresser. Funnily enough, one of my teachers (Charlie Boyle) once said to me that I would follow in the family’s footsteps and I insisted that he was wrong. Anyway, Ciaran and Moya approached me and asked me if I would be interested in going on tour with Clannad. I remember laughing and saying “Me on stage!? You must be joking!”. But I went home and thought about it, and came running back! At that time, I was not enjoying hairdressing so I jumped at the opportunity to do a few tours and albums with Clannad… and later on Moya’s solo album…and a few other bits and pieces. Later I moved to London and worked with a famous hairdresser (Charles Worthington) – but this time as a receptionist not a hairdresser! I knew that I wanted to continue in the music industry but I wasn’t sure of the direction. When a friend (Ian Parker) asked me to sing the main vocals on two tracks on his album I jumped at the chance. I was also very lucky because at the same time, Clannad’s manager (Shane McDonnell) approached me and offered to be my manager. Shane encouraged me to write my own material, and introduced me to Chris O Brien and Graham Murphy. We started to write and that’s how and when this album started.

What attracted you to the music industry?
The love of music. I have realised that I’m not happy when it’s not around me. My mood changes instantly with music.

What lessons have you learned from your family?
I have learned never to take anything for granted, and not to take anything at face value. They taught me not to take the critics too much to heart, and to give everything your very best shot.

What are your musical influences?
Oh gosh that’s a hard one because I love all sorts of music… Classical, Traditional, Pop, Rock & Jazz. But if I had to narrow it down in each field, I would say:
Classical: Tchaikovsky & J. S. Bach
Traditional: Christy Moore & Donal Lunny
Pop: Madonna & Prince
Rock: U2 & Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Jazz: Herbie Hancock

What music do you listen to at home?
I listen to a lot of radio (especially BBC Radio 2!) - I find it good for variety. In my CD player at the moment I have Keane, Snow Patrol, Natalie Imbruglia, Kylie, George Michael, Norah Jones and Mario Winans.

Describe a typical day.
A work out, Brekkie, then working in my wee studio! Sometimes I will go for a walk later on, then have dinner in the evening, relax with a bit of TV, and finally bed!

Describe a perfect day.
A nice sunny day, relaxing with some friends… a BBQ… a few glasses of wine…music in the background.

What is your favourite part of the world?
I have 3 favourites! Donegal – because it’s home. It’s also beautiful, relaxing and quiet. Sydney – because that’s where Cameron, my husband is from. And thirdly New York – it’s just a fantastic city.

What do you do to relax?
Sleep! Nah, a glass of wine and a good book does it for me!

How often do the Brennans get together?
For the whole family together it would only be once or twice a year – I think that’s enough for Mum and Dad since there are so many of us! Of course, individually we do get to Donegal at other times throughout the year.

What does a Brennan knees-up consist of?
That would be telling! Why don’t you come to Leos and find out !?

What are your ambitions?
To release this album soon… and for it to be a success! To perform live with my own band and to have many more albums to come!