Jenny AluningThe world may have to wait just a little longer to be captivated by the soulful, powerful voice of Isaac Kershaw (StarCentral Magazine’s Unsigned Male Artist of the Month for July 2013) but it truly will be worth the wait. Isaac’s covers on YouTube that range from Rihanna to Ed Sheeran highlight this 23-year old mesmerising sound. But for now, it is academia that has his attention. Currently immersed in completing his PhD in Music Psychology Within Film, Isaac plans to combine his studies with his absolute passion for performance. Music “…has always been very much a holistic mechanism that I have embraced since my early years. This is because I most enjoy the performance’s alleviating ability to assuage any stress and/or emotions that need to be expressed; it is an amazing (and cheap) therapy… it’s one of the mechanisms that keep me sane!”
The Liverpool, UK-based singer was 12 years old when he realized that music was going to be his life. He was performing at the time at a formal evening at his senior high school (Wallasey School). “…I was a little nervous but very excited nonetheless. It was from that moment that I knew music was what I wanted to pursue…” One of his most memorable moments in front of the microphone was during a rendition of ‘You Raise Me Up’ at Preston North End Stadium. Despite freezing temperatures and technical difficulties, “…I absolutely loved it! I would much rather sing in the middle of a stadium than a small and intimate room!”
Isaac’s determination to succeed in the music industry stems not only from his love for the craft but also his desire to “…make my family proud, especially my mum and dad. My parents have been a continual bedrock of unconditional love and support and their hardworking nature always inspires me to pursue my career and hobbies to my full potential…” His parents and his 3 siblings are only the tip of the iceberg of the fans that Isaac has already garnered with his StarCentral win. Undoubtedly, they will be many, many more once this multi-talented musical gem finally gets his time serenading the rest of the music industry!
‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. What film have you seen more than any other?
I’m an absolute sucker for ‘Bridesmaids’ – hilarious film! It always has me crying with laughter.
2. 3 most important characteristics in a person
To be caring, humble and optimistic.
3. What do you consider beautiful and why?
For me, ‘beauty’ has always been arbitrary rather than systematic in the sense that it brings joy to an individual via subjective properties. With this in mind, I find beauty in the sublime: it is beautiful when I react to something so overpowering that it consumes or obliterates me. This can occur within the experience of music – listening, music performance, the filmic experience, the endurance of the emotional spectrum (either end), etc.
4. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could?
I haven’t recorded my own music yet which is something I really want to do! I’m very much an academic and that has always come first over the execution of my music performance so far. However, I’m about to embark on a new chapter within my life as I pursue a PhD in music psychology within film. Hopefully, the freelance nature of PhD study will expose a capacity in which I’ll be able to (finally) commit myself wholly to laying down my own songs in the studio.
5. Your best way to combat nerves….
My dad has advised me on some brilliant breath control tips and how the focus on breath routine results in the diminishment of anxiety. Ultimately, breath control and staying focused all helps to keep anxiety at bay.
Photos by: Mike James Pritchard (Edited by Joseph Kershaw)
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Isaac90K/videos
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/isaackershaw?fref=ts
Jenny Aluning
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Jason Harris
