KIRSTY MILLARD
“THE SONG IS MY THERAPY”
Gill Sherry
Ayrshire-based Kirsty Millard has always had a keen interest in music. Originally from Essex, she began writing songs as soon as she learned to play instruments, in her case guitar and piano.
“Music was always a little bird on my shoulder. It started as a child, so it’s always been there, but just as a hobby I guess.”
She moved to Ayrshire 11 years ago and, like many songwriters, it was a personal situation that inspired her to write a song which she later titled ‘The Patriarchy’.
“The song itself has themes of domestic abuse and patriarchal control, and the video is about all the wonderful things that I’ve done since to show that there is life after abuse. Hopefully it gives women a bit of hope that you can be a success despite everything going against you.”
Not only did Kirsty record the song (it was released as a single on 25th January) she followed her dream and did so at Abbey Road Studios in London.
“After everything I’d been through, I was going to do it, and I was going to do it properly!”
She describes it as serendipitous, the result of everything falling into place, allowing her to book the studio, travel to London and record her song.
“I had such massive imposter syndrome,” she admits. “I’d never recorded in such a place. It’s always been somebody’s bedroom or studios in a house. But within five minutes they made me feel so at ease. They were the nicest people, but also the most professional. It was a wonderful experience.”
You can listen to ‘The Patriarchy’ on Spotify or buy it on iTunes. You can also see the video (filmed partly at Abbey Road and partly at Irvine beach) on YouTube and other streaming platforms. Two charities will receive ten percent of the sale proceeds, namely Scottish Women’s Aid and Megan’s Space.
Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. Megan’s Space is a local charity providing counselling and support to young people up to the age of 25 who are experiencing mental health challenges or have been affected by trauma. Both charities were able to help Kirsty and her family.
“It’s about promoting the charities but also raising awareness so that somebody who’s going through it can be aware that these charities are there to help… so please reach out.”
Following the positive experience of recording her single, Kirsty now hopes to record an album.
“I’ve written an album, it’s just a case of financing it. I’m hoping to record it at the Gorbals in Glasgow.
They’ve got the same mixing desk as Abbey Road.”
The album probably won’t be released until 2026. In the meantime, Kirsty is busy with the non-profit organisation, Garnock Valley Music Network.
“Three of us set it up, basically to encourage local musicians to work on their own music and to help them expand their knowledge of music.”
Kirsty can assist with record labels, distribution and songwriting. Ken James, who Kirsty describes as “an absolute wizard on piano” provides piano tuition, and then there’s Stuart Clements, “a brilliant fiddle player” who teaches violin.
The aim is to attract enough people to enable them to apply for funding to help local people create and record their own music and songs. For now, though, the three of them are offering lessons free of charge. If you’re interested, you can contact Garnock Valley Music Network via Facebook.
“There’s a huge amount of talent in the local area. If we can all come together, have a network, and help each other… There’s so much talent that’s unexplored. It’s about finding those people and helping them.”
Meanwhile, Kirsty is determined to promote her song and the two charities close to her heart.
“The song is my therapy,” she concludes. “It was just what I needed.”
Her powerful voice and potent lyrics certainly pack a punch. As for the video… watch it, you won’t be disappointed!
