Sinead Campbell: From Theatre to Musician
From alumni who studied with us in the 40s to those who studied with us in the early 2000s, we love to find out what our alumni have done and what their plans are.
Sinead Campbell studied Theatre, and now works in the music industry as a musical instigator in Bradford. She also has a music career under the name Premaura with new music due later this year. You can watch her latest music video on YouTube now.
Sinead Campbell
Where are you from and where are you currently living?
I am from Bradford. After living in a few different places including York, Edinburgh and France, I am now based in my home city again where I am involved in helping to create and nurture Bradford’s cultural offerings.
What’s your favourite album and why?
My favourite Album is Born To Die – The Paradise Edition by Lana Del Ray. For me an album with great storytelling, it evokes many emotions and takes me away on a nostalgic journey.
What’s your favourite memory from YSJ?
My favourite memory from YSJ is when me and my housemates hosted a halloween party during our first year. We weren’t expecting much of a turnout and it turned out to be very popular. Everyone made a great effort with their fancy dress costume! Many of the attendees were my fellow theatre students- hence the abstract ideas. One individual came as a dish of curry! A great night of wonderful connection and fun.
Where was your favourite place in York?
My favourite place in York has to be the Minster. Every time I see the building I notice something new, it has me in awe. I’ll never forget how we all congregated there on the steps- the morning after graduation. We stayed up all night to throw our hats in the air one more time, and say our goodbyes. That was one glorious sunrise!
From Theatre to Music Instigator
Why did you pick YSJ?
I picked YSJ because I fell in love with the city of York upon visiting. I attended a great taster session and I just knew it was the place for me, and it was; I had the best few years and made life long friendships.
What is your favourite memory from your course?
I really enjoyed the whole devising theatre module from my first year. I really started to understand the beauty of collaborative creativity; we all became great friends and grew so much from it. While devising, we were brought out of our comfort zone and and told to leave our ego at the door: I was so grateful that we had this guidance. This enhanced my life in many ways, I could let go of the ‘world evolves around me’ filter. I realised that my best work is created and authentic ideas flow when I’m not caught up in the space in my head.
How did your degree prepare you for your career?
My degree prepared me for my career by pushing me creatively, enabling me to grow into an artist. It allowed me to realise where my strengths lay. The theory element of my Theatre Degree gave me transferable skills that have been especially useful along my journey.
I always remember the advise from course leader in my final year. I made it clear that I wanted to be a a performer, a creator, working in the creative industries. He told me to never stop creating, and not to be lured in by the temptation of having security (job wise) over the pursuit of your passion, especially during the first few years. He said that if I kept at it – doing what I love – it would pay off. This was a bit baffling to me when I first received this advice, but as I got myself out there into the world I began to understand.
How do you fit your own music career around your work commitments?
I am very lucky: my new role as the music instigator is flexible so I get to work on the days that compliment my routine. The team are also very supportive of my music career and want to see it grow during my time working with them; it’s great to have this all round support. I am also a mindfulness and well-being coach – my company is called Konscious Konduit. As this is my personal offering, I can again programme the work in when its suitable to do so. They all compliment and combine with each other nicely.
Before you secured your current role, what other job roles have you had, and which was your favourite?
I have been a freelance performer since graduating from YSJ. I enjoyed working in France as a cabaret performer because I got to experience living in a different country, made new friendships and gained further independence.
How did you secure your first job in the industry?
I secured my first paid industry job as a multirole actress for Northeast Producers by asking for advice from people working in the industry. The staff at the York Theatre Royal were particularly helpful in helping me to get my actors CV looking good – I had volunteered with them during my time at university. I also made sure that I was fully prepared for the audition, researched the company and checked out their work.
How has lockdown changed your plans? You recorded Triggered during this time, was it easier or harder to do this as an independent artist because of lockdown?
Yes lockdown has changed my plans somewhat, but my goals remain the same. I have adapted to the current climate. Before lockdown I planned on using my live performances for growth opportunities, but now my focus is on recording plenty of music and having an online based release campaign that gathers momentum.
Who are your musical influences and how do they reflect in your own music?
Soundwise my influences are Nao, Shura, Jhene Aiko, Kaytranada and The XX. Career wise I look up to artists like David Bowie who bring an air of confidence, originality, and a whole stage persona. I am inspired by their smooth RnB basslines, Piano and synth melodies, and like Jhene Aiko I like to delve into the transformative power of sound. I use binaural beats within my work. These are healing frequencies that bring a whole deeper meaning to my music.
Where do you see your career in five years time?
In five years I see myself having an established fanbase and public identity, where I hope to still be an advocate and involved in supporting the music scene in my home city. I hope to release a successful album and play large venues and festivals. I want to build a great team around me who respect my values, and I wish to keep a significant level of my artistic freedom.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
I’ve learnt to write, craft and release industry quality music, and I’ve grown my network as an independent artist. Before entering into the music industry I had no contacts, and I didn’t know how to make a record: I got myself out there and I gained experience on the job.
What advice do you have for our recent graduates for starting a career in your field?
For anyone wanting a career within the arts I would say to stay connected to ‘why’ you love working in the arts. Don’t allow anyone to project their fear into your dreams/plans – yes take practical advise and apply what fits, but remember that each journey within the arts is unique and that’s what makes it exciting. Practise living in the present moment. On the climb there can be periods of time where you don’t know when your next paid contract will come – learn to accept that, surrender to it, and be proactive in developing skills and networking during those periods.
If you have to take a side job, see if you can find one that will teach you skills that will benefit your career (I suppose we could say this for any role if you have the right mindset), get your manager on your side- explain what your dream Is and that you’d like them to be supportive and accommodating where possible. Never burn your bridges and be kind.
Don’t frame rejection as a reflection on your self worth- instead see it as an opportunity to grow, develop and learn. Collaborate, network and don’t put anyone on a pedestal- it’s ok to email people who you look up to. Ask for shadowing opportunities or to sit in with them on a zoom meeting. People are often friendlier and more willing to help, than you may think.
Do you have any upcoming events, appearances or new work we should keep an eye out for?
Yes I have some music coming out this year that I am very proud of, I feel that its my best yet! This music will be accompanied by music videos, visual photography, storytelling and random live showcases and Q&A’s online. Follow me on Instagram and Spotify to join the community and engage: thats where I’ll be most active.
If you could give your past under-graduate self advice, what would it be and why?
Don’t take rejection personally; your outside achievements don’t define who you truly are. Practising self love is important, it is an inner job and only ‘you’ can do that work. It never comes from outside of yourself. When you practise this – the positive effects seep into other aspects of your life, this will in no doubt aid your career.
You can find out more about Sinead by listening to her music on Spotify. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up with her latest achievements. Find out more on her website.
Why not read about our other alumnae? Have you read about the Magnificent 7 or the Cruse sisters yet?
