Heidi Talbot

Heidi Talbot

Heidi Talbot is an Irish folk singer-songwriter born in 1980. She begins her career busking in Ireland before moving into professional work with the Celtic-American group Cherish the Ladies, where she sings as a member after first appearing with the band as a guest vocalist. She later lives in Edinburgh with her husband, the Scottish folk musician John McCusker.

Early life and musical beginnings

Talbot grows up singing in the church choir conducted by her mother. She starts playing guitar at 12, then takes voice lessons and performs at events around Ireland. In 2001 she joins the Whole Shabang! and meets Cherish the Ladies at a Shabang! show in New York City the same year.

Cherish the Ladies and solo recordings

After meeting the band, Talbot is invited to sing guest vocals on The Girls Won't Leave the Boys Alone. She then releases a limited-run self-titled solo album and becomes an official member of Cherish the Ladies in 2003. She later leaves the group while recording her third album, In Love and Light, which is released in 2008. Her second solo album, Distant Future, is released in 2004.

Recognition and collaborations

In Love and Light wins the Indie Acoustic Award for best album in 2008, and Talbot is nominated for an Irish Music Award in 2009 in the best female vocalist category. In 2008 she appears as a guest on albums by Radiohead drummer Philip Selway and on a collaboration by John McCusker, Kris Drever and Roddy Woomble. She also sings on recordings by Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine and Idlewild.