MKB Biography

Welcome to Scotland’s latest up and coming Folk and roots singer

an Irish girl based in Scotland for many years. Mary Kathleen Burke

 is a rare talent and has just released her debut album " A song in her heart" on Greentrax the album has been met with great critical acclaim in many parts of the world being voted best new album release with Maria Carey by International song writers Association.Also Album of the week on BBC Radio Scotland 's Ian Anderson Show, Celtic Music Radio, Dundalk FM,

Mary has battled and triumphed over the many adversity's she has had to face in her life and true life experience,determination,Skill and talent has what has given Mary the inspiration to put together this collection of 14 songs ,One self penned by Mary at the tender age of 19 when she was terribly homesick others written for her and others interprated beautifully Mary makes any song her own and her singing will entrance and sooth you. Mary's album will be officially released by Greentrax on Feb 1st 2008!

A word from Mary

A warm welcome to my Official Website .I come from a small village called Park.Situated in Co Derry in Northern Ireland and developed my lifelong love of music through being exposed to regular performances at parties and events within the family home and local community. Singing regularly from a young age, by the age of 15 I had learned guitar and keyboards and had played with, a country band and latterly as a solo performer. Seeking to expand my horizons I moved to Scotland at the age of 16 to pursue a career in music.

I played at a range of different venues around the country as a solo artist performing mostly Irish and Scottish traditional music (using the stage name Tanya) until 1994 when I joined the established country band Nevada who I performed with for ..4.....years before forming my own band (Tanya and Sneaky Moon) to continue and expand on my love for country music.

Due to family comittments and other projects I resumed performing as a solo artist featuring a wide range of music encompassing traditional and contemporary folk and country music. As well as performing solo and with bands I have also had the good fortune to play support act for top performers including Sean Cannon (The Dubliners), Toni Catlin (nashville)Daniel O`Donnell and Bob Cheevers from Nashville

Outside of live performances I have been developing a range of skills within the music field including creating the website ,Country Music Scotland which was an online country music magazine serving the needs of the many country fans in Scotland.

The site acted as a contact point for artists, promoters and country fans it also allowed me to develop an expertise in the area of promotion and public relations both in representing myself and also acting as an agent for other musicians both local and from America and other parts of the world

. I am qualified in some areas of IT and Business and also in Music Performence and promotion and have a keen interest and understanding of The creative Industries. I trust my own ear when it comes to music and have been influenced by artists like Emmi Lou Harris,Iris Dement, Kate Rusby,Mary Gauither,Richard Thompson,Linda Thompson,Bob Dylan, Mary Black, Frances Black,Eleanor Mc Evoy,Van Morrison,Christy Moore,Karen Mathison, Karine Polwart, Eddi Rieder and many more

The Neilston Music and Arts Festival

In 2005 I founded programmed and directed The Neilston Live Barfest the fringe to a nine day festival of music and Arts in Neilston Village were I am based. Own I programmed 16 bands to four venues over a nine day period. I also provided the Headline act Bob Cheevers to the main Festival. opened at The main Festival for Macumba and opened at the Closing concert for Bob Cheevers from Nashville and yes! I survived:) It was a great learning experience for me and a great thing for The Village.some of the slides you see here are my special memories of the FestivalRecording Projects

Due to fulfilling a hectic schedule of performances over the years and meeting my family commitments I have only been involved in recording for the last two years. I learned all about DAW at college and recieved some training on Cubase. I Produced a five track EP at Stealth Studios in Glasgow recently and am currently recording my debut album"A song in her heart" which will be a mix of covers and original material

Music Qualifications and experience

I gained an HNC in musical performance and promotion last year and have studied Music Law, Music History,music theory,Practical Musicianship,Recording techniques,instrument study,and have a good knowledge and understanding of The Creative industries . I have to do 2 years at University to obtain a Degree in Musical Performance and promotion so I hope one day to do that.

I am Dyslexic but this has not stopped me in any of my goals in life and I see my dyslexia as a gift.I just process information in a different way to non dyslexic people. My musical ability comes from within and I sing very much from my heart and no one can teach you that its just there its a gift which I appreciate very much and want to share with other people . I have learned to trust my own ears and am much better placed at this point in my life to be a successful recording artist. I truly hope you enjoy my music and hope to see you at one of my gigs soon.

  Haste ye back ! Mary

Singer-songwriter-Guitarist-recording artist & Radio Presenter

Website Designed and maintained By Mary Kathleen Burke

Buy The Debut Album now ! " A song in her heart" online at www.greentrax.com and in all good music shops online and offline worldwide. Get yours today and support Mary's Music