County Derry singer and songwriter Joe Kelly nominated for three awards
Joe has been nominated for three accolades in the Red Carpet Award Show set to take place in Europe next year
A singer and songwriter from County Derry has been nominated for three accolades in the Red Carpet Award Show set to take place in Europe next year.
Dungiven man Joe Kelly has been shortlisted for Songwriter of the Year, Musician of the Year and Country Song of the Year in the international awards ceremony for independent musicians.
The event is organised by Fair Play Country Music (FPCM Media) and will be held in Holland.
Mr Kelly, who has also produced a film in the past, said he is delighted with his nominations.
“I always had a big interest in music trying out different instruments from a young age,” he said.
“In 1983 I started writing poems but I never published anything. I didn’t have the confidence to push myself out there. I started going to night classes for writing and the teacher gave me the help to take it serious. He took a real interest in my writing and encouraged me to keep going forward.
“I chanced my first song and got it published in a magazine in south Dublin. The Messaged Boys recorded it and it took off.”
Despite having written hundreds of songs over the years, Joe admits that he wasn't the most academic at school.
“I did poorly at school and as a result my spelling is not good, but I get a rough idea out.
“At the worst times a song or poem would come into my head while I am in bed and it will keep going round and round keeping me awake all night and annoying me.
“At home now I enjoy composing and listening to a lot to different music and singing gives me ideas.
“For me it’s important to listen as I’m always learning. No one knows everything, I certainly don’t and I learn something different all the time.
“I have my animals and I can sit and watch their movements and I learn from them.”
Joe added: “I'm delighted to be nominated for the awards, it really is very humbling and motivates me to continue writing.”