大象传媒

Ten years ago she totally changed her life when a chance meeting inspired her to take up music, quit her full-time job and separate from her husband.

Originally from Birmingham, folk singer Ann now lives in Markfield, but her voice has taken her across the world to America.

Listen: Interview with Ann Duggan

大象传媒 Leicester's Ed Stagg spoke to Ann about her music. Listen to the interview, plus hear Ann perform live in the studio...

As a child Ann had always been involved with music, but by hey late teens she was married with a daughter, and had a "normal" job.

It wasn't until 20 years later that she had a strong feeling that she should be trying something else, and a chance meeting with songwriter Colin Granger re-sparked her interest in performance.

After performing a few shows with Colin and getting a good response Ann realised she could have something special.

Colin decided to spend more time with his family and less time on the road, but he is still a large part of her music:

"Now he lives in Swathom and sits there in his shed writing all these songs and we get the benefit of going out and playing them and having a ball and getting paid at the same time."

The Fans

Ann think it's essential to just get out and actively do something to live your musical dreams:

"No matter what you do, if you just want to test the water, go and do this sing around and test what people think of your music. You build up your confidence that way."

She has been overwhelmed by the positive response and support she has received across the UK and in the States.

Largely she puts this down to the interactivity of her gigs and the enthusiasm the band carry no matter what situation:

"You could be playing to two people or 2,000 it doesn't matter as long as you enjoy what you're doing."

No Regrets

All of Ann's songs hold great personal significance to her, something she feels is essential:

"You've got to connect with your song, because if you don't, you could be singing anything really couldn't you.

"If you don't believe in it, how can you expect other people to believe in it?"

Ann has no regrets in her decision to dedicate much of her life to music, especially with her band Rob, Alan and Gordon supporting her all the way, "I couldn't ask for anything better".

She now hopes to revisit Chicago and Austin, and eventually split her time between the UK and America.