Sheena Wellington - Monthly Profile
Tell us a little about yourself - who you are, where you’re from, what you do
My name is Sheena Wellington, I was born and brought up in Dundee, and I am a singer, song tutor and occasional event tutor.
What have you been doing recently? How has Covid19 changed things for you?
In February, I visited Washington DC as part of the Hogg 250 celebrations and my last gig before lockdown was in Dundee's Verdant Works on the 13th March where I had the joy of singing with my great-niece, street poet Gemma Johnston. Covid-19 wiped out a whole string of interesting gigs, celebrating 1320, Hogg events, the Fringe. Instead I found myself running the phone-line and fundraising for Dundee Thegither, an emergency food delivery service. It was very intense but I met some great people because of it.
What are the most notable points/events in your career? (Good or bad!)
There have been many great and memorable moments, the Opening of the Scottish Parliament being an obvious one. There was also the Concert for Lockerbie, just weeks after the bombing. The atmosphere that night was quite extraordinary.
Who are your top 3 inspirational women?
My grandmother, Mary Morrison Thoms or Johnston, who was a weaver in Dundee, who raised a big family, was called back to the looms in 1939 at the age of 65 and at the age of 73 took on the care of her widower son's two children . She was also a fine singer with a great repertoire of Scots song!
Anne Neilson (1944 - 2019), fine singer, gifted and inspirational teacher of English, song, ethics, loyalty and friendship.
Rosa Parks. I have always had great respect for a person who does the right thing in cold courage knowing what the consequences might be. "When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night.
What’s the first record/album you ever bought?
Edinburgh Folk Festival 1963 Vol.1. A landmark album!
Who are you listening to most right now?
I've bought CDs and downloaded a few albums from bandcamp recently, well actually, I've downloaded gigabites of albums from bandcamp because it's tough out there but I am not saying who I am playing a lot because I never say how I have voted in the Trad Awards!
Any advice for aspiring musicians?
Whether you're performing to a packed Glasgow Royal Concert Hall or ten people in a church hall where the heating has failed, respect your audience enough to do your best. And on those days when you realise you are not on top form just remember that only mediocrity never has an off-day!
