Siobhán Donaghy

Siobhán Donaghy

Siobhán Emma Donaghy (born June 14, 1984 in London), is an English singer songwriter. Until September 2001, she was a founding member of English pop group the Sugababes, after which she was replaced by Heidi Range. Since her departure from the Sugababes, Donaghy has released five solo singles and two albums.

Early life and family

Siobhán Donaghy was born in London, England on June 14, 1984. She has two sisters Bevin and Róisín, who is working as a make-up artist for Siobhán. She is of Irish descent and has been performing since she was 12 years old. She was discovered by former All Saints manager Ron Tom, who went on to manage Sugababes.

The Sugababes

1998-2001: One Touch

Main article: Sugababes

The group was created when Keisha Buchanan and Mutya Buena, friends since they were only eight years of age, met Donaghy at a party in 1998, when Siobhan was fourteen, and were introduced by manager, Ron Tom. Buena and Donaghy had been working separately with Tom, and while they were recording it was suggested that they would try it with a third member. Buchanan had been invited to come along to watch by Buena and was asked if she could sing; the name 'Sugababies' was made up by their manager Ron Tom. Within a year they were offered a record contract by London Records and started calling themselves the Sugababes.

Their debut single "Overload" was very successful in the United Kingdom and was nominated for a BRIT Award for "Best Single", climbing #3 in Germany and #2 in New Zealand. The group co-wrote most of the tracks on One Touch, with the help of All Saints producer Cameron McVey.

Their debut album produced three more hits in the United Kingdom: "New Year", "Run For Cover" and "Soul Sound".

2001-2002 Leaving Sugababes

The Sugababes had been following a heavy touring schedule for over a year with Donaghy gradually becoming more and more unhappy with her position in the group. Feeling that band member, Keisha Buchannan, was trying to force her out, Donaghy decided to leave of her own accord and did so during a Japanese promotional tour (excusing herself to go to the toilet, and immediately leaving). Her management initially stated that she left because she wanted to pursue a fashion career.

According to Siobhán herself (in messages sent to MySpace users), she left the band because she never got along with Keisha, whom she described as a bully. She became deeply depressed (eventually being diagnosed with clinical depression) and could no longer be a part of the Sugababes.

In an interview with thelondonpaper, Donaghy said: "It's difficult to leave a band and then make sort of a solo career. I left for a very good reason and I’ve never for a second wanted to go back there." Donaghy is still in touch with her former colleague Mutya Buena saying she is always pleased to see her. They are not exactly friends but they make an effort with each other and chat every once in a while. However she is no longer speaking with Keisha Buchanan:

Overloaded: The Singles Collection is a greatest hits compilation album from the Sugababes that was released on November 13, 2006. Contrary to initial reports that vocals from departed Sugababes Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy were going to be re-recorded by Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah, all the original vocals were kept for the compilation.

Solo career

2003-2004: Revolution In Me

Main article: Revolution In Me

Donaghy started writing music along with the help of former producer Cameron McVey (who has worked with Sugababes, All Saints and Neneh Cherry) to help overcome her depression, and began performing under the alias of "Shanghai Nobody". In March 2003, Donaghy released "Nothing But Song" under this title as she did not want to be known as "The girl who left the Sugababes". "Nothing But Song" was released as a 7" vinyl single only and was relatively unknown. Upon the release of her first commercial single, "Overrated", Donaghy reverted back to her given name. "Shanghai Nobody", when rearranged, spells "Siobhan Donaghy"

On June 23, 2003 she released her first commercial solo single followed. "Overrated", co-written with Cameron McVey, peaked at #19 in the United Kingdom. The title of the lead single, "Overrated", is a play on words on Sugababes' debut single, "Overload". Following up "Overrated", the single "Twist Of Fate" was released on September 15, 2003 and charted at #52. Two weeks later saw the release of her debut album Revolution In Me.

Donaghy's debut album was released on London Records on September 29, 2003. As the booklet includes 8 additional front covers, there is no official album cover, as anyone can change the cover to what they want. It entered the album chart at #117, with 'lack of promotion' as an explanation for its low position. Lending a hand to Donaghy on Revolution In Me were father-son producers and writers Cameron McVey and Marlon Roudette from Mattafix. Each of the 12 tracks on the album was co-written by Donaghy with McVey, Preetesh Hirji, Matt Kent and others. The title Revolution In Me is said to reflect her decision to go her separate way, leaving the Sugababes but in fact Siobhan has stated that none of the songs on this album are about her former band. Several of the tracks on the album have titles which do not appear in the lyrics. The song "Suasex" features a Spanish telephone conversation about school.

Parlophone bought the rights to this album when they signed Siobhán.

2007-2008: Ghosts

Main article: Ghosts (album)

Donaghy parted with London Records in a mutual decision with the company. She recorded a second album with no record label which was picked up by Parlophone, part of the EMI group. On her official MySpace page, Donaghy previewed the title track from the album, "Ghosts", which was released in February 2007 as a 12" promotional 2-track single with the song "Don't Give It Up". The video was filmed in various different towns including Marrakech, Essaouira, El Jadida, Morocco and also in mountains. In its first week of release, on downloads alone, the single "Don't Give It Up" reached a low #72, then, upon release of the physical single, went to #45. Donaghy said the single's main purpose was not to chart particularly high, but to introduce people to her music. She believes it was a success in this. The second single "So You Say" was released on June 18, 2007 and peaked at a disappointing #76 in the United Kingdom.

The album Ghosts was released on June 25, 2007, but with no radio support it peaked at #92 and then fell out of the charts. Donaghy said: "I would like some commercial success. But only because then you're allowed to make another record." She promoted this album in a number of magazines, telling The London Paper: "I make left field pop music, and it’s a difficult genre to be in because it’s not straight pop, it’s not alternative, and it’s quite hard to market. You have to push it and work it."

The album was recorded in a small studio near Barneville-Carteret, France. Producer James Sanger has worked with artists such as U2, Keane, and Dido. Other producers/songwriters confirmed to have worked with Donaghy on this album are Jony Rockstar, Carl McIntosh ("There's A Place"), Ben Ranyard ("12 Bar Acid Blues"), Charles Lucy of Lucy Tuning ("Sometimes") and Marius De Vries.

Due to commitments for her role in West End musical RENT, promotion for the album has been put on hold. Siobhan is expected to recommence promotion of the album in 2008 and also begin work on her third album.

A new remix of 'Don't Give It Up' by Jerry Bouthier is featured on the new BoomBox CD from Kitsune. The album was released in November 2007.

In January 2009, the music website We7.com voted the album the most underrated album ever.

2008-present: Current Projects

In a recent interview with the music site We7, she indicated that there will be no further solo albums released for the time being. "At this point in time I have no further plans to undertake another record of my own. Ultimately, the true nature of the business side of the music industry is enough to keep me away. Nonetheless, if I find myself in the future bursting with ideas and experiences I feel the need to share through music, I will be back," Donaghy stated in an interview with We7 in January 2009.

Other Activities

Donaghy has appeared as a backing vocalist on the Mattafix album Signs Of A Struggle and on the Morcheeba album The Antidote.

She is currently appearing as the character of Mimi, a lead role, in the new William Baker directed production of RENT in the West End which opened on October 2, 2007 at the Duke Of York Theatre. She is said to be overwhelmed that she got the part and looking forward to the challenge. In August 2007 she flew to New York to watch RENT on Broadway to get inspiration for her interpretation of her part. This is Donaghy's West End debut. Donaghy appeared with the cast to sing 'Seasons of Love' on the BBC's 2007 Children in Need show.

Donaghy is also working as a DJ. In the July 2007 issue of Word magazine she gave her DJing tips

Albums

As part of Sugababes

Year	Title	Chart positions
		UK
2000	One Touch	26
2006	Overloaded: The Singles Collection	3

As a solo artist

Year	Title	Chart positions
		UK
2003	Revolution In Me	117
2007	Ghosts	92

Singles

Year	Title	Chart positions
		UK
2003	Nothing But Song	-
	Overrated	19
	Twist of Fate	52
2007	Don't Give It Up	45
	So You Say	76

External links

• Siobhán Donaghy's official website
• Template:Myspace

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