Performing on the opening night of The Nerve Centre, and appearing again on Saturday 28th at 4.30pm, Helen Maher is an accordionist with some lovely music made by, you guessed it, an accordion. But there is more than an accordion to her sound, and depending on her muse as a solo artist, vocalist, member of Trez Fez, member of new duo The Bluebells and much more besides there is a talent that is ready to add a touch of the French cafe to your life via her French inspired accordion work. Coincidently, she has played in French restaurants before and added considerably to the authentic ambience of such places. The Nerve Centre welcomed Helen Maher on our opening night and later asked a few probing questions of her for this very blog.
The Nerve Centre: How did it feel performing at The Nerve Centre?
Helen Maher: It felt enjoyable. There were friendly people there who were dancing and singing along. The organisers, volunteers and artists had obviously put lots of effort into transforming the space and it was a pleasure to be there. I also thought there was a lot of support for me because as I was playing there was someone spontaneously handing out my flyers!
TNC: Tell us a little bit about your music and how you think it connects with The Nerve Centre?
HM: My music can at times vary depending on the gig I've been asked to play at (and what mood I'm in!). For this event I could play it by ear and judge what the night wanted. I started the set thinking that I would play mainly background music to complement the ambience of people socialising and reflecting on the art but when an audience started gathering I realised I could through a song or two in and then I 'performed' a little more! I enjoy gigs like The Nerve Centre as it feels a bit like home - the grassroots scene is where I started and don't think I'd ever want to lose that connection. As for the music connecting with the Nerve Centre? Well, gigs like this encourage a natural creativity whatever style or subject you're singing about and if the artist and audience are tuned into this then a connection happens and we'll be rocking! (As much as an accordionist can?!)
TNC: Does Liverpool affect your work and if so, how?
HM: Oh! That's a tough one ain't it?! I think after I graduated I spent some time thinking where should I live and what I should do as I'm sure many of us did. Liverpool is a place that, no matter how many times I leave it's like I'm on an elastic band and bounce back. That's what happened after college - I just sort of bounced back.
I've been lucky that my music career 'proper' was rising at the time of the Capital of Culture so I had some great gig opportunities then and that has definitely given me a helping hand. Now my gigs have expanded out a bit into the North West region but I still play in Liverpool and live here. I find it a great base to operate from and like having my family and friends around me.
TNC: Is there anything you'd improve on in Liverpool and why?
HM: Hum, another tough one! I believe in the power of the individual and how people treat each other at a 'grassroots' level. This can work in the same way if I'm talking to a homeless person or dealing with a big corporate client. I see in Liverpool a whole spectrum of diversity, of caring people and of greed. You could apply this to any place and they would exist in different degrees. So I don't think the answer is in improving the refuse collection or any other external factor. I just think wherever we are we can all be a little kinder and more considerate (myself included).
TNC: Had you read Nerve before coming to The Nerve Centre and what are your favorite aspects of the magazine?
HM: I have read Nerve but must be honest and say that I haven't been a vigilant reader. I enjoy the angle it takes. This magazine seems to have stood the test of time and stayed true to its goal. I'd say I enjoy the alternative local news and events.
TNC: They say Liverpool is a creative city, and without doubt it is. What do you think makes Liverpool such a creative place?
HM: Interesting! I think originally it has come from Liverpool's geography. Being a port town means lots of different cultures coming together. Also a good number of the people who have settled here over the centuries have been open to other cultures and embraced it and used what they think was good. My idea of good is different to yours and so we are creating so many wonderful things!
TNC: Any personal highlights from the opening party?
HM: It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. A nice surprise seeing Kaety Moore’s art work on display. And a ‘lowlight’ was knocking a picture off the wall whilst hoisting my accordion on - sorry about that!
TNC: Do you have any exciting projects coming up?
HM: Always! I have a few gigs booked, one of them being a new restaurant called The Egerton Arms (see: www.woodwardandfalconer.com); a French night on the 14th September. I have played for their restaurant chain before and the nights are fabulous. I have many private and public events coming up in the next few months and when I update my website (www.helenmaher.com) and myspace (www.myspace.com/helenmahermusic) you should see the full array of dates. If you want to know sooner, contact me directly! In the pipeline is to get some more recordings and video’s up and running so watch this space…
TNC: Finally, any last words for The Nerve Centre?
HM: Just a big thank you to Nerve, all the hard work that goes into the organisation and for being so supportive to us creatives!
Thank you to Helen for her lovely answers and don't forget to come and see her in action Saturday 28th August at 4.30pm in The Nerve Centre!
Interview and live shot by Sebastian Gahan.
Profile shot by John.
