20 questions with... Victoria Johnston
Photo credit: Glen Byrne
What is your first memory?
One of my earliest memories is meeting a Bernese Mountain Dog. I must have been about 4 years old. It was the biggest dog I had ever seen, and had a huge friendly bear-sized face. By the age of 9 I had finally persuaded my parents to get me a Bernese Mountain Dog of my own which we called Sheba. Since then I’ve owned a second Bernese called Connie. They were both such special dogs.
The last thing you think about before falling asleep is…
I am lucky that I fall asleep very quickly! But if I haven’t fallen asleep as my head reaches the pillow, I try to always pray and to give thanks for the things I’m grateful for.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I’ve met some incredible and interesting people, but two that stand out are Phil Coulter and Joe Schmidt. They are both legends in their fields of work, and both total gentlemen! I totally wish that I had composed Phil Coulter’s iconic ‘Ireland’s Call’, but I love singing it!
Have you ever been in love?
Yes, and 7 years later I’m still with him!!
Who would be your ideal dinner guest?
Firstly, they would need to be happy eating a vegetarian meal, as I don’t cook or eat meat or fish. I think I would invite the main cast of the Friends TV Show…it would be great fun to be the ‘7th Friends member’. I was in Warner Brothers Studios last year in Los Angeles and explored the Friends Café set, which was a highlight! I am sure they had so many laughs sitting around that famous coffee table!
Happiness is…
When I’m with close family or friends and we laugh so much that it makes us cry!
Who would play you in a film adaptation of your life?
The actress would need to be able to sing, so I think Amanda Seyfried would play me well as I thought she was brilliant in the film Mamma Mia! I would love to have had her role in that film, it looked such a fun film to be part of.
What could you not live without?
I’ll have to pick a few things! I couldn’t live without my faith, singing, my piano, listening to music, and my close family and friends.
Tell us a secret?
Well it’s not exactly a secret, but some people do think it’s unusual and funny that my drink of choice is just a plain glass of water!!
Why are we here?
I think we are here to do good, and to be kind. We are all unique and no one in the world is the same as you. I think it’s important that each of us remember the role and responsibility we have to contribute positively to society and to use our unique talents.
What’s your greatest vice?
A big stack of home-made American-style pancakes with far too much maple syrup!!
You are inspired by…
Growing up I was inspired by Julie Andrews. She’s had such a fantastic music career.
The song you’re most likely to sing at karaoke is…
The duet ‘Shallow’ from the film ‘A Star is Born’ (2018) but only if Bradley Cooper is my duet partner!!
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Chocolate!!!
What is your happiest memory?
I have so many…! Favourite music memories include recording my debut singles ‘Tar Liom’ and ‘You Are The Peace’ which I released earlier this year. Then seeing both of these songs go to No.1 in the top iTunes Charts in Ireland, and now receiving the news that I am shortlisted for the upcoming 63rd Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Contemporary Christian Music Song of the Year.
Further happy memories include holidays I’ve taken to New York, California, Hawaii and Italy with family, friends and my boyfriend.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Dog’s Bay, Roundstone in Connemara. On a good weather day, you don’t want to be anywhere else in the world!
The movie/s you could watch again and again is/are…
The Sound of Music! I can’t count how many times I’ve watched that film!!
What makes you angry?
Animal cruelty.
What would you like to be remembered for?
That I was kind and caring.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’ve received news that I am shortlisted for both ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Contemporary Christian Music Song of the Year’ in the upcoming 63rd Grammy Awards with my debut singles ‘Tar Liom’ and ‘You Are The Peace’. I’ve also just released my new single ‘Land of Hope’ which went to #1 in the World Charts on iTunes and is out now on all digital platforms such as Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. So I’m busy at the moment with promotional work, while also writing more songs towards a Debut EP / Album.
Victoria Johnston’s debut singles are out now on all digital platforms. For Victoria’s latest music updates follow her on Instagram and Facebook @victoriajohnstonofficial