From Formula One after-parties to North East weddings, we get to know professional saxophonist Louise Squire, better known as Lady V.
Having performed in more than 40 countries, Louise Squire has built an impressive career entertaining audiences around the world. Now based in the North East, the professional saxophonist brings her signature sound to weddings, corporate events and private celebrations.
We caught up with Louise to talk about life behind the saxophone, her favourite travel memories and what she loves most about coming home.
Photography credit: Ian Squire Photography
Name
Louise Squire, or Lady V when I’m with my sax!
Job title
Professional saxophonist.
Where is home?
Stockton-on-Tees.
Three reasons you love where you live?
We live in a peaceful rural village with beautiful countryside views, fabulous walks for the dogs and family close by.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a professional saxophonist, performing at all kinds of events.
I’ve been lucky enough to perform in more than 40 countries, including multiple Formula One after-parties and events for luxury brands such as Cartier and Jacob & Co.
Over the past few years, I’ve been back in the North East, specialising in weddings, corporate events and private parties.
A day in the life of you?
With the variety of events I cover, there’s no such thing as a typical day, unless it’s an unplugged family day!
Most mornings involve coffee, peanut butter and a blast through admin, or ‘wed-min’, as lots of brides call it.
There’s so much happening behind the scenes, from enquiries, quotes and calls to meetings with couples and corporate clients, social media and business accounts. It’s exhausting at times, but those amazing performances wouldn’t happen without my militant approach to admin!
During peak wedding season, I might cover two weddings in one day. I’ll often head out with a fully loaded packed lunch, courtesy of my amazing husband Ian, and be away for up to 15 hours. I could be playing at one drinks reception before heading to another venue for an evening celebration.
Outside peak season, things are a little less chaotic. There’s more time for family, friends, garden centres, scones and dog walks, usually before heading off to an evening wedding performance.
Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects or achievements we should know about?
Yes! Our annual charity event, the PawsUp Ball, takes place in November at Ramside Hall Hotel. It’s always such a fun evening, bringing everyone together for a great cause while raising much-needed funds for Durham’s retired police dogs.
I’m also looking forward to four big Christmas party nights throughout December. They’re all ticketed events and open to everyone, so anyone can come along and enjoy a fantastic festive night out.
I always try to share details of upcoming events and dates across my social media, so keep an eye out for updates!
Photography credit: Ian Squire Photography
What does downtime mean to you?
Unplugging. Spending time with my husband and our dogs, catching up with family and friends and enjoying a few less decibels!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I had two very different ‘sensible’ career ideas because becoming a professional musician seemed a little unattainable.
My first ambition was to become a whale trainer in Florida, and the second was to be an interpreter.
I think my musical brain has always had an appreciation for languages and sounds. After spending so much time performing in the Middle East, I went on to study Arabic. The culture, writing and language absolutely fascinated me.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
It sounds clichéd, but life is a miracle, so don’t take it for granted.
The more programmes we watch with Brian Cox exploring the unimaginable enormity of space, the more amazed I am that life even exists on Earth.
We’re all tiny but mighty!
What is your greatest fear?
Breaking a finger!
What is top of your bucket list?
A tour of Japan.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to perform across many parts of Asia, but we’ve never had a show in Japan. It looks like such a beautiful and diverse country, and I can’t wait to book a trip.
What is your most treasured possession?
My first and main Yanagisawa alto saxophone. It’s travelled the world with me and has been part of my life for more than 30 years.
What does the weekend mean to you?
Usually a very hectic schedule of events in our household! I’ve been a professional musician for over 20 years now, so I’m more than used to working throughout the weekend.
We’ve learnt to appreciate the simple but wholesome things in life, whether that’s enjoying a lovely Sunday roast on a random weeknight or simply making the most of some downtime whenever we get the chance.
A memorable holiday?
This is so difficult because I LOVE holidays!
We recently went on safari around parts of Kruger National Park in South Africa. I’ll never forget seeing a leopard at close range. It did a double take, held its gaze on our safari vehicle and then peacefully carried on prowling. Just beautiful.
I’d also have to mention the Maldives. We got engaged there and loved it so much that we returned for our honeymoon.
Best dress?
My beautiful wedding dress, and anything from Holland Cooper!
Who would be your top-three dinner guests?
Can I have an extending six-seater table?!
Prince, Raye, Bill Bailey, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sally Nugent and Paul Simon.
The last place you ate?
The Vane Arms.
Photography credit: Sarah Caldecott Photography
The last thing you read?
Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club collection.
They have such a feel-good factor, with just the right amount of sarcasm and wit.
The last thing you listened too?
Lady Gaga’s Hold My Hand. I’ve been practising it for tonight’s wedding first dance.
The last thing you watched?
The Split Up on BBC. Brilliant!
Your three luxe things in life?
Health, amazing family and friends, and chocolate!
