How did you initially get into music?
I come from an extremely musical household so it was at all times throughout me. A bit like being introduced up
with a faith – I’ve by no means actually thought of some other choices!
What had been your largest influences rising up?
I might say my largest affect was my insatiable want for approval. That’s been a continuing
all through my life and it’s been the driving pressure behind each endeavour I’ve ever undertaken for
higher or worse. I simply need folks to love me.
However on a extra severe notice – I’ve at all times been drawn in by songwriting. My dad and mom had been big music
followers and my Dad particularly launched me to a few of the artists which have remained my favourites
ever since. Folks like Marc Cohn or Jackson Browne, Billy Joel and numerous others.. I’ve been taking part in
data like theirs on repeat for years.
Are you able to discuss us by your new single, ‘It’ll Be Alright’, and what it means to you?
“It’ll Be Alright” was written by my shut and private pal, mentor and confidant, Gareth Dunlop.
From the minute I heard it I believed it could be a success and used to badger Gareth to launch it himself
however he by no means did – however he mentioned he didn’t thoughts if I gave it a go so I went for it. I like that tune and it was a
pleasure to sort out it. At all times used to place a smile on my face once I’d hear him sing it, so I’m very glad to
have put a model out myself.
Your upcoming EP ‘Uncovered Vol. 1’ incorporates a compilation of covers of your favorite artists from Northern Eire. What was it wish to reinterpret these songs, and what sparked the concept?
This was a beautiful venture to undertake, although a little bit formidable to cowl songs by individuals who I really
know personally. Usually for those who cowl a Billy Joel tune or one thing you’re by no means most likely going to
hear what he thinks of it however these of us are my associates too, so I attempted to deal with the entire thing with child
gloves.
I needed to place one thing out earlier than my album comes out subsequent 12 months and had initially considered
performing some previous classics or one thing and attempting to reinvent them, however actually, it simply wasn’t actually
lighting my world on hearth.
The latest closure of Songbook, my month-to-month Belfast showcase for native artists, sparked an alternate idea. Impressed by the unimaginable songwriting expertise I witnessed there, I made a decision to document a few of these
superb songs as a tribute to the scene. The expertise in Northern Eire is unimaginable. I might have made
10 of those EPs.
How was your expertise taking part in at The Nice Escape in Brighton?
It was pretty to spend a while in Brighton for the primary time. I’ve heard so many nice issues from
associates which have performed exhibits there and it actually lived as much as the expectation.
Earlier than embarking in your solo profession, you curated the acclaimed month-to-month dwell present ‘Songbook’ in
Belfast, offering a platform for rising expertise within the native music scene. How did this expertise spur you on to the subsequent stage of your musical journey?
Songbook was began as an excuse to play some music with my associates each month. The fellows who
made up the home band are a few of the most proficient gamers that I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing
a stage with. It was closely improvised, however their talent let me convey new songs to a full band and see them
come alive. It’s given me a degree of confidence taking part in and speaking with musicians that I by no means
had earlier than and a few of the moments from Songbook through the years have actually ended up informing
manufacturing decisions for the album popping out subsequent 12 months. It was an absolute honour to be part of and
was someplace to chop my tooth earlier than I went out into the massive unhealthy world.
What artists are you presently listening to?
Truthfully – it’s a whole lot of native stuff. Gareth Dunlop has simply launched an insanely good album that everybody
ought to try. Ciaran Lavery has some actually nice stuff popping out proper now as effectively that I’ve been
having fun with. Additional afield, the brand new Lake Road Dive EP sounds killer and Brittany Howard’s document
“What Now” has been getting a spin often within the automotive.
Lastly, what are you engaged on subsequent?
We’re within the thick of blending the album with Will Reeves which has been a beautiful and painless course of.
He’s outrageously good at what he does and we’re delighted to have him aboard. Loving that entire
course of.
There are just a few extra releases from this EP due out earlier than the top of the 12 months. Subsequent up is “Observe You
Down” written by Ciaran Lavery out on July fifth
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