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-about 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 individuals to love me.
However on a extra severe be aware – I’ve at all times been drawn in by songwriting. My mother and father had been large music
followers and my Dad particularly launched me to among 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
information like theirs on repeat for years.
Are you able to speak us by way of your new single, ‘It’ll Be Alright’, and what it means to you?
“It’ll Be Alright” was written by my shut and private buddy, mentor and confidant, Gareth Dunlop.
From the minute I heard it I assumed it might be successful 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 really like that music and it was a
pleasure to deal with 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 prefer to reinterpret these songs, and what sparked the concept?
This was a stunning challenge to undertake, although just a little formidable to cowl songs by individuals who I truly
know personally. Usually for those who cowl a Billy Joel music or one thing you’re by no means in all probability going to
hear what he thinks of it however these of us are my mates too, so I attempted to deal with the entire thing with child
gloves.
I wished to place one thing out earlier than my album comes out subsequent 12 months and had initially thought of
performing some previous classics or one thing and attempting to reinvent them, however actually, it simply wasn’t actually
lighting my world on fireplace.
The latest closure of Songbook, my month-to-month Belfast showcase for native artists, sparked an alternate idea. Impressed by the unbelievable songwriting expertise I witnessed there, I made a decision to report a few of these
superb songs as a tribute to the scene. The expertise in Northern Eire is unbelievable. I may 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
mates which have performed reveals there and it definitely lived as much as the expectation.
Earlier than embarking in your solo profession, you curated the acclaimed month-to-month reside 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 mates each month. The blokes who
made up the home band are among the most gifted gamers that I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing
a stage with. It was closely improvised, however their talent let me deliver 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 among the moments from Songbook through the years have definitely 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 large unhealthy world.
What artists are you at the moment listening to?
Actually – it’s plenty of native stuff. Gareth Dunlop has simply launched an insanely good album that everybody
ought to take a look at. Ciaran Lavery has some actually nice stuff popping out proper now as nicely that I’ve been
having fun with. Additional afield, the brand new Lake Road Dive EP sounds killer and Brittany Howard’s report
“What Now” has been getting a spin commonly within the automobile.
Lastly, what are you engaged on subsequent?
We’re within the thick of blending the album with Will Reeves which has been a stunning and painless course of.
He’s outrageously good at what he does and we’re delighted to have him aboard. Loving that complete
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 “Comply with You
Down” written by Ciaran Lavery out on July fifth
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