Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
I had been planning to record and release music for years. I gigged constantly and gained a decent following but people had nowhere to hear me. I think recording and releasing felt like a huge deal and I didn’t know where to begin.
I started recording my music in Half Bap Studios in Belfast with a friend of mine (George Sloan of ‘No Oil Paintings’) and went from there. Once lockdown occurred I realised that if I didn’t spend my time getting it finished then I never would.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
It changes as I listen and time passes but ultimately I think ‘Fishpond’ encapsulates something very strong about my friends. It’s emotive for me when I listen to it and whilst it’s quite different to most of my other stuff, its meaning stands strong.
Who are some artists you look up to?
There are so many. Christy Moore, Shane MacGowan, Declan O’rourke, Paul Brady all seem to drink from the same wonderful well. But then I also love Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra. I’d like to think I take a little from all of them.
What are some sources of inspiration for you?
That’s a difficult one. I don’t feel it’s ever close to death. It’s like, what do you do to stay breathing? It’s harder to hold your breath.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Declan O’rourke’s new album. I take something new from it with every listen and my favourite moments continue to change.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Mad Men is my favourite TV show. I must have watched it 6 times all the way through over the years. I also love anything biographical like ‘The Damned United’ or ‘Love and Mercy’. I aim to have an acting career like Michael Sheen.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
It’s a selection of songs from recent times to my very first when I moved to London. It was hard to pick 5 out of the load I love but it’s nice to mix and remind.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
Trying not to have a pint. It’s so tempting. And ultimately one pint doesn’t affect anyone. But I’ve found having a pint before I go on stage makes me nervous. It’s like even though it won’t get me drunk it makes me worry enough that I may not be 100%. If I could shake that worry my pre-show ritual would be having many pints.
What’s the future looking like for you?
If I only knew! It’s what I love about all this, you really never know. I have a gig on 25th June (first gig back since lockdown) which I can’t wait for. I’m also currently on location filming feature film ‘Love Without Walls’ so that will be out before the end of the year hopefully. I’m kind of eager to get back into the studio and record again now.
Who inspires your style and looks?
I’m inspired so strongly by my love for screen, theatre and music. I love the Pogues and their aesthetic has always influenced me but then the smart 60s outfits of Mad Men get under my skin in a big way. In many ways it depends on what I’ve seen recently. My mam calls them phases that started with Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam!
What is a moment you are very proud of ?
I think I was really proud of a play I put on a couple of years ago. I wrote and directed it and the whole run sold out. It’s not even that I consider myself a writer or director. I’m just proud that I went through with it and put myself on the line. It’s quite embarrassing and scary.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
I keep changing my opinion on this. When I feel like it’s going well I have all the answers but when it feels hopeless you feel like you’re in the dark and you have no idea. Ultimately I follow my instincts, stay true to myself, take advice and keep going.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
I just think there should be a fairer way to make money from the music that you’re releasing. So much work goes into a single, EP or album and financially it’s amazing anyone is managing it. But that’s not a new idea…
