Irish-born indie-pop/rock singer Somebody’s Child returns with arguably one of his best tracks to date, the brilliant ‘Jungle’. By using his music as a platform to maintain a conversation on mental health, he constantly finds solace in songwriting and he is not afraid to share or address any of his personal journeys.
Somebody’s Child had made a considerable impression online, with flattering reviews from tastemaking blogs such as Clash, EARMILK, Atwood magazine and many others. He also reached No.1 on Hype Machine chart, landed numerous Tracks of the Day, and earned placements on the coveted Spotify editorial playlists ‘Hot New Bands’ and ‘A Breath of Fresh Eire’.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
Production wasn’t something I got into until I was ready to release my music not too long ago, but my music appreciation started when I gave upgrades on the piano and started playing and writing music that I was interested in around age 15.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
I generally get inspired by a melody or lyric. I can’t explain where it comes from but I cherish that moment a lot. Without that moment there is no song so it is important to treat it with respect and keep the momentum. From that initial spark, I try and sing the melody over and over in different ways while recording myself on my phone and flesh out the idea some more. Sooner or later a more logical process starts when trying to piece everything together, but I have found the less logic involved usually results in a stronger song.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Listening to music, going about my business, while falling asleep and working with other people mainly.
As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
I am still getting to grips with the business and there’s something new to learn around every corner. Sometimes it’s hard to stay away from the business end of things but sometimes I can’t get away from it if I feel it’ll further my career. It’s important to step back as a songwriter and focus on the art and that is something I continue to struggle with.
I guess on that note, there isn’t as much money in the industry anymore so there are tons of artists and not enough managers to help deal with the business end so artists are really left to cover a bunch of different roles which only takes away from their creativity. Perhaps more an appreciation for that fact and helpful platforms and educational sources to ease the workload of the independent artist would be a good chance, for a start.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
Music creation is definitely my core value in this business. Without that there is nothing else. Playing live is awesome and really helps the confidence but it’s not why I got into music.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
My first festival in Ireland when people were singing back my music for the first was pretty special. I didn’t realize it had impacted as much.
What’s on your current playlist?
I’m actually in a lull of music listening which is never a good thing so I can’t answer that. I’ll let you know when I get back into it!
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?
A whole bunch of different styles and influences. Some more singles and hopefully an album sooner rather than later. Also lots and lots of touring!
Famous last words?
The best side of life is on the other side of fear.
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