INTERVIEW: Róisín O

INTERVIEW:

Róisín O

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AN artist who I hold a lot of respect…

and affection for, the magnificent Róisín O tells me about her new album, Courageous. It is available to stream (it came out physically on 29th April in Ireland; the official release date for the UK is 1st July), although I would urge everyone to pre-order it on vinyl, as her immaculate, incredible, passionate and unique voice is best experienced on that format! From the songs that I have heard and enjoyed already, it is clear that the Dublin-born artist is one of the finest out there. A stunning talent who is following her 2012 solo album, The Secret Life of Blue, with, what I think is her strongest work yet, it was a pleasure learning more about the one and only Róisín O. As the daughter of Mary Black, it no surprise that music was a big part of her childhood! Róisín O also tells me about what it was like recording during the pandemic (her band, Thanks Brother, came to a natural stop in 2020), why more eyes should be on Ireland and Irish music, and what it has been like getting back on the road and connecting with fans after such a long time. If you have not heard the music and magic of Róisín O, then go and check out (and order) the wonderful Courageous – to me, one of the finest albums of this year so far. Here is a very special and gifted artist…

WITH a hugely exciting future ahead.

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Tell me about your new album, Courageous. Writing about dealing with loss, heartache, breakups, letting go, growth and hope, how easy was it to write so openly? Was there a sense of catharsis and clarity writing about these subjects so honestly?

When I first started writing songs on this album, I really didn’t have an album in mind. I wasn’t really thinking about releasing them; they were very much for my own ears. I think, with that weight of ‘what will people think’ off my shoulders, the songs were created much more openly and earnestly. They were extremely cathartic to write, particularly songs like Heart + Bone, Stolen and Courageous. It wasn’t until I wrote those lyrics down on paper did I get certain clarity about some difficult moments in my life.

“I think it’s really important to have light and dark on an album and within each song”.

Even though a lot of the tracks deal with hard subjects and deep emotions, they are also uplifting and fun. How important was it to put this energy and optimism in Courageous?

For me, the sad songs often come easier. I’m too busy being happy to write happy songs when I’m happy, if you get me?! Upbeat songs like 2023 came in the depths of lockdown when the future seemed so grim that I really wanted to write something that had hope and optimism about the future. I think it’s really important to have light and dark on an album and within each song. Songs like Night Stretches Through portray quite dark emotions of seeing someone you love with someone else. But juxtaposed against an upbeat, driving backing track.

Are there particular tracks from the album that are standout or mean a lot to you personally?

Heart + Bones was the first track I released as a solo act in about 5 years - and probably means the most to me. It was the most honest and bare-all song I’d ever written. And the response I got from fans was really mind-blowing. It really connected with people in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And getting that response gave me the push I needed to release the album.

The pandemic must have made it difficult when it came to recording and making plans. Did that sense of disconnection and isolation make you more determined to put this album out?

For me, I honestly feel if it wasn’t for the pandemic I wouldn’t have made this album. Lockdown gave me the time I needed to write these songs and bring them to life with people I really admire. Songwriting and recording always came second and third to me after performing live, and they have been parts of music that I never really felt at ease with. But writing and recording this album was so different. I poured myself into it even more, partly because I was really missing that live music outlet. And it ended up my best recording experience ever.

Courageous sees you working as a solo artist again. You have embarked on various different stages through your career. Why did you decide to come back to working solo in 2021?

My band Thanks Brother came to a natural end in 2020, and to be honest, I was very unsure what I was going to do with my life for a good few months that year. I remember chatting to my now-manager Adelle asking her advice: “Maybe I’ll start a new band; maybe I’ll go by a new name”. She stared me down and asked me: “What the fuck are you on about? People want to hear Róisín O”. I think I needed that kick in the arse. I released a cover of Lose You to Love Me soon after that which blew up online, and it gave me the confidence I needed to think about releasing solo work again.

“But the artist who influenced me most was Joni Mitchell. Her album, Blue, was a turning point for me from when I was about 14”.

You have collaborated with other artists (including working as part of Thanks Brother), and now you are back working as a solo artist. That said, are there any artists that you would really love to work with but haven’t done yet?

I love working with other artists! Just the other day, I was chatting to Faye O’Rourke from Soda Blonde (who I’d love to collaborate with). Their debut album is stunning. Collaborating with some of my idols would be a dream obviously, like HAIM or Arcade Fire!

Take me back to the start. Who were the artists who inspired you growing up? How important was music in your household?

My house was full of music growing up. From my parents, I got really into American Folk like James Taylor, Crosby Stills & Nash, and Fleetwood Mac. My two older brothers got me into bands like Radiohead, Oasis, Blur, and The Cranberries. While my friends got me into Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Muse. At a young age, I was always drawn towards women in all genres, particularly Destiny’s Child, Avril Lavigne, and Celine Dion. But the artist who influenced me most was Joni Mitchell. Her album, Blue, was a turning point for me from when I was about 14.

Your mother is the legendary Folk artist, Mary Black. How supportive has she been when it comes to your music and journey?

She couldn’t be more supportive. She’s the best mam ever.

You have an incredible and distinct voice! How do you think it has changed and developed since your debut as a twenty-four-year-old?

I think my voice has definitely got stronger since then. I feel I’m only scraping the surface now in terms of technique in (regards) what my voice can really do.

“It’s tough as an Irish artist to break through outside home. And it’s not made easier with the huge amount of American and U.K. music that gets played on Irish radio”.

Ireland is a country that, to me, is producing some of the best new talent. Despite that, a lot of the media still focused on England (and London especially). Do you think more eyes should be on Irish music?

Yes, I do. It’s tough as an Irish artist to break through outside home. And it’s not made easier with the huge amount of American and U.K. music that gets played on Irish radio. It would be great to see that change, and for more up-and-coming Irish artist to be able to build up their careers at home.

You have done some live gigs recently. What is it like being back performing and connecting with fans? Are there plans to come to the U.K. at any point and perform?

I didn’t realise how much I missed performing live until I got back on stage. After that first show, I got off stage and was like, ‘Oh, this is why I’m a musician’. There’s no amount of songwriting or recording or live streaming that can substitute for performing for and connecting with a live audience. I’ll be opening for The Coronas on their U.K. tour, and with another Irish artist’s tour - which will be announced soon. All in September. Keep an eye on my Instagram for dates.

I think that your music would be perfect on the big screen and, in fact, you have this gravitas and personality that would translate to film! Is that an area you have thought about exploring in terms of acting or recording?

It’s something I’d definitely think of in the future. It’s always great for any act to get a sync in T.V. or film. But I suppose I don’t write for that in mind particularly. But I would love to pursue it more in future.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can pick any song you like to finish with (it doesn’t have to be one of your songs) and I will include it here.

Róisín O - Better This Way.