by Danielle Holian
For our readers, please describe your musical background.
I’m a guitarist/vocalist mainly, also piano, drums and bass.. I always played guitar since I was about 9, didn’t start singing properly until about a year and a half ago. Always tried to sing in a few garage and covers bands bands since I was 14. I played with a few bands as a teenager and performed a few chorus and minor lead roles in a few musical productions. I played as lead vocalist and guitarist for about 5 or 6 years with my previous band. I recently made the decision to leave my band and just do my own thing. I really like how well it’s been going so far.
Who or what are your influences?
Whatever catches my attention or my musical interest. It can either be something new to me or something I’ve always had an interest in. I could hear something I’ve never heard before and it will inspire me to write a song, a lyric or come up with a mad guitar sound using multiple effects pedals. I’m constantly experimenting with new sounds on various instruments. I like to experiment in the studio just before I’m about to record. That can be seen as unprofessional but it’s just too much fun for me.
How has the West of Ireland shaped your music?
I pay close attention to a lot of the musical talent around Galway City. I’ve been involved in a lot of showcase gigs were there’s no “headline” act, local music certainly has a powerful influence on musicians. I play close attention to most of the professional bands from Galway city and I learn a lot from them. Most recently I played a gig with drummer Keith Whyte from D-Day and bassist Charlie McCarthy from Crude, they’re both from Galway and have had an impact on my live sound in recent times.
Tell us a bit about the songwriting process for you?
Usually the songwriting happens by itself for me. At the start I try to begin with it being stripped back as possible with chords and a simple melody. I work on the structure and the lyrics later on. When the foundation is ready I layer it with other instruments in whatever way it feels good. I come up with about a hundred different guitar parts that work really well for a song, they can be hard to chose from at times. I spend most of the recording time laying down about 10-15 guitar tracks on one song.
What can we expect from your debut album?
The album opens with an introduction/spoken word track “One Life/One Death” which leads into the actual first song of the album “Sun Don’t Rise”. You can expect to hear a lot if different kinds of guitar parts, interesting bass lines, drum beats and lyrical themes such as love, life, death, violence, religion, human behaviour and new beginnings. The genre of music is a blend of a few different styles of Rock, such as Indie, Punk, Blues, Psychadelic, Country and Acoustic. I’m really looking forward to its release in 2017.
Where can someone view your music?
My new single “Separate Ways” is currently available on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Music and Tidal. I intend to record a few covers and upload them to my Youtube channel and Facebook Page “Echo Harte Music” before I release the album. I mostly keep followers up to date using Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. My single is also available to stream for free on Breaking Tunes.
How has your music evolved since you began?
It’s come a long way since I made the decision to become solo, I have complete freedom to play the type of music I want to.
What has been a highlight for you so far?
Releasing my first single and becoming a solo artist within such a short space of time. I’ve had a lot of great support from friends, family, radio stations, fellow musicians and local venues. They’ve all given me a huge push forward since the release of my new single. I’m very grateful to everyone for the helpful and kind support, so massive thanks to everyone! It means everything.
What advice would you give to fellow musicians?
Whether you’re a solo artist or in a band make sure you play with musicians that give you nothing but total encouragement and freedom to be yourself. That’s really important. It’s what makes a good band connect and play good music together. Pretentious “Ego’s” drag bands down and pull them apart so it’s a good idea to distance yourself from your ego in band practice or in the studio or whenever you are in a group that has to work together. It makes life easier for everyone when there are no diva’s trying to take charge. Be open to all kinds of music and ideas.
Any last words?
“Tupac is unreal”
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