You Crazy Dreamers

FAQ : How is Tadhg pronounced?
Answer : It’s pronounced like “tiger” without the “er” sound”…..

Tadhg is currently working on a new album and will not be on the road until it’s completion. A shame for everyone on this side of the pond, but you can catch him gigging (is gigging even a word?) around in Dublin. He will be playing at the infamous Ruby Sessions on April 1st, you can check his official website for any live updates. If you’re not fortunate enough to be in Dublin, you can always catch some live performances on YouTube. Oh - and of course demand him in a town near you.

I’ve known of Tadhg through some mutual friends and recently had the pleasure of doing a little interview. In the spirit of all things Irish this month here is one Irishman you’ll want to get to know.

YCD: What was the first record/album you ever bought?

Tadhg: Metallica - Metallica. I was railroaded into buying it. I actually really liked 4 of the songs on the album. That’s about as far as my love affair with metal went though. (The rest of my childhood was spent listening to The Kinks, The Monkees, James Taylor, Neil Sedaka, Joni Mitchell & David McWilliams… )

YCD: What are you currently listening to?

Tadhg: Sharon Jones and the Dap Tones. A good friend of mine played me some of their stuff the other day. The songs sound so authentic and old. I love it. I’m not even sure what album I’m listening to, but I like it very much. Apparently they record using all the old STAX studio equipment.

YCD: Who or what inspired you to start making music?

Tadhg: I don’t remember ever being inspired by one particular person or event. Long before I was even conscious of wanting to make music, I was moving in that direction. There are photos of me as a child with an acoustic guitar lying on my lap, with me just listening to the sounds of the open strings as I hit them. I was also told that I would never watch the children’s programs… I used to listen and join in for the theme tunes, and then lose interest as soon as the song ended. That was probably a sign!

YCD: If there was one song you wish you would have written what would it be, and why?

Tadhg: Oh, there are so many! McCartney’s “For no one” from Revolver is a real gem. It’s so short and perfect… I love simplicity in writing. Strangely, it’s very hard to achieve that appearance of effortlessness. That’s why so many songs appear clumsy. People give up the fight so easily. Lyrics should flow and be natural, like poetry… That’s why when I hear a song like “for no one”, I have to bow and show my respect to what must be one of the finest songs ever written. I absolutely adore the mournful horn solo… it reminds me of all the gritty old English dramas set around the coal mines in the north of England. For McCartney to even use that “old” instrument in a pop song was fairly experimental.

YCD: If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing now?
Tadhg: I have a degree in computational linguistics… so I’d probably be either working as a translator, or working as a programmer in MT (machine translation). I am a little bit of a nerd in that respect! I do love writing though. If I wasn’t a songwriter I think I would be a very prolific blogger (not necessarily a good one though!). I’ve always looked after my own websites, so I have a bit of an outlet there. I like writing to people. I like correspondence of all kinds. I think my dream job would be to have my own column in a newspaper supplement - where I’m allowed to write about whatever strikes me that day. It’s probably not all that glamorous a job in reality…but then it’s a DREAM job, so who says I have to face reality?

YCD: Is there anything new you are working on now?

Tadhg: I’m currently recording my new album (provisionally entitled “the thick of things”). I made my first album in Germany, so it’s great to be making this one in Dublin and to have the luxury of calling in friends to work on the songs. We started rehearsals with Paul from BellX1 on drums and Dave Redmond from David Geraghty’s band on bass, but Paul’s off recording and touring with BellX1 now, so we have the wonderful Sean Carpio stepping into Paul’s shoes. They’re all such wonderful players. It’s great to have the opportunity to play with these people, never mind record with them!

I’m also doing some shows with David Geraghty’s band over the next few months. Dave has taught me a lot over the years, and recorded (and played drums and bass on…) the original EP version of Sparks. Playing as a sideman, rather than the front man, has forced me to acquire new skills. Which is always a good thing. The day you stop learning in this business is the day you should really quit. Every day’s a school day.

YCD: For those readers who haven’t heard of you or your music before what
would best describe what you and your music?

Tadhg: I was told by a guy from New York that I was in the “dark folk” genre. I had never heard the term before, but I really like it.

Thank you Tadhg for taking the time to talk to us and for providing everyone with a free MP3 of Sparks off your original EP.

-If you like what you here please support the artist by purchasing the album. You can buy at CD Baby.