Artist Spotlight : Mick Flannery
Mick Flannery is an award winning Irish musician who has been quietly going about establishing a reputation as an accomplished singer-songwriter and compelling live act. Having released his third full-length studio album earlier this year, he was kind enough to take some time out to answer a few questions…
__________________________
2012 seems to be going well for you with the release of Red To Blue and the touring in support of it. Care to pick out any highlights so far and what does the rest of the year hold in store for you?
Seeing ‘Red To Blue’ reaching number one [in the Irish charts] and staying there for three weeks was strange. The rest of the year is going to be doing promo, some festivals in the UK and Ireland, showcases, TV and press in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland and other places… not sure where!
__________________________
Shawn Colvin has covered your song ‘Up On That Hill’ on her own latest studio album. I’m curious what you thought of her version?
I think it’s great, a wonderful compliment, and having Emmylou Harris on background vocals as well as it being produced by the great Buddy Miller… what more would you want?
__________________________
You seem to have a strong affinity to America. Are there any places there you’d like to visit that you haven’t been to already? And how do you think the music scene there compares to Ireland?
America is a big, big place. I don’t know, it’s too big, can’t compare it to Ireland…
__________________________
Do you tend to find yourself gravitating towards the piano or guitar when you’re first trying out new song ideas? And do you find lyrics and melodies come to you quite quickly?
A guitar is always around, so that’s normally first. Neither of them come quick, it takes me ages…
__________________________
I understand stonemasonry and poker are a couple of your pastimes outside of music. Any tips on either?!
Lately, with more gigs happening and less people looking for walls, I haven’t been doing as much building. Poker - don’t drink and play !
__________________________
And finally could you recommend any music by other artists you’ve been enjoying recently?
I’ve been listening to a band called The Felice Brothers from New York state. They’re kind of a dirty hillbilly-folk band who use shotguns to keep time.
I’ve also been listening to a lot of Lisa O’Neill, an Irish singer who I’ve been helping with some recording.
__________________________
(photo taken by Tamara Polajnar)
