Piano phenomenon Jamie Duffy's unique blend of traditional, popular and classical influences has won him fans worldwide.
Last year the singer-songwriter from Monaghan released his debut EP On A Wing, with its breakout lead single Torus - by June, he was taking the stage alongside the likes of Hans Zimmer, Zucchero and Katherine Jenkins to perform at Andrea Bocelli's 30th anniversary concert in Hyde Park.
Following the release of his new single For The Moon and four sold-out shows in the National Concert Hall Studio, Jamie makes his main stage debut at the NCH on March 17th, for a special St. Patrick's Day concert.
We asked Jamie for his choice cultural picks...
FILM
I do love Conclave. For a while when I was a bit younger, I thought being The Pope would be class, not in a religious sense but more so because I kind of devoured the pomp and ceremony associated with the Vatican. The grandeur, the campness and the theatre of it all. There was nothing more exciting than dressing in gowns and altar serving in a Monaghan church of a Saturday evening. Conclave reminded me of all this.
MUSIC
Basically, anything as far from my own 'genre’ as possible. I hate feeling claustrophobic or boxed in musically, which can happen when you’re writing or in the studio a lot. I’m listening to a lot of Doechii right now. She’s beyond talented and her music will scratch an itch in your brain, I guarantee. Also, Moio is an Irish artist who will be massive. I feel as though I’m singing his tune Moments to myself every 30 seconds. Watch where he goes.
BOOK
I really don’t read as much as I should. The last book I read was This Much Is True, the autobiography of Miriam Margolyes. What a precious lady.
THEATRE
I recently went to see Television, a show by Sexy Tadhg at the Smock Alley Theatre. It was one of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen. Pure brilliance.
TV
I am having a self-induced, all-encompassing Sharon Horgan moment right now. From Bad Sisters to Catastrophe I just can’t get enough of her, completely and unapologetically obsessed. Sharon for the Áras.
GIG
There is only one gig on my mind right now and it’s my own. I’m headlining the NCH on St. Patrick’s Day. My own solo show. It is all I can think of, I’m both terrified and extremely excited. It’s an honour to headline such an historic venue on such an important day.
ART
I love the work of Alison Diamond, a printmaker from Newcastle who has designed several pieces for single covers of mine. Her art is so beautiful. She is also the mum of a good friend of mine from uni in Belfast. I love little connections like that, where two very different creatives meet, work together and create such a lovely synergy.
TECH
My lovely Roland FP90. She’s the keyboard that I had with me in university and was the instrument that first helped bring my compositions to the world after I wrote Solas on it.
THE NEXT BIG THING
Me, hopefully. Have to keep that manifesting going ;)
, Monday 17 March 2025 at 7.30pm. See nch.ie for more.
