Padraig Jack tells us that he writes and sings songs in English and Irish and has toured Ireland and the UK with Sharon Shannon over the past year. He will release his debut album, Making Sand, on October 16. We ask him the BIG questions.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I learned how to perform music in Joe Watty's, my parents' pub in Aran, which I also help them run. Before going full time with music I completed a Ph.D in computer network engineering. I played bass on one of the songs on my upcoming album with a bass guitar that once belonged to Andy Rourke from The Smiths.
How would you describe your music?
The musician Vinnie Kilduff once described it as West of Ireland, Celtic-Soul, Adult Contemporary. I tell people it's like a mix of Sinéad O'Connor, R.E.M. and Paul Brady.
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Who are your musical inspirations?
The great songwriters and performers; Van Morrison, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Shane MacGowan, Steve Winwood, James Taylor, Sting, Paul Brady, Damien Dempsey, Eagles, Jimmy McCarthy, The Waterboys, U2, Sinéad O'Connor, Foy Vance, Pa Reidy, Miles Davis, John Mellencamp, Donny Hathaway, James Vincent McMorrow and, of course, my dad, Barry Ronan.
How have you been occupying yourself during the coronavirus lockdown?
Spending time between Aran and Oranmore with my girlfriend Ciara and helping her deal with the fact that I'm not Connell from Normal People! I have been planning the release of my debut album, Making Sand, for the Autumn, as well as planning shows in London and Germany, which I hope will go ahead. I played a couple of Facebook live shows in Joe Watty's with the Mulkerrin Brothers too - great fun. I was commissioned to compose a song for an exciting project called Neart Nua and I have been working on that with my dad, who I often co-write with. I have also started dabbling in music recording which I never did before because I always thought I'd never have the time to overcome the learning curve, but that has changed this year.
What's your favourite song right now?
If I Ever Lose My Faith in You - I’m on a big Sting buzz lately.
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Favourite lyric of all time?
I don’t know if I have a favourite, but I'd be happy if I wrote John Mellencamp's line; "Sometimes you get sick and you don't get better, that's when life is short, even in its longest days".
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If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
Freddie Freeloader from Miles Davis' Kind of Blue.
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Where can people find your music/more information?
My website www.padraigjack.com or search for 'Padraig Jack’ on Spotify, Apple Music, Facebook or Instagram.
