Glee and Celtic Thunder singer Damian McGinty has released the video for his single, Those Were The Days. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The 28-year-old Derry man is now based in LA and he made his debut with Celtic Thunder when he was just 14.
"I can't believe it’s been fourteen years," he says. "One thing that for sure has kept me grounded is home. family, the people of Derry, my Irish roots, I’d be lost without it. Because of the pandemic I wasn’t able to return home for sixteen months.
"I finally made it back in April. Having to be quarantined at my parents’ home with the people I love for ten days wasn’t a problem. I felt like I was finally able to exhale."
A seven-track EP, also titled Those Were The Days, from the Derry man will follow on June 25.
Every month of 2021, McGinty has released a new original single, starting with Fight This Fight in January and most recently City of Angels, released April.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I drink three coffees a day. I run 40 mile a week. I do not like cauliflower. I went to the American Reunion premiere in Hollywood with Jedward and my buddy Bryce Vine, and we went out with the cast afterwards. (That’s four but thought I’d add something not so normal along with three very average facts).
How would you describe your music?
I would say it is pop with a singer song writer direction. There are some very deep and detailed songs on this new EP, but also mixed in with (what I hope) are some hooky melodies.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Longevity, and to simply grow. I am self-managed, which I love. It almost feels like being a musician is my profession but being a business owner is my Job. That’s certainly how it feels at times. If I can be doing this at 80, making a living and making people happy, I’d take that over selling 10 million records for a period of five years.
What are you most looking forward to post-lockdown?
I miss sitting in coffee shops! It’s one of my favourite things to do, I really can’t wait to get back to that.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Briefcase - Walker Hayes feat Lori McKenna.
Favourite lyric of all time?
This changes pending what my life looks like in the moment. So, it’s really hard to pick just one. Probably, 'Now I get it’ Dad, it’s a juggling act, between feeding the kids and feeding the dreams we chase. I guess a guitar doesn’t fall too far from a briefcase.’ This truly changes weekly.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Impossible. But, Cannonball by Damien Rice.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, all the usual places. But you can get the new physical EP, coming June 25th, only at my website.
