Former Would Be's front woman Eileen Gogan has teamed up with Sean O’Hagan (Microdisney, Stereolab and The High Llamas) for a digital EP entitled Another Golden Day. They’ve released the first song, Wave. We asked Eileen the BIG questions . . .
Eileen has been a fixture on the Dublin music scene for many years, performing in various bands including The Revenants, Acton Bell and The Drays. She released her acclaimed solo album Under Moving Skies in 2020.
As well as his work with Stereolab, Microdisney and The High Llamas, Sean’s credits as an arranger and producer include Paul Weller, Gilberto Gil, Sondre Lerche, Tim Burgess, Fryars, Gruff Rhys, Bill Callahan, Bonnie "Prince" Billy and more.
Speaking about the collaboration came together, Eileen says, "Cathal Coughlan got in touch in 2018 to ask if I would sing with Microdisney on their reunion gigs and that is how I met Sean.
"Sean then got in touch a few months after the gigs as he was interested in doing some shows around Ireland. He asked if I knew any good venues.
"He then suggested that I might support him, so Sean, Brian O’Neill (from Dimple Discs) and I went on the road in a rented car and played some gigs around Ireland. It was the best fun ever!
"Sean and I stayed in touch, and then he helped out on my solo album. Later I think he was between projects and looking for something to do and he asked me to send him some songs.
"He liked some of them and he thought it might be fun to release an EP. I am completely blown away by what he has done. Whenever I listen to them, I’m mesmerised by the amazing breath and ethereal life he has injected into the songs."
Tell us three things about yourself?
I like coffee. I like cake. I love dancing.
How would you describe your music?
The old world falling on the new.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Mark Hollis, and Laurie Anderson.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
First gig, Echo and the Bunnymen. First Record was HIt Me With your Rhythm Stick by Ian Dury and the Blockheads, myself and my brother were saving up for a budgie, but I robbed some money from the fund as I was obsessed with that song, (still am).
What’s your favourite song right now?
A song I’m singing for Stephen Ryan (The Stars of Heaven, The Revenants, The Drays) on his new album in progress. So, I can't name it yet!
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I love you, you big dummy" - Captain Beefheart, I Love You, You Big Dummy, from the album Lick My Decals.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The dawn chorus by the garden birds of Ireland.
Where can people find your music/more information?
