Wicklow singer Ocean Tisdall has released his new single, White Lies. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Described as "an anti-valentines" pop anthem, Ocean says of his latest song, "White Lies is one of those records that just came out like word vomit!
"I remember listening to Billie Eilish's Ocean Eyes for the first time whilst going through my own break-up and being smacked in the face with an overwhelming sense of "f*** I relate to these lyrics sooooo much", especially because my ex had the most endearing blue eyes but was a sucker for those white lies.
"When writing this record, myself and my co-writer Seven just kept saying "Why did Billie get it so damn right?" and that ended up being the driving lyric that started the whole writing process."
He adds, "I’m beyond excited to be releasing music into the world, I finally get to see how people will react to the stories that have been living in my head for many years now.
"I’ve never truly been able to express my thoughts in the right way so it’s very therapeutic for me to get lost in my writing and put myself into an art form. This is me inviting you into my world so whether you love or hate it, I just hope it makes you feel something.
"My aspiration would be to make people feel something."
Tell us three things about yourself?
First main thing about me is I'm obsessed with my adorable best friend Bonnie (My dog. Haha).
Secondly. I'm a diehard Twilight stan! Team Edward all the way! I cried so much when I finished the last movie that my mum allowed me to take the day off school.
Thirdly, I'm trying sooo hard to be vegan at the moment but can't seem to get away from the dreams about chicken tenders from McDonalds. I need help.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as pop/alternative/singer-songwriter. Records that will hopefully make you feel something, whether that be a positive or negative emotion.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Oooooh, that's a tough one as I pull inspiration from so many different artists for different reasons. I would say what attracts me to an artist is if they are unapologetically themselves, that is something that I can pull inspiration from any day of the week but if you want a few names, I would say Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
The first ever gig I went to was JLS, as my sister Roisin was a super fan and wouldn't stop going on about them! I do try to block that one out as I have PTSD from my sister's screams. Sooo really Anne-Marie was my first official gig that I enjoyed.
The first song I purchased was California King Bed by Rihanna. I even remember forcing my mum to print off the lyrics for me so that I could sing it for my family in the sitting room.
What’s your favourite song right now?
My favourite song right now is definitely Holly Humberstone's Scarlett. I love this song but the visuals of the music video is what got me hooked! it's epic and I wish that I had thought of the idea before she came out with it. Holly, if you're reading, I hate you for that! Hahaha.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Picking one fav lyric of all time is impossible for me and to be honest, some of the lyrics that I have written myself in my own music really connect with me so I would say them but as you can't hear them yet, I will narrow them down to two: "It's the soul that needs the surgery" from Beyonce's Pretty Hurts. Do I need to say anything else? "Remember only God can judge us. Forget the haters 'cause somebody loves ya" from Miley Cyrus's We Can't Stop. I wish I wrote both of these lyrics.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Reallyyy!? you can't ask me these questions. Ahhhhh, too many to choose from but as of right now, this second whilst doing this interview We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus. In my eyes that song is my whole childhood.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I actually have a brand-new single called White Lies out right now, which you'll be able to listen to wherever you get your music. You can also follow my social media platforms, @oceanstisdall as I tend to leak a lot of different things before the official releases.
