Clare singer songwriter Padjo Dolan is back with his new single, Rings of Saturn. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The song, which sees him team up again with Cian Boylan (Sinéad O'Connor), Conor Brady (The Corrs), Robbie Malone (David Gray) and Dave Hingerty (The Frames), tells the story of Dolan’s experience of buying his first car as a teenager, and cruising around his town’s backroads with a feeling of complete freedom.
"I had bought this Japanese import. Totally illegal on the road," he says. "I tore up the road, day and night. My girlfriend in the car beside me - it was a moment of magic. As for the name, about Saturn - I felt so free I could have been in outer space.
"Life is short, and those moments of magic are what make it worth living."
Padjo’s debut album will be out later this year.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I am from county Clare which is the best place you could be during the summer months! I studied business in Galway, which is also a great town, I had a ball there and am not entirely sure how I graduated! My 9 to 5 is in the construction game and I really enjoy that, it is a great space to be in in Ireland at the moment.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my sound as no-nonsense high energy rock. The objective of this solo project was to produce some really authentic rock tracks without the 'frills’ and I hope I am ticking that box so far!
Who are your musical inspirations?
U2 have been my heroes since I was a very young lad. In the early 2000s their stadium rock shows really captivated me. Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, the Killers have all inspired me to no end also.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
First gig was Metallica in Marley Park in 2008 I think. The first record I remember buying with my own money was All That You Can’t Leave Behind by U2. I was six or seven at the time. I played it on my discman every single day after school!
What’s your favourite song right now?
It’s hard to ignore anything Sam Fender is knocking out at the moment! Probably Seventeen Going Under from his latest record.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Tough question. There are so many! While ATYCLB is in my head, I would have to say I love the chorus from Kite. It means more to me now that I have grown up a bit!
"Who's to say where the wind will take you?
Who's to say what it is will break you?
I don't know where the wind will blow"
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Another difficult one! Probably Mundy’s version of Galway Girl.
Where can people find your music/more information?
@PadjoDolan is my handle on all socials and my music is available on all streaming platforms. Thanks a mill for having me!
