Mayo singer-songwriter Faraway Martin has released his new single, Figure You Out and plays Claremorris Folk Festival on May 1st and a hometown show, Live at the Library in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo on May 5th. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Based in Qatar for the past number of years, these shows mark his first shows in Ireland in three years.
Tell us three things about yourself?
In my day job I'm a Music teacher in Doha, Qatar. I've been here since 2015 teaching and gigging. I love travelling. I've travelled to 42 countries including North Korea, Palestine, and Australia. I did a bungee jump in South Africa and the video went viral. It was on Good Morning America, CNN, Sky News, BBC etc. My phone may have fallen out of my pocket!
How would you describe your music?
I guess pop/rock or acoustic pop. I have big energetic pop songs and some soft mellow acoustic songs. One constant is I enjoy writing catchy hooks and meaningful lyrics people can relate to.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to Christy Moore and a lot of other Irish artists. Damien Rice is one of my favourites. I met him in Italy and got to play a few songs with him. A dream come true! I'm inspired by Orla Gartland, X Ambassadors, Seafret and The Frames.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
The first concert I went to was The Saw Doctors. They played in my school when I was a young teenager. They came back to perform a couple of years later and I opened for them. They know how to put on a show! The first album I bought was Guns N' Roses Greatest Hits. It was one of the few CDs I bought when I was a teen. Normally I'd just steal them off my older brother!
What's your favourite song right now?
All For You by Cian Ducrot. He's such a talented songwriter and this song has been stuck in my head for weeks!
Favourite lyric of all time?
It's very hard to choose. I love the chorus from the song One Day Like This. "Cause holy cow, I love your eyes, And only now I see the light, Yeah, lying with you half awake, Well, anyway, it's looking like a beautiful day".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dean Town by Vulfpeck. I chose an instrumental song instead of a song with lyrics because I'd crack up singing the same words over and over all the time!
Where can people find your music/more information?
People can get in touch on my website. You can get me on all social media platforms @farawaymartin - pop over and say hello!
