London-Irish art rockers Five Grand Stereo have released their new single, Dancing Mary. We asked front man Chris Singleton the BIG questions . . .
Part of a forthcoming collection of new songs that reflect on lead songwriter Singleton's childhood in Dublin, and written and recorded in lockdown London, the song focuses on an early memory of the famous Dublin street character Mary Dunne, who danced on O’Connell Street in the 1980s and 1990s.
Tell us three things about yourself?
We're a bunch of immigrants that live in London. We have a big Irish contingent. It's hard for us to all fit on stage at once.
How would you describe your music?
Bowie and Lou Reed influenced shenanigans.
Who are your musical inspirations?
We like artists that begin with B. Bowie, Beatles and Bolan have all provided inspiration in the past. But we've nicked ideas from Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa too.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
I don't know if it counts as a gig, but one of the first shows I remember going was to see my Dad perform in The Mikado. Otherwise, Primal Scream in Dublin sometime in the 90s. The first record I ever bought was a vinyl copy of Abbey Road by The Beatles, I think, in Golden Discs in Bray. Had to save up for about seven weeks to get it too.
What’s your favourite song right now?
It's not a new song, but my son has discovered Supergrass lately and keeps playing Butterfly, the last song on their last studio album. It's a really lovely track that I'd completely forgotten about, and I can't stop listening to it. Partly because he keeps playing it, and loudly, but still, it counts as my current favourite.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I can't argue with the lyrics of Joe's Garage by Frank Zappa. They sum up life in any band, and they manage to be both poignant and hilarious.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably You Never Give Me Your Money by The Beatles, but I'm not saying I wouldn't get fed up of it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
