Mike Hanrahan of Stockton's Wing is set to release his new single, Inside I’m Dancing. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Produced and arranged by Gavin Glass and Mike at Orphan Studios, Wexford, the track is taken from Mike’s forthcoming album Songs from the Box Room.
Mike has been a central figure in Irish music industry for over four decades as writer and musician with contemporary Irish music band Stockton’s Wing.
He has also produced and written with Ronnie Drew, advocated for songwriters’ rights and, in recent years, has become a successful professional cook of all things organic and author of his critically acclaimed shortlisted memoir Beautiful Affair: A Journey in Music, Food and Friendship.
He is currently writing new songs and touring as a solo artist as well as with Stockton’s Wing, Eleanor Shanley and Leslie Dowdall.
Speaking about Inside I’m Dancing, Mike says, "Believe it or not I started writing this song twelve years ago. I had just about dragged myself out of an emotional bear pit and I wanted to mark the transition.
"Then an exciting career in food unfolded, consuming all my creative energy. After returning to the music a couple of years ago I was somehow drawn back to this song. It seemed to me it deserved completion.
"All those years later and the message was more powerful than ever. There is nothing like reaching that magical space where you feel comfortable enough to say, `I’m kickin’ off my shoes to dance this night away cause inside, inside I’m dancing’.
"I am also delighted to present my first animation video. I love animation with songs as it allows you to delve deeper into the layers of writing. This is my first attempt, but I absolutely loved the entire process."
Tell us three things about yourself?
I was a qualified cook, I wrote a memoir about a life in music and food and I just taught myself amateur animation.
How would you describe your music?
Possibly new Irish folk/pop.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Leonard Cohen, Ronnie Drew, Maura O Connell.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Horslips in Ennis and never stopped going to see them after that.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Tom Jones - Green Green Grass of Home.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Ailbhe Reddy - A Mess.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn, They will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a stem". LC - Sisters of Mercy.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably Little Musgrave by Planxty.
Where can people find your music/more information?
