Poet and songwriter Christian Wethered has released his new song, Way Back. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
It's his first song and video since the release of his debut album, Mon Petit Jardin, and speaking about the track, he says, "I was hoping to capture the ecstasy of falling in love.
"We've all been having a tough time of late, and now summer’s here there’s a lovely collective spirit in the air. With all that’s going on in the world we need to remind ourselves of who we are."
Tell us three things about yourself?
I'm originally from Wadhurst in Sussex, in the countryside, an hour outside London. My mum is Irish and I've family in West Cork. I've lived in Dublin for around ten years, and it really feels like home now.
When I was 10, I auditioned to be the boy in the film About a Boy but didn’t get past the first round! We burst out laughing in the middle of a serious scene and they weren’t impressed at all.
I’ve got a poetry book coming out next year. It's called Harbour, and is about Dublin, amongst other things. During the editing I got to work with the renowned writer and memoirist Ciaran O’Driscoll recently which was incredible, and really helped me. The sheer number of poets for such a small country is insane.
How would you describe your music?
It’s quite spoken, so can sound like Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. Maybe Laurie Anderson in parts. In Ireland I’m maybe a bit like David Keenan, Adrien Crowley, or even Stephen James Smith, I sing in my own voice / accent which is something that just comes naturally. I've been lucky to play some fun gigs and the Beyond the Pale Festival in Glendalough in June. It was such a rush going on before acts like Bonobo. It was an amazing festival and experience.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Today? Joshua Burnside is such a talent. Everything he does is incredible. Saw him live with Lemoncello - it was a brilliant gig. Someone needs to give him a ton of money to go be creative. Fionn Regan. Anna Mieke. Also, Bob Dylan; specifically singing the Witmark demos. Leonard Cohen. Joan as Police Woman. I can’t not say Radiohead!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Feeder at the London Astoria in 2004. Shortly followed by Snow Patrol at the same venue. My first in Ireland was Fionn Regan. Or at least that's the one I remembered because it was phenomenal.
What was the first record you ever bought?
When I was seven my sister bought me Look Sharp by the amazing Roxette, which is a band I still listen to! The first CD/ cassette I bought was Sunchyme by Dario G, which I'm quite proud of because it's still a banger.
What’s your favourite song right now?
How Deep Is Your Love? by the Bee Gees, as sung by Dublin’s Rejoice Gospel Choir. I'm also addicted to Le Vent Nous Portera by Sophie Hunger - it’s a wonderful song. Also, Whiskey Whiskey by Joshua Burnside, which I've also heard live.
Favourite lyric of all time?
It's true that all the men you knew were dealers
Who said they were through with dealing
Every time you gave them shelter
I know that kind of man, it's hard to hold the hand of anyone
Who is reaching for the sky just to surrender
Who is reaching for the sky just to surrender
Leonard Cohen - The Stranger Song.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
For No One - The Beatles. Moonshiner - Bob Dylan. Pyramid Song - Radiohead.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website. My Instagram/Facebook handles are @christianwetheredmusic, Twitter: @Cwethered, YouTube, Spotify.
