Up and coming Alt-Country artist and Cork man Podge Lane has released his new song, Paradise. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have a signed poster of WWE legend Kurt Angle in my music room at home. I was once told I "sound like Neil Young . . . no offense." I have a scar on my forehead from an unfortunate pitch and putt accident.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe it as if someone took the country song format out back, beat it up with a hammer and served it up to you on a chipped dinner plate. I love country music, telling a story people can resonate with, but I don't want it to be perfect, I want it to be clear that it’s ok to be broken, odd or just messed up.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Oh boy, this list could go on forever. I listen to everything and try to take something that inspires me from it. I love folk singers like Buffy Sainte Marie or Dave Van Ronk, country artists like John Prine or Waxahatchee, rock acts like Benjamin Booker or Wilco and everything in between. I contemplated trying to beat Junior Brother’s list from when he was asked the same question on Behind The Music, but I think I’ll leave it at that.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I went to see Kodaline in the INEC after my aunt got me tickets for Christmas. It was such a big experience for me as it was the first time I realized musicians were kind of real people, not just online or on the radio. The opening act had an email sign-up sheet so you could hear his first EP I think, and it turned out to be James Bay, like three months before he exploded. So, I got to act all cool in school and say I saw him before he was famous.
What was the first record you ever bought?
When I was about 13, I went to Tesco with my mom and bought Johnny Cash’s American VI: Ain't No Grave. It was in those cases where they have to unlock it? It was such a cool feeling, and still one of my favourite albums. Also started my mammoth record collecting habit.
What’s your favourite song right now?
At the moment, I’m taking a deep dive into Canadian artist Dan Mangan’s work. He has a fantastic back catalogue, and his new single Fire Escape has been on repeat for me since it came out two weeks ago, so that's my pick right now.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Well, there are so many to choose from, but the first to come to mind is from Roll With The Punches by the band Dawes: "The separation was logistical, Deciding what belongs to whom, How dying love manifests, In a rug or a chest, The decorations of a room"
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash. My grandad showed me it when I was little, and to this day I marvel at that song, the story telling, the theatrics, the live energy. I can’t think of a song that's stuck with me as long, so I can’t see myself getting sick of it anytime soon.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can check me out on all the usual streaming and social sites under 'Podge Lane’. I’ve got a new song, Paradise, so I’ll probably be more active than usual on those sites! You can follow me there or follow me on my next cycle if you want the true in person experience.
