Inis Mór singer songwriter Padraig Jack has released his new single, It's Alright Now (Black Drapes) and tours Ireland this September and October. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
A native of the Aran Islands, Padraig is from a musical family. His dad is bilingual songwriter Barry Ronan and he is the nephew of the Irish poet and Aosdána member Mary O'Malley.
Like his father, Padraig is proudly bilingual and writes music in both Irish and English. With influences ranging from James Taylor and The Eagles to Van Morrison and Shane MacGowan.
2022 has been a busy year for Padraig. He joined Dubliner Damien Dempsey on a sold-out tour of Ireland including shows in Cyprus Avenue, Róisín Dubh, Dolan’s, The Set Theatre and TF Royal as well as Vicar St. last October and The Iveagh Gardens in the summer.
He also wrote and recorded a song for Foster and Allen and performed it with the duo for a recording in the Pepper Canister Church in March 2022. This concert is due to be broadcast on RTÉ One this autumn.
Padraig plays 7 September - Westport Town Hall, Mayo (guest to Seán Keane), 29 September - Coughlans, Cork, headline show for Cork Folk Festival, 30 September - Ionad Culturtha Baile Mhuirne, Co Cork, 7 October - Monroes Galway - Rock Against Homelessness, 8 October - Inis Meáin, Aran islands, 20 October - Crane Bar, Galway, 22 October - London Powerhaus (support for Miles Hunt 0f The Wonder Stuff), 18 November - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton (support for Miles Hunt), 19 November - The Music Room, Liverpool (support for Miles Hunt), 20 November - The Irish Club, Warrington (support for Miles Hunt).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m a bilingual singer songwriter from Inis Mór, I write songs and sing in English and Irish. I released my debut album Making Sand in 2020 and my single Making Sand was number one in the RTÉ Radio Airplay chart for four weeks this summer! My two biggest fans are my partner Ciara and our gas little ticketeen, Éala Grace, I’m their biggest fan too!
I ran a weekly show in Joe Wattys on the Aran islands this summer where I sang a lot of my own songs in English and Irish as well as some folk songs and Sean-Nós. In between, Id talk about my writing process and what it is like to grow up and live on an island.
How would you describe your music?
I put a high value on the lyrics of my songs, while I love the different aspects of playing music - being a singer, a performer, a musician, I really love song-writing. I take it very seriously and I try to maintain a high level of quality control, whether that works or not I don't know! I sometimes describe my music as Folk, Celtic, Adult Contemporary.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I’m inspired by my experiences and observations of life and by great songs and great songwriters. I love the idea of crafting a song lyrically and combining that with melody, rhythm, soundscapes etc. Growing up I listened to a lot of Queen, Elton John, Enya, George Michael, Eagles and then discovered James Taylor, Carole King, Van the man, The Waterboys, Sting, Steve Winwood and, of course, the Irish artists like Shane MacGowan, Sinéad O’Connor, U2 and Damien Dempsey.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Bryan Adams with my mom.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Oasis - (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?
What’s your favourite song right now?
Lately I’m listening to a lot of Richard Thompson (Persuasion), The War and Treaty (Take Me In, 5 More Minutes) and Daniel Lanois-produced music (Emmylou Harris - Goodbye, Bob Dylan - Not Dark Yet).
Favourite lyric of all time?
I don’t know if I have a favourite but John Mellencamp song Longest Days comes to mind - 'Sometimes you get sick and you don't get better, That's when life is short, even in its longest days'.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sting - If I Ever Lose My Faith In You. Every time I listen to that song, I find another part of it I love.
Where can people find your music/more information?
On Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and my website.
