M. Stevens & The Ghasts have launched their debut solo album, Birds. We asked front man Mike Stevens the BIG questions . . .
Popical Island co-founder Mike Stevens has honed his craft across a string of Irish alt folk and indie pop bands - Groom, Skelocrats, Lie Ins and Settler.
His latest project M. Stevens & The Ghasts emerged after he played a tribute night in Dublin's Sound House for the late Silver Jews songwriter David Berman with various Irish indie luminaries.
The new band feature Mike, Hugh McCabe (keys/mandolin), guitarist Mark Jordan (Dudley Corporation) continued to collaborate, joined by bass player Ciaran Canavan (Land Lovers) and drummer Donagh O’Brien (A Ritual Sea, Sweet Jane).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
We are a multi-generational band; we are known to have some of our kids join us on stage and record. Mike also writes books and short stories, often in the sci-fi idiom. In the spirit of being holistic in our influences, Hugh and Mark brought to the band bona fide hardcore credentials, whereas Ciaran and Donagh are indie pop fellows.
How would you describe your music?
Cheerfully melancholic. Sometimes pastoral and bucolic.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Silver Jews, Townes van Zandt, Big Thief, Smog, John Prine, The Kinks, Wilco
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Smokie in the school gym in Headford, County Galway, in 1988 (!!).
What was the first record you ever bought?
Velouria single by Pixies.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I Am My Mother by Wilco.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Once you taste the geometry of a church in a cul-de-sac, You're gonna wanna sit with the bad kids in the back" - Dallas by Silver Jews.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
To Live is to Fly by Townes van Zandt.
Where can people find your music/more information?
