Somebody's Child has released his new single, I Need Ya, with debut album to follow on 3 February. We asked Cian Godfrey the BIG questions . . .
The album has its roots in Godfrey’s formative years growing up in Dublin and the experiences that went with it. It was recorded at East London’s Hackney Road Studios with the producer Mikko Gordon (The Smile, Gaz Coombes, Thom Yorke).
I Need Ya follows previous singles We Could Start A War, Sell Out, and Broken Record, and Godfrey says, "This was one of the first songs that defined the sound and pace of the album. We've been playing it live for a while now and have been dying to get it out.
"Some of this album can be boiled down back to my chronic fear of growing older. To me this track in particular is a gentle reminder to stay young for as long as you can."
On the video he adds "Drift culture is a big thing in Ireland and when the director came to me with the idea, I immediately thought it was cool as some of my friends are big into it. We didn't want an emotional video but something fun and energetic, while also shining light on an Irish subculture that goes a little unnoticed. It was a lot of fun."
Somebody’s Child play 24 Feb - Róisín Dubh, Galway, 25 Feb - Dolan’s, Limerick, 1 March - Ulster Sports Club, Belfast, 2 March - Cyprus Avenue, Cork, 3 March - The Academy, Dublin 4 March - Spirit Store, Dundalk.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I used to live in Paris as a child. I didn’t always want to do music for a living. I’m a space nerd.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe it as soulful modern rock. It has had a lot of iterations already since its inception I feel so it’s hard to pinpoint it. Initially the idea was to get away from gentrification, but easier said than done!
Who are your musical inspirations?
I would say the forefathers of my music taste lie in the early 2000s indie rock realm. The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon etc. Subsequently it developed into more of an 80s influence with bands like The Cure, Joy Division and Stone Roses. Now it’s a little all over the place to be honest. I listen to anything that helps me feel creative. Although it’s not musical inspiration, films really inspire me creatively. Blade Runner’s soundtrack by Vangelis was a big influence for this album, for example.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think it was The Pogues in the RDS with my dad. I had previously stood outside a punk concert somewhere in Italy as a child, but we didn’t go in so I don’t count that. In general, I was a late bloomer in terms of going to gigs, as I mentioned music wasn’t always the obvious choice.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was an Eminem CD back in the early 2000’s, Curtain Call if I remember correctly. It was a big deal back then.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I’m loving everything that the band Flyte are coming out with. I’ve Got A Girl has got such a great groove to it. They manage to balance their influences in their music so well it’s very impressive. Also, Arrival (for the film) by the late Johann Johannsson.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"We live for just these 20 years, do we have to die for 50 more?" - David Bowie (Young Americans).
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Considering it’s one song forever, I have to go for a long one so why not start with a three and a half minute percussion intro - Breaking into Heaven by the Stone Roses. That or In Every Dream Home a Heartache by Roxy Music or Where is My Mind by Pixies.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We’re on your streaming service of choice or there’s most of our info on our website where our debut album is available to pre-order and our tour tickets are on sale. You can also find us on socials under @somebodyschildartist.
