Ultan Conlon and John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras are playing dates together around Ireland this month. We asked Ultan the BIG questions . . .
Ultan has shared stages with the likes of John Fogerty, Mavis Staples, Bryan Ferry, John Grant, Eddi Reader, Patty Griffin and Richard Hawley, among others.
He has also performed duets with Glen Hansard and John Martyn, and Martyn recorded Ultan's song Really Gone in 2004.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm from Galway and I like to walk and dream up big ideas. Then I get over-excited and need to sleep for long periods. When I wake up, they seem ridiculous. It’s the new drunk.
How would you describe your music?
I am also a song man. There’s one on my upcoming record called The Old Songs and it’s very much about not discriminating against a catchy tune. All are welcome be it country, religious or whatever. A good tune is a good tune.
Who are your musical inspirations?
It changes quite a bit. The last couple of years lots of Nick Lowe, a very economical writer of short lyrical and melodic beauties.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
It was either The Stunning or The Saw Doctors in Loughrea’s Temperance Hall. I think it was The Docs.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Can’t recall as my older brother and sister got the records and I got to hear them. Michael Jackson’s Thriller rings as bell or maybe Now 5 or some compilation like that.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I’m learning some of John’s songs for these shows so I gotta go with Weightlifting by Trashcan Sinatras. What a beautiful meditative vibe and it really does ease tension. It’s magical.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Then I headed down the street, And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin', And it echoed through the canyons, Like the disappearin' dreams of yesterday"
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
In Dreams by Roy Orbison
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website and Instagram.
