Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey has released Sister I Am Here For You from her forthcoming album Nine Apples of Gold. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Speaking of the song, Karan says "This is a calling to female friendship. In singing the song with the fabulous Niamh Dunne I'm reminded of the profound beauty found in female friendship and camaraderie, and how much I rely on her, sometimes listening to her singing away beside me I try not to cry.
"And in writing the song with Sean Óg Graham we talked a lot about the sisterhood, about the need for a feminist song speaking to the bond that can be built through collaborating and working together, all genders, campaigning for women’s rights everywhere in the world.
"He has been just brilliant in helping me realise this long-time dream of mine, to write a singalong that is uplifting and joyful."
A Waterford native, Casey was among the vanguard of the Irish music revival’s "third wave" of the late 1980s/early 1990s, a founding member of the seminal Irish American band Solas before launching her solo career in 1999 and going on to record 11 albums.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’ve been a singer since I was very small, maybe around aged two! I love dark chocolate. I have two amazing daughters, Muireann and Áine.
How would you describe your music?
Very eclectic! Simply I’m a folk singer who is greatly informed by traditional song, but I spent years as a Jazz singer, and I sang in church choirs and listened to an awful lot of Elvis, Aretha and Stevie Wonder!!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Frank Harte Delores Keane, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Maura O’Connell and Mary Black.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Mary Black at Katie Kearney’s out the Tramore Road.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions!!
What’s your favourite song right now?
All Too Well by Taylor Swift (the 10-minute version)
Favourite lyric of all time?
'The first time ever I saw your face’
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Love Me Tender.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music.
