Indie alternative artist Elephant, the moniker of Dundalk songwriter Shane Clarke, has released his new single, Young. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the track, Shane says, "Young is all about loving the unique things that make you you. Do you like to dance around the house in your pyjamas? Dine out in restaurants alone? Put the TV on just for the company?
"Are you afraid of the dark, heights, or just being alone? Are you single and nearing 40? Do you want me to stop asking questions?! Love yourself, you're too young to be worrying about all that."
The inspiration for the song came from a difficult time in his life, where he was dealing with sickness and the effects of the pandemic. As he explains,
"Right before you ever heard the words Covid-19 uttered, I was sick. I was so sick I was on antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers, barely able to breathe.
"I was forced to move into my sitting room because I didn't have the energy to get up my stairs. I had a single mattress on the floor, in the corner of the room, with half a dozen pillows used to keep me propped up as I tried to sleep."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I grew up one field over from my grandad’s farm in the countryside of Co Meath. I now live with my 14-year-old house mate, he's a Basset Hound called Copper. I have a proper Blackthorn Shillelagh cudgel hanging on the side of my bed in Dundalk, just in case.
How would you describe your music?
Non-genre specific! I tend to just go with the flow and whatever happens, happens. So, it makes the music hard to define. It is always thoughtful, but never fussed over...I'm too lazy to be fussy.
Who are your musical inspirations?
David Bowie, Anohni, Joni Mitchell, Scott Walker, Faith No More, Sufjan Stevens, Judee Sill, Villagers, Nanci Griffith. All sorts really!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The earliest gig I can remember being at was Michael Jackson in Dublin. 1992, the Dangerous Tour I think. I was nine. He flew away in a jetpack. Magic!
What was the first record you ever bought?
If you mean record like vinyl, I think it was Shellac's 1000 Hurts. I bought it before I even had a record player! But if you mean first album I ever bought, can't say I remember. I do recall my brother getting Bleach by Nirvana on tape back when we were real young and I really fell in love with it.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I recently saw Girlfriend for the first time and the blew me away completely. Their song Repent has been on repeat. I also listen to The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams almost daily and you should too. Haha,
Favourite lyric of all time?
That’s hard. I love the lyrics of Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel, you could really pick any verse from The King of Carrot Flowers but today I'll go with: "And this is the room, one afternoon I knew I could love you, And from above you how I sank into your soul, Into that secret place where no one dares to go."
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sweet Thing by David Bowie. But it must comprise of Candidate and the reprise . . . that way I get three songs in one :) I do consider it an incomplete listen unless you listen to all three. It's a wonderful piece of music with so much drama. It's packed with so many moments, it makes me smile and cry. I love it. I could never get bored of it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
