Dotts O'Connor has released What If?, the lead single from his new EP, Coney. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Best known as the guitarist of Choice nominated band Come On Live Long and Dirty Dreamer, Dotts new solo project is a departure from his previous work with those groups.
Having spent the past decade performing and collaborating with bandmates, it was moving from Dublin to Cavan (via London) that provided him with the freedom to work on his own material.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I've been trying to write the first scene of my sitcom idea for almost 10 years now. 2023 is the year it’s going to happen though. I just need to find the right production company. When the recipe says, 'thumb size’ piece of ginger, I go harder. I love diving into large bodies of water.
How would you describe your music?
It’s a little bit folky but not like you’ve ever heard it before, or maybe you have?! It sounds like the serious guy who wants to sing songs about his feelings at 2am at the session instead of just playing the hits. In all seriousness, I’m a sucker for a good story wrapped around a beautiful melody so I strive to achieve that as often as possible with varying degrees of success.
Who are your musical inspirations?
So many. My Uncle Donal O’Connor who is also a songwriter, Jeff Buckley, Arty McGlynn, Burial, Stick In The Wheel, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Na Fir Bolg, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, Les Filles de Illighadad, OutKast, Sam Amidon, Stars Of The Lid, Anou Malane, The Jimmy Cake, Kanye.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Ocean Colour Scene in the Olympia. We were the first people there. Early doors. I don’t like to be late.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins. I got it on double-cassette after a birthday party adventure to Galway to play laser tag. I probably peaked that day.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I absolutely love The Bonk and this song encapsulates the off-kilter nature of the band. Phil Christie references so many types of music but manages to create something that is very unique which is quite an achievement. Had the pleasure of finally catching him a couple of months ago at the Spilt Milk festival in Sligo and it was unreal.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I’m so three thousand and eight, you’re so two thousand and late" from Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas. This line says so much without saying anything at all which is what all songwriters strive to do. Truly the pinnacle of popular song writing. I sometimes lay awake at night wondering who was late? Imagine there is someone walking around this planet who that line was written about……mind blowing.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The outro section of Shell Of Light by Burial on repeat and I’d thank you for it . . .
Where can people find your music/more information?
Bandcamp, Instagram, Twitter.
