Cavan-based, indie electronic trio The Spiritual Leaders have released their new album, This Fictional Place. We asked frontman Fergus Brady the BIG questions . . .
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I play guitar, bass, synthesizers and occasionally sing in The Spiritual Leaders, a band that also features David Reilly on lead vocals and guitar, and my brother Cathal Brady on drums. We are originally from Cavan, and are preparing to release our new album, This Fictional Place, on 24 March.
I started learning how to play guitar when I was 10 years old. My older brother Finbarr was a massive Oasis fan and had learned all of Noel Gallagher's solos. He needed accompaniment on rhythm guitar and basically forced me to play along. Needless to say, I'm pretty grateful that he did!
I live in Dublin with my wife Lucy and our two daughters, Clara, and Eve. Clara is two years old, and Eve is two months; they're my biggest fans (some of the time!)
How would you describe your music?
The music is rooted in alternative and indie rock from the past 40 years, with a good dollop of electronic music thrown in. Other genres seep in from time to time as well, such as folk and classical music. As a band, we don't over analyse musical direction; things have evolved naturally over our time playing together. We started out writing pretty straightforward rock songs; now our music is much more layered and less genre specific.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I really admire artists that seek to evolve over time and push boundaries creatively. Radiohead, New Order and David Bowie are three names to spring to mind immediately. There is so much great music to draw inspiration from, though. One minute it might be a melody from a contemporary Irish music act such as The Gloaming; another minute it could be a beat from an old school hip-hop group such as Public Enemy.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first gig was Super Furry Animals at Witnness Festival in 2001. I was just about to head into my Leaving Cert year at school and was a big fan of their album, Rings Around the World, at the time. The band emerged onstage in Power Rangers outfits. Great gig!
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I bought myself was The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers. The band's best album, with incredible lyrics by Richey Edwards. I listen to it regularly and it still stands up well today.
What's your favourite song right now?
My current favourite is Parking Lot by Canadian band, The Weather Station. I love the sound of singer Tamara Lindeman's voice and am blown away by the poetic lyrics that deal with grief for the environment. Musically the song pairs up energetic rhythms with earworm melodies and windswept strings. I've had it on repeat for months now.
Favourite lyric of all time?
'Existence, well, what does it matter?/I exist on the best terms I can/The past is now part of my future/The present is well out of hand.' Four lines from Heart and Soul by Joy Division. Lyrics don't get much better than that.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hard question, but I'm going to go with Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode. Amazing melodies, arrangement and a simple but effective lyric.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find the music by searching for The Spiritual Leaders on all streaming platforms. You can also find us on social media: Instagram @thespiritualleaders and Facebook.
