Ferna (Hannah McPhillimy) has released her debut album Understudy along with new single Open Up. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
The NI Music Prize artist launches the album with a gig in The Empire, Belfast 4 May in collaboration with The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. Tickets available here.
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Understudy is described as a labour of love for both Hannah and producer Stuart Reid (Killer Kella, Duran Duran), "with a mission to amplify hidden characters and quiet sentiments".
"I was feeling stuck in a musical rut when I met Stu," she says. "We met to discuss recording a video, but he proceeded to provide an extremely honest assessment of my song writing so far. I then approached him about working together, after taking a few days to repair my ego."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am writing this from Taiwan, but mostly I live in Belfast. I am always hungry and can eat for ten men. I love a night at a musical (but no rock operas please).
How would you describe your music?
I would describe it as indie-pop that veers into folk every now and then.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I am a long-time fan of Feist and I think above all it's the textures and details she chooses to include, even if - or perhaps because - they sound slightly wonky, and always human. Sufjan Stevens and Regina Spektor are also up there, with lyrics and music that would break your heart. Here in Ireland, I love the production of James Vincent McMorrow and the storytelling of Saint Sister.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I'm not sure if it was the first ever but definitely one of my most formative was going to see Duke Special in the nerve centre in Derry as a 16-year-old. It was the first time I really experienced a songwriter putting words to a feeling I didn’t know I had or didn’t know how to articulate myself. So that’s what I’m seeking most in my own song writing - am I being honest and specific and revealing enough for some stranger to feel seen and less alone.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Oops I Did it Again by Britney Spears. Still a banger.
What's your favourite song right now?
Right now, it is a three-way tie between Big Dog Barking by Chubby Cat (another amazingly talented Irish artist), Solo by Frank Ocean (late to the Frank Ocean party, but I can't get this chorus out of my mind) and Water Wasted by King's Kaleidoscope (beautiful production, killer lyrics).
Favourite lyric of all time?
This line from The Parting Glass gets me every time - devastating in its simplicity: "But since it fell unto my lot, That I should rise, and you should not."
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
So hard to choose! Perhaps I'd settle on Smile by Charlie Chaplin - an untouchable melody.
Where can people find your music/more information?
@fernasongs on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and my website.
