Irish songwriter Paul Callan has released his new album, Over My Wishes. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this YouTube contentWe use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Paul operates from his one-roomed cabin in the woods of Ireland's Northeast coast and his new album follows a busy few years of music making, including releasing one song every month during lockdown, plus an album and two EPs in 2022.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I've seen The Smiths in concert three times. The second time, I took Morrissey's T-shirt from him and got Johnny Marr's plectrum. All the work on my music, writing, recording, artwork etc is done by me alone in my cabin named Chesty crow cabin, in the woods. I raced downhill mountain bike for years and I even have an Irish jersey!
Who are your musical inspirations?
My first musical inspiration was Johnny Marr. Old school Neil Young remains a firm favourite.
How would you describe your music?
My music is an amalgamation of all the music that inspires me. I listened to a lot of Deerhoof, Big Thief and The Lemon Twigs during the recording of this album.
What was the first gig you ever saw?
My first gig was to see The Smiths in the National Stadium in Dublin!
What was the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
My first record was Hateful Of Hollow, again by The Smiths!
What is your favourite song of all time?
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys.
Favourite lyric?
"Diving for dear life when we should be diving for pearls" from Robert Wyatt’s version of Shipbuilding.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
God Only Knows. It is the template for Pop music!
What can people find your music and more information about you?
All my music and info can be found here.
