Cork singer-songwriter Robert Harley has released his second album Big Tree. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Produced and mastered by Christian Best, Big Tree features an all-star line-up of musicians, including Liam O'Brien on sax, Darragh Keary on piano and keyboards, Chris McCarthy on bass, and Christian Best on drums.
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Speaking about the title track, which is also his new single, he says, "Big Tree reminds us that sometimes the best escape from life's pressures is found in the simplicity of nature.
"Like a child perched high in a tree, we can forget our troubles and find solace in the beauty of the world around us. Big Tree captures the essence of childhood escape and the powerful connection we have with nature.
"This soulful and introspective song reminds us that sometimes it takes a quiet moment in a tree to gain perspective on life's struggles and find the strength to move forward."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a singer, songwriter, and musician from Cork, I was born in London to Irish parents moved to San Francisco and then onto Ireland, I'm really excited to be releasing my first single, which is the title track from my album called Big Tree.
How would you describe your music?
Big Tree is a mixture of genres - blues, folk and rock, there are elements of The Beatles, Beck, Eric Clapton, Lindsey Buckingham, Gerry Rafferty, and Iggy Pop in the cauldron.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I listened to a lot of different music growing up, but blues music is what really resonated with me, I would listen to music from classical music to grunge but as inspirations it would be The Beatles, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Lindsey Buckingham, Mark Knopfler, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, Jeff Buckley, John Lee Hooker, Rory Gallagher, BB King, also the early blues guys like Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first gig was to see Prefab Sprout in De Lacy House in Cork back in the late 80's, I snuck in and was on my own. The band played by the front window on the second floor that looked out onto Oliver Plunkett Street, It was a fantastic show in a brilliant venue.
What was the first record you ever bought?
My first record was Rappers Delight by The Sugar Hill Gang, bought in a local record store in the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. We played it over and over again and learned it word for word.
What's your favourite song right now?
Place Called Love by Ron Sexsmith, I met Ron and bought his new album, The Vivian Line, after a recent gig in Dolans Limerick, he's an absolute gentleman.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"He took down the tire swing from the Peppertree, He has no children of his own, you see, He has no dog, And he has no friends, And his lawn is dying, And what about all those packages he sends?" - Tom Waits.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Day in the Life by The Beatles, it's just the greatest song ever written and recorded in my humble opinion.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my music and more information @rharleymusic on Instagram or at my webpage.
