London-based Irish alternative artist Ard Ó (Stephen Keating) has released his new single, Sensory Seeker. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Waterford native Keating spent his teens and early 20s in an Irish music group Under Starling gigging and he plans to release his debut EP Peaceful Illusion later this year.
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Speaking of the new track, he says, "Sensory Seeker is a story which I think a lot of people, particularly people who have struggled with mental health, can relate to, where you create this false end goal or grass is greener scenario and once you have reached that goal or crossed that bridge you find that you are no different to how you felt in the first place.
"In short the song highlights this struggle of coming to the realisation that this end goal of contentedness won't automatically come from completing a certain task or journey and that it is a lot more complicated than that."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a Waterford man living South London (been here for two and a half years), where I pull pints in the local pub, busk from time to time and play gigs. Played guitar in Irish band Under Starling for nine years. These lads introduced me to Biffy Clyro so definitely had a massive impact on the development of my music taste. I have a Junior A Club All Ireland Medal!
How would you describe your music?
Ah, I guess the best way to describe it is alternative rock. There's a nice mix of heavy distorted guitars and soft vocal melodies with a bit of electronic/synthy bleep bloop sounds!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Lyrically, I guess I'm inspired by what's happening around me in my own life, most of the songs I've written so far are quite personal. I find it easier to write about what’s happening around me I suppose. Musically then, Biffy Clyro, Ben Howard, Radiohead, Muse, Bon Iver are some of the most influential bands/musicians that have led me to creating the sounds I create.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first memory of going to a big I think was actually a Westlife gig! (Very rock and roll I know!) In Millstreet in Cork and I think I was around seven or eight. Don't really remember much of it to be honest (had to ask the mother where it was), but I do remember that we had VIP tickets for some reason so got to meet all the boys so that was obviously class!
What was the first record you ever bought?
So, what I remember it being is American Idiot by Green Day but after a phone call with my mam, she has advised that she bought me Get This Party Started by Pink when I was around seven or eight! So, between Westlife and Pink. I'm your typical rock fanatic.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I'm actually going through a big Irish folk phase in the last month. A song I have on repeat is Daoirí Farrell's version of Creggan White Hare. 13 verses about trying to catch a hare! The story telling and language in these Irish folk songs is unreal.
Favourite lyric of all time?
'Now I am older, I don't look over my shoulder, I know what is there in front of me, Ten Marlboro cigarettes, I rolled the butts into the bottles, Today I will stare at the sea, 'til my eyes have had enough' - Nica Libres at Dusk by Ben Howard. A simple image, of a man who is just chilling out and knows what he's at.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Forget Where We Were by Ben Howard. Whack on a decent set of headphones and just get lost in that man’s genius.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Streaming platforms for songs and the usual social media craic for info. Instagram is the one that's most active.
