Crumlin trailblazer Jape has announced a new album, Endless Threads, an Irish our and the release of his new single, Heal These Wounds. We asked him (Mr Ritchard Egan) the BIG questions . . .
Endless Thread, Jape's sixth album, is out on Faction Records this September and takes cues from the endlessly inventive solo records of the 1970, (think Paul McCartney, Judee Sill, Robert Wyatt, John Cale) as well as present day production techniques.
Egan produced and recorded the album at RARN studio using a unique collection of ribbon microphones, tape machines and tube outboard equipment.
Speaking about the new album, he says, "I’ve been putting all my focus onto getting into the tiny details of songs these days, there is so much joy in the details.
"The title Endless Thread reminds me we are all stitches on the rug of time who influence each other and inspire people in ways we don’t even know half the time, whether it’s an artist from the past or a thread on a social media page."
Jape plays 20 October Dublin Button Factory, Dublin. 21 October, Whelan’s, Dublin. 2 November, Coughlans Live, Cork. 3 November, DeBarras, Clonakilty. 4 November, Dolans, Kasbah, Limerick. 5 November, Róisín Dubh, Galway.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I like to run, I like to make music and to enjoy the passing show.
How would you describe your music?
Recently it is focused on uplifting and positive tunes with interesting textures.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Too many to mention really but if you want to focus, for this record it would be the odd solo records artists used to make in the 1970s when there were loads of money in the music industry - stuff like John Cale. Paul McCartney, Judee Sill, Robert Wyatt etc.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Shakin’ Stevens in the RDS! Shaky was a gateway for a lot of musicians.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was a Simple Minds record, Don't You Forget About Me. Still a banger.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, I quite like the Ethel Cain tune, American Teenager but it changes by the day.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Again, quite impossible to answer but the lyrics of The Young Folk by Lankum always stop me in my tracks.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Something instrumental that is neither happy nor sad so I wouldn't be too stuck with a feeling, maybe Electric Counterpoint by Steve Reich - if that's a 'song.’
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram, innit?
