Dublin folk singer John Lynch has released his new six-track folk EP, 1922. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
In August of 2021, John Lynch released his debut album City Stars and has since played the Sugar Club in Dublin, sold out his UK dates and shared bills with Christy Moore, Jerry Fish, and Mary Coughlan.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm an Irish Folk singer born in the heart of Dublin. I write original Irish ballads about issues related to living in Ireland today. I'm a Da to four lads all of whom I am incredibly proud of. I'm a husband to a true Irish mammy and we now live in Co. Kildare.
How would you describe your music?
My music is today's version of the old Irish folk ballads. I write my music with the tradition deep in mind. It's the music I was introduced to first, so it has an enormous influence. I consciously try to write about subjects close to me that I have an emotional connection to. The folk tradition of commenting on issues affecting society fits in with the stories I have to tell. So rather than leaving the old traditional style behind I like to think I'm bringing it into today's soundtrack and letting the genre evolve into a relevance for the 21st century.
Who are your musical inspirations?
It has to be Christy Moore - As a young lad I was always mesmerized by his performance and artistry in delivering a song. Other heroes would be Damien Dempsey.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Cranberries in the point depot early 90s.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Paul Simon's Graceland. That was a real eye opener to me how an artist could take on and innovate with soundscapes from other genres and culture.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, I love Lankum’s Cold Old Fires. There’s magic in their work.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Billy Joel - "There’s no island left for islanders like me" from Down Easter Alexa.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Daoiri Farrell's version of the Galway’s Shawl.
Where can people find your music/more information?
All my links to socials and my website are here.
