Mayo alt-synth-rock band Bury Me With My Money, who are part of the Umbrella Records collective in Galway, have released their new single, Power of Flight. We asked the band's singer/songwriter Tomás Concannon the BIG questions . . .
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It follows their last two EPs, Karosi and Life as it Comes, and the band are currently working on an album.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm born and raised in rural Mayo, the son of a sheep farmer. I make a living as a sound engineer (currently in the thick of festival season). I'm a nature and animal lover, spend most of my days talking to dogs and donkeys and green bathing.
How would you describe your music?
I think our music is a fresh combination of strong rock influences and electronic synth sounds along with interesting beats. Our production format is usually contemporary (verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus), but often with a special little twist along the way. We create music about our love of nature, about political and social unrest, and the human condition.
Who are your musical inspirations?
We are all fans of alternative rock and grew up listening to guitar bands, so the core of our influences are anything from Radiohead to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Personally, as the main songwriter, I am influenced by dance bands like LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax or singer/songwriters like Beck.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
First gig I went to was when I was 15. I got a 14-seater bus from Ballyhaunis to Slane Castle to see Morcheeba, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chilli Peppers in 2003. It's no coincidence that after that experience, I started my first band called Dingos 8 My Baby.
What was the first record you ever bought?
In 1998, prior to my musical world being blown open, I purchased Robbie Williams I've Been Expecting You, which included songs like No Regrets and my favourite, Jesus in a Camper Van. I grew up very sheltered from the wider world of good music. I would say my musical awakening began when I met my lifelong friend Michael Cunningham in 2002 and he began burning me mixed CDs. I still cherish these CDs and they included musical legends like Jimi Hendrix, Thin Lizzy, Eric Clapton, Nirvana, Iron Maiden, along with curve balls like 2001's Jays Rap, and Fun lovin' Criminals - Scooby Snacks. An excellent collection to bring a young Mayo teenager up to speed at the turn of the millennium.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I recently discovered a quirky little tune by a Nigerian musician from the 70s/80s called William Onyeabor. The song is called When the Going is Smooth and Good. It's a really naïve little synth sequenced tune, with some simple melodies and a positive message. It helps brighten my mornings.
Favourite lyric of all time?
1997, Radiohead, No Surprises - "I'll take a quiet life, A handshake of carbon monoxide, with no alarms and no surprises". This sarcastic, nihilistic commentary on modern life resonates with me and makes me feel both angry at the issues but tickled by Thom Yorke's dig at our paradoxical society.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It might sound out of place with the rest of my tastes, but Paul Brady's version of Arthur McBride is a song I could listen to over and over again. It’s a song that's nearly a quarter of a century old, written during the time of Napoleon, it's an anti-war song that I think still hold relevance today. Paul Brady's execution of the track is simply stunning, particularly his 1977, BBC live version, crazy talent!
Where can people find your music/more information?
We're on Spotify if you want to listen to our new single Power of Flight as well as our previous two EPs. You can also check out our videos on the Umbrella Records YouTube Channel. And to stay in touch and up to date with what we're at, follow us on Instagram @bury.me.with.my.money . . . don't be afraid to slide into our DMs.
Alan Corr @CorrAlan2
