Fresh from their sync on Love Island, Leeds-based alternative pop duo Lucky Iris have released their new EP, Maybe I'm Too Much. We asked Maeve of the band the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the track, she says, "This song is for anyone who’s ever been made feel like they’re 'too much’.
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"And particularly for those who’ve been made feel like they’re ‘too much’ by someone they love. Because there really is no need to minimise yourself to fit into a neat little box packaged by someone else. But it’s taken me far too long to realise that."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name’s Maeve, I’m one half of the alt-pop duo Lucky Iris, I’m Irish-English and I live in Leeds. I love football (so I wrote a song about my experiences called Oh No (I Guess I Did it Again) and filmed it at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium). I love reality TV (so when our track Blowing Kisses got played on Love Island UK, I cried . . . a lot). I used to take Bodhran lessons (but I stopped and stuck to singing because I wasn't any good).
How would you describe your music?
At a gig in London last year someone came up to me after and said my lyrics are like a "candy cotton kick in the face". I think I’d like that on a t-shirt. But to elaborate, it’s electronic, but not harsh electronic, it’s sweet synths and intimate vocals.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My mum studied Irish music and UCC before moving to London and teaching music in schools. So, the house was always full of music. In fact, my parents used to be in a band when they first got together… though I still to this day don’t know the name of it so I probably can’t list it as my inspiration. I’d instead say that we make music we want to hear. On our rotation playlist is Sophie, Rina Sawayama, Charlie XCX, Tove Lo and then a mix of early thousands Kate Nash, Lily Allen.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first ticketed gig I can remember going to was Miley Cyrus at the O2, with Metro Station (her brother’s band) as support. I remember it well because it was my first time at a huge stadium gig and I remember thinking, wow I want to be on that stage someday. But I know for a fact that it wasn’t my first taste of live music. I mean I may never have lived in Ireland, but my family are all still there and we would visit often. We’d holiday in Dingle a lot, so my first gig was probably a session in O’Flaherty’s where I would be hiding in the back trying not to be seen past curfew.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I remember saving up to buy Pink's Funhouse on CD. I loved that album and still do. I think I bought Elton John’s greatest hits as well that day, which probably tells you a lot about my music taste.
What’s your favourite song right now?
It’s been a year since the release of Hold the Girl by Rina Sawayama, but Minor Feelings is still on my "on repeat" playlist. It’s such a beautiful song and it really makes me feel grounded. I think sometimes it’s just enough knowing that some of these incredible artists I look up to are still humans, who feel just as overwhelmed as the rest of us, and that’s okay.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I was stumped at first on this question, because I thought I should answer something really intelligent, but I don’t know what that would be. Inferno by ELIO: ‘Message in a bottle, I’m writing my novel, brain like Aristotle, face like Harry Styles’.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My lucky song is Jungleland by Bruce Springsteen. When I was young and my Dad was at work, I used to steal his records and play them on his record player. That was until I broke the needle after too much usage, and he sussed me out. One of the records I used to play was an original Born to Run album. And somewhere along the way I got into the routine of playing Jungleand before every big exam, and that continued. I still listen to it when I’m nervous about something! So, Jungleland, for good luck.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find us under "Lucky Iris" on all your favourite music streaming sites and @luckyirisband on all of the social media outlets. I post pretty regularly (mainly on Instagram) and I’m currently in the process of booking an Irish tour! Follow us for more details and if you want us to play near you/you’re a booker and want us to play for you drop us an email at luckyirisband@gmail.com.
Alan Corr @CorrAlan2
