Kodaline guitarist Mark Prendergast has released his debut EP with his new project Man Alive. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The six-track EP is entitled Colours and includes What Are The Chances, which he co-wrote with James Vincent McMorrow and Ciaran Warren.
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Speaking about the new release, Prendergast says, "Some songs are about going through a really sh**** time, and there are some about wanting to sit around the house, and just not have to deal with real life.
"Like everybody else in this world, you go through moments where you're f***ing great and you go through moments where you're not. I suppose each song is just about a different kind of emotion, and that discovery of figuring out who you are and all that kind of craic."
Prendergast had already been writing his own songs while touring and recording with Dublin act Kodaline but felt the style of the music didn't fit the band but he never had an outlet for them.
Early in the project, he was in Los Angeles where he played an early version of Be Someone to Irish comedian and actress Aisling Bea.
She then suggested a name for Prendergast’s new project, bluntly stating that its original title, Blood Type, was "s***, and it just doesn’t match your music."
He has played as Man Alive just three times: a sold-out London headline show at The Waiting Room; an acoustic Ruby Sessions performance in Dublin; and an informal pop-up in Kuala Lumpur during the current Kodaline tour.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m tall. Recently I’ve started sleepwalking. I don’t like sleepwalking.
How would you describe your music?
To me it sounds like a blend of all my influences mashed together. I struggle to label it because I’m so close to it. Alternative/indie/folk/pop.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The Beatles, The Gloaming, Feist, The Strokes, Doja Cat. More notably, my two friends Darragh and Neale. They introduced me to a lot of what I listen to daily.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think it was a Childline concert in the Point Depot. My mam took my sister and I. Venga Boys were the highlight. First gig I bought a ticket for myself was The White Stripes.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Hanson - MMMbop.
What’s your favourite song right now?
To The Bone - Sammy Copley.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"You spent the first five years trying to get with the plan, and the next five years trying to be with your friends again." - All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hot Chip - Over and Over.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me in all the usual places. Look up Man Alive Music.
Alan Corr
