Ro Yourell of Choice Music Prize winning band Delorentos has released his debut solo single, Freedom. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Produced by Tommy McLaughlin (Ailbhe Reddy, SOAK, Villagers), the song "takes aim at the rigidity of our structures and institutions, and the unwillingness of those in power to rectify inequality".
Delorentos, who have played stages across the world and racked up a RTÉ Choice Music Prize win for their acclaimed third album Little Sparks in 2012, are currently on hiatus while they pursue individual projects.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have brown hair, green eyes and I'm left-handed . . . and left footed. That's four things, sorry.
How would you describe your music?
My music is a melting pot of influences. It's parts classic pop, parts folk, with subtle groove and electronic elements for good measure. I'm an emotional writer and arranger, so I rarely have a particular theme or style in mind when writing. It's more a case of feeling your way until a finished piece announces itself.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I take little bits from lots of people. The melodic playfulness of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan's lyricism, Bruce Springsteen's heart. I'm drawn to these qualities in contemporaries too, like Villagers, Adrianne Lenker, Sorcha Richardson.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My parents brought me to see Hothouse Flowers in the Olympia. I remember the wildness, a lot of flowing hair and the electricity in the room. We were in the circle and I felt like I was almost on stage with the band.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Definitely Maybe by Oasis. I was fourteen. My pal and I dressed up as Liam and Noel and recorded ourselves miming along to Married with Children. We were proper mad for it to be fair.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Sorcha Richardson’s new track Map of Manhattan is beautiful in its understatement. A quiet anthem.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I took her to the supermarket, I don’t know why, but I had to start it somewhere, so it started…there." Common People by Pulp.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down by The Band.
Where can people find your music/information?
Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube.
Alan Corr
