Dublin band The Rattling Kind have re-released their song All Around The Town featuring guest vocalists Damien Dempsey and the late Christy Dignam. They also play The Button Factory, Dublin on 15 December. We asked lead singer Eddie Sherlock the big questions . . .
All Around The Town, an anti-gang and anti-violence song, is taken from the band's upcoming album s, which is due for release early next year.
Fans of Irish drama Love/Hate will recognize the track from the international DVD release of the show.
Originally the song had no guest vocalists but for the re-release, Eddie approached Damien Dempsey and Christy Dignam of Aslan, to see if they would like to contribute guest vocals. Both agreed and they recorded the song in June 2022; the last song Christy recorded before his death in June of this year.
The Rattling Kind will take to the stage in Dublin’s Button Factory on the 15 December to mark the launch of the single. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets on sale from Eventbrite at €23.50.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
All through my late teens, I would have been an aspiring DJ, back in the vinyl days, up until I was 21, then my first daughter Jodie came into my life. I picked up the guitar so the dream of being a superstar DJ changed to becoming a musician and songwriter. Since then, I now have a beautiful little netball team of three girls - Jodie, Ellie and Zoe with my fiancé Lindsey.
One of the proudest things in my life that I accomplished, was making it on to the national ice hockey team and played in the European championships in Bulgaria and Iceland.
I’m involved with the local football team in my area, Kilmore Celtic FC. Mind you, I couldn’t kick snow off a rope, but I give the lads a dig out with video and photos for social media. Although we are a struggling team without any proper facilities, it’s a great team to be part of, especially last year when the Saturday side won the league.
How would you describe your music?
It’s a rattling kind of music, that’s a little folked-up.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I suppose my first ever musical inspiration, had to be my late uncle Thomas, one of the best balladeers I ever heard. Every Christmas in my Granny’s, there was hooley in the kitchen, and Uncle Thomas be there singing his "Bang Bang" which he was famous for, as well as many others, I still sing a lot of the songs he taught me, he would have been my very first musical inspiration. My Granny’s too would have had an amazing voice, although she only knew a few songs, you would hear a pin drop anytime she sang.
Christy Moore now would too be musical hero of mine, I have been listening to him since my teens, when I got an album in the Christmas stocking one year, his delivery of songs has always captivated me.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first ever gig I went to would have been Creamfields in Punchestown,
What was the first record you ever bought?
I can still remember buying my first ever record, rocking into HMV on Henry Street to buy Voodoo People by The Prodigy on cassette. At the time, we had no CD player in the house, and I can still remember having to rewind the tape back just to play it again.
What’s your favourite song right now?
When I was away in Australia in March this year on a little tour, I came across this song by Xavier Rudd, called Follow the Sun. Every time I hear it, it takes me back to the sunsets in Kidogo where I played at the Irish Aboriginal Hand in Hand festival.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Suppose this would have to be "Ten thousand spoons and all yea need is a knife." It’s ironic.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This would have to be Caoineadh cu chulainn by Davy Spillane, I want the song to be played at my funeral, such a magical piece of music, go wan the Davy!!
Where can people find your music/more information?
The music can be found on the usual platforms, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Twitter and YouTube.
Alan Corr
