26-year-old Cork-born, New York-based singer Darren Kiely has released his new recording, the Lost EP, and takes his The Road Home Tour around Ireland in November. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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Darren grew up playing traditional Irish instruments and was taught guitar by his cousin when he was 15 years old.
Darren made his way to NYC in 2022, he continued crafting his own music and sound in the evenings while working at a desk job during the day. He performed on occasion in Irish pubs in the city and eventually penned and recorded several tracks including How Could You Love Me, Ella and Time To Leave.
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Lost features new track Mom & Dad, which was released this summer as an ode to his parents for helping him through tough times, and Ella, Lost & Found, Inside My Mind, Sunrise and Blood Red.
Darren plays 11 November - Róisín Dubh, Galway.. 12 November - Cypress Ave, Cork. 16 November - Workmans Club, Dublin. 17th November – Dolans. Limerick.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have a degree in physiotherapy that I have never really used. When I first played a gig (in a bar in 2019). I thought I would just do it once to see what it felt like and that would be that! I am a huuuuuge sports fan. I once played a gig during a really big hurling game at home in Ireland and I put my phone on a holder on the mic stand and watched the game as I played the gig.
How would you describe your music?
I would say my music is honest and emotive. It is a mix of all the music I loved growing up and the thoughts, melodies and feelings I try to express.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The CDs I can remember playing in the car when I was small were White Ladder - David Gray and the Essential Collections of both Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen - these were an unconscious influence I think - I loved the music but I didn't seek it out or find it myself. Finding The Lumineers and Ed Sheeran as I entered my teens were two huge influences and the reason I learned songs on the piano and guitar.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
It was Shayne Ward at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet (my hometown) with my sister and my mom haha. I'm pretty sure he won the UK X Factor the year before.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Nizlopi - JCB Song. This was my favourite song for years. My alarm clock was also a CD player and this record had two songs on it but I would leave the JCB song on repeat. I got Miss Independent by Ne-Yo at the same time haha. I loved those two records so much.
What's your favourite song right now?
Right now, it's Notion by Kings of Leon - just gets me into a seriously good mood whenever I hear the song and I love trying to imitate how the lead singer sings the song which is impossible and makes this band so great.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"The opposite of love's indifference" - Stubborn Love by The Lumineers.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Leader of the Landslide - The Lumineers, it's like five minutes long so at first it gives good bang for your buck but dynamically it's got everything from soft vulnerable sections to up tempo screaming along to the lyrics - a masterpiece!
Where can people find your music/more information?
I'm on all streaming platforms and am active on Instagram and TikTok as well as having a website - all in my linktree.
Alan Corr
