Former Revelino guitarist Bren Berry has released his debut solo single, Winter Song. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Revelino released three albums in the nineties and since their split, Bren has been working behind the scenes at Vicar Street in Dublin.
However, in October 2020, the band self-released a remastered vinyl edition of their self-titled 1994 debut album, which went straight to No 1 in the Irish Indie Charts.
It inspired Bren to dust off his Rickenbacker and begin to write his own songs.
"Songwriting has always been an elusive mystery to me and I could never get it right or find my own singing voice," he says.
"On Bob Dylan's 80th birthday, rather than murdering one of his songs, I was hit by the idea that a more suitable way to honour the occasion would be to try, somehow, to finally crack the songwriting code. Something clicked and once that world opened up for me, the songs slowly but gradually started to flow for me."
he adds, "Winter Song felt like a particularly big breakthrough for me and a key moment to finding my voice. I had recorded a little chiming tribute to The Velvet Underground on my phone during lockdown called I.V.U.
"I sat down with it one-night last year when I was struggling with some health issues, and it just quickly blossomed into a very tender love song for my wife and a love letter to Dublin's Liberties especially The Iveagh Buildings where my Mother was from.
"I had so many amazing times there when I was younger, and this connection adds resonance to my relationship with Vicar St in The Liberties where I have spent the last 25 years working behind the curtain in with so many incredible artists and crew."
Bren is currently working on his debut solo album.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I've had 35 amazing years working in the music business since I finished college when I went all in with my bands The Coletranes and then Revelino. I met Peter Aiken when we played football together for Hot Press Munchengladbach in the mid-1990s and I’ve worked as part of the team at Aiken Promotions and Vicar St since the venue opened 25 years ago. My mother was from The Iveagh Buildings so I have deep roots in The Liberties and I love working there in such an amazing venue with so many incredible artists and crew. It’s also home to The Thomas House which is my favourite pub in town.
How would you describe your music?
Jayz, eh, I guess something like "melodic, harmony-laden, indie guitar music".
Who are your musical inspirations?
I think I wear my influences on my sleeve but Top of The Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test in the 1970s really have been massive influences on me - glam rock, soul, big cheesy love songs, Reggae, punk and new wave. I loved it! Also, a massive inspiration to me, and something that has undoubtedly influenced this record, has been working closely with so many amazing artists over the last 25 years, especially the Irish acts - there is so much brilliant music being made in this country today!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Status Quo with Judas Priest, Rockpile, The Bogey Boys, Christy Moore and The Undertones at Dalymount Park in 1979. The second one was U2 a few months later at The Dandelion Market for 50p. I brought two mates back for their next gig but they refused to go in because it was a pound in!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Merry Christmas Everyone by Slade in 1973 in Rainbow Records in Dundrum in Dublin.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Old Note by Lisa O’Neill. Genius.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"It feels like all the days of my life, It feels like a moment darker than night". Brendan Tallon - Happiness is Mine.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Turn! Turn! Turn! By The Byrds.
Where can people find your music/more information?
On Spotify, Bandcamp and all digital music platforms plus my Instagram page.
Alan Corr
