Irish folk singer songwriter Brendan Melia has released his Christmas single, The Bitter, Sweet and Warm. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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Meath man Brendan has been playing and writing music for 30 years and has released three original singles and two EPs of Irish folk standards.
He is currently recording his first album of original music, which will be released in the spring of 2024.
Speaking about The Bitter, Sweet and Warm, he says. "Christmas is such an emotive time for people and in the spirit of celebrations, harsh realities can be forgotten but It's still vital that the homelessness crisis is not forgotten, or the families and single people experiencing it.
"I want to bring the homelessness crisis right into people’s homes this Christmas where it can't be ignored."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a married father of three, I live for music and my family, I like to make things too.
How would you describe your music?
It’s contemporary folk with a strong Irish Influence and a social conscience (I'm an old left-wing hippie who loves Irish music).
Who are your musical inspirations?
Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Luke Kelly, The Dubliners, Paul Brady, Planxty, The Bothy band, Christy Moore, Luka Bloom, Damien Dempsey, The Pogues, Dick Gaughan, Richard Thompson - among many others.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first one that sticks in my memory was The Fureys in a hotel in Bray in the late 1980s. I was mesmerised by Finbar Furey. The sound and the atmosphere was just magical.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It probably was The Very Best of Van Morrison in 1990.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Leaving Trunk by Taj Mahal.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I've been drawn into your magnet, tar pit trap, throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back" - Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Vincent Black Lightning 1952 - Richard Thompson.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook.
Alan Corr
