Dublin-born, Berlin-based artist David Hedderman has released new instrumental track, In Your Own Way, and plays songs from his debut album Pulling at The Briars at the Workman's Cellar in Dublin on 16 December. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the new song, the former member of The Immediate says, "This song was a piece I started writing the year I left Dublin for Berlin 16 years ago. Its writing was like a companion - a soundtrack and reflection on the twists and turns and the learning. After each chapter of experience, I would come back to it.
"Add to it and alter it. I let this one more or less write itself... without force and just trying to listen closely to what was in my head and coming out of my fingers.
"It bubbled over time. And when I took it to the studio to record it with the band, it was the perfect environment to get it down with the sensitive musicians I had working on it with me. A special recording, I won't soon forget.
It’s a reflective song... instrumentals can be like that... painting a different picture in each listener’s mind. and I like that."
Written over a 15-year period, Pulling At The Briars, which is out on 9 February, captures a transitional period for Hedderman during which he relocated to Berlin from Dublin in the mid-2000s.
Recorded live over five-days with Brendan Jenkinson (Aoife Nessa Frances, John Francis Flynn, Villagers) in Sonic Studios, Dublin, Pulling At The Briars was produced by Conor O’Brien (Villagers), Hedderman’s close childhood friend and former bandmate in The Immediate.
The album includes a cast of collaborators featuring Peter Broderick, David A. Tapley (Tandem Felix), Corey Blair, and Aidan Gorman.
David Hedderman live at the Workman's Cellar, Dublin, Saturday 16 December. Tickets on sale here.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a Dubliner who moved to Berlin 16 years ago to focus on my painting/drawing but the music kept knocking on my door.
How would you describe your music?
I write simple songs over long periods of time that seem to reflect the places and feelings I have experienced but through the process of songwriting I hope they become more universal and poetic for the listener to connect with. I find great solace in singing.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have always been hungry to dig for new and obscure music since I was a teenager. At this point I like most genres of music. for the last 10 years I was the organizer of open life drawing classes that I ran from my studio in Berlin. For each of these classes I would curate playlists to suit the models and the mood for each drawing class, so I guess the last years I have mostly been listening to quite ambient and atmospheric music spanning over electronic to classical and experimental. But I do have my heroes like Dylan and the usual suspects that I always return to.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first concert I went to was Radiohead at RDS, Dublin. I think it was 1997 and I remember it was the longest day....21st June, and Massive Attack and Teenage Fanclub were there to support. I went there with my sister and my school pals and we were mega Radiohead fans... it was the year that Ok Computer came out and this show was something else! blew my mind as to what a live band should be. I remember it was the time before mobile phones and after the gig I got lost from my sister and friends. I was so elevated from the gig it didn't bother me... but can remember my sister having a kitten when I didn't turn up at the meeting point. We found each other in the end.
What was the first record you ever bought?
First record I ever got was the Labyrinth soundtrack by David Bowie. I can remember my dad taking me into town to get it and I felt so grown up picking out my record. My parents had a nice player in the house and I was fascinated by it and how it worked and put sound out of the speakers.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Something I have been playing a lot is a great new tune by Rachael Lavelle called Travel Size. in fact, the whole album is a dream!
Favourite lyric of all time?
"To live outside the law, you must be honest" - Absolutely Sweet Marie by Bob Dylan.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Yesu ka Mkwebaze by Noviciat de Soeurs Missionaires. If it were just one tune I could listen to it would have to be this! I don't know much of the background of the song or the artist. I found this on an online compilation by aquarium drunkard years ago. it’s a truly sublime piece of music that fills my heart every time... no matter what the mood.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Right now, the best place is the music platforms for streaming. Also, the music videos are up on YouTube and other channels. Best place to order my album coming out next year is direct from the record label based in Berlin - Grönland Records. Also, my Instagram page has a large list of drawings and paintings I have made over the years I have been working as an artist in Berlin - @david_hedderman. My Website and Twitter.
Alan Corr
