The High Kings have released their seasonal song Where I Belong at Christmas. We asked Darren Holden of the band the BIG questions . . .
Darren says: "This song is inspired by the huge amount of our families and friends who've made the long trip to a new life abroad.
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"With anticipation of what's to come goodbyes are said, hearts are broken and spirits ache. But through it all the dream is to make it home each year for Christmas, to celebrate with family and friends and see loved ones again.
"Where I Belong at Christmas is a song that calls through that sadness to all Irish, to bond with their loved ones, stand proud and know that back home is always where you will belong".
Who's joining us on The Road Not Taken? https://t.co/nsXjXGH2Hs pic.twitter.com/uUxVSjSqKg
— The High Kings (@TheHighKings) December 20, 2023
The High Kings will embark on the Road Not Taken Tour 2024, kicking off with dates across Ireland, The UK and Australia.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was born and brought up in Mooncoin County Kilkenny. I played the church organ every Sunday at mass from the age of 11, and my feet wouldn't touch the bass pedals. I played Billy Joel on Broadway in the rock musical Movin' Out and across the USA, Canada and Japan for four years. I was trained for the role by Billy. I recently wrote a cool new song with Andrew Farriss from INXS which could end up on the next High Kings album.
How would you describe your music?
Our music is a mix of the old folk songs and ballads from the boom of the 1960s 70s & 80s and brand-new songs that I've written and songs that have been written with The Script, Steve from Kodaline, Picture This etc.
Who are your musical inspirations?
From a very early age I've been a massive Elvis fan. Love the way he redefined modern music and culture in the 1950s. I've been to Graceland eight times. Would go eight more! I absolutely love The Beatles. Easily the greatest rock and roll group ever.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Meatloaf at the community centre in Carlow, 1987. It was mind-blowing to be a kid in early teens who'd been obsessed with The Bat out of Hell album. I once had dinner in New York with Jim Steinman and we discussed us working together on new material. There's a recording of my version of his classic Surf's Up somewhere in a studio over there. The drummer in Meatloaf's band that night, Chuck Burgi, ended up working with me on Broadway in Movin' Out.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Elvis 40 Greatest Hits. Played it until it was worn out. Still have it. I knew every word of every song.
What's your favourite song right now?
This Life by Take That. It's a classic style old school pop song with great lyrics and vocals/harmonies etc. The producers are a duo I've followed for a few years called Young Gun, Silver Fox. Well worth listening to their material.
Favourite lyric of all time?
That's a tough one. There are so many to choose from. I'll go with Del Amitri - "Someday you're gonna wake up with sleep instead of teardrops in your eyes'. Heart breaking and wonderful song.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Streets of New York by Theatre Wolfe Tones. Breaks my heart every time I hear it. It's like a musical short film. Close your eyes and you can see every lyric unfolding. Tommy's vocal is absolutely brilliant and Liam Reilly was one of our greatest songwriters.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We are on Spotify, iTunes etc. Our new vinyl album and CDs are available on our The Road Not Taken Tour all over the country until the end of February. Not many tickets remaining, mind you!
Alan Corr
