Manchester Gaelic electro-folk fusion artist HUSK has released new single, Born Again. We asked the BIG questions . . .
HUSK remains connected to their native city's Irish and diaspora community and was recently part of an RTÉ Radio 1 feature Manchester’s Irish Heart, talking about furthering Irish music.
"I really wanted to listen to some Irish trad but was so in the mood for some electronic beats and synths too, but it didn’t exist; so, I made it!" they says.
"Every time I say that I make Gaelic Electrofolk, people are so curious, but I work with some incredible Irish talent, and I promise, it works.
"Born Again puts me in a good mood whenever I play it. It has so much energy. I’m so, so excited that there’s Gaeilge on the track! I’m English-born, but I owe it to my ancestors, to my heritage, to my friends, and the community to help spread the Irish language and honour traditional Irish music."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I think I might have invented a genre. I’m calling it Gaelic Electrofolk, I’m queer and trans masc, and I got the name HUSK from a list of X-Men characters.
How would you describe your music?
It’s a bilingual blend of Irish trad with electronica and synthpop. It has all the hallmarks of trad with its foot stomping pulse, the flute and whistle rolls, following the fiddle with all the good synthy stuff I love too; layered synth pads, arpeggiators, and basses, with slapping snares, kicks and primal toms. A chorus that’ll get stuck in your head is essential to me, and my lyrics are about magic in the Earth, and inspired by folklore.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up with my parents listening to 80s Synthpop like Yazoo and Bronski Beat with loads of melancholic synth melodies, which I absolutely adore. I was also brought up on Old skool, so I definitely appreciate a good beat! These days though CHVRCHES are a big influence, and Blondie, too. Recently, I’ve really gotten into Danheim, who makes 'Viking music’ with loads of layered percussion, one for earphones for sure. And naturally, I’m always inspired by trad musicians like Cullen Vance, and all the musicians I meet every single time I’m at a session; there’s nothing quite like that!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Girls Aloud, Manchester Apollo 2005. Me and my best friend dressed the same and made a banner to hold up! Cheryl loved it, but Nadine was always my favourite - haha! And yes, I will be at the reunion tour! I’m Aloud and proud!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Dragonette - Fixin’ To Thrill. Dragonette is HUGE, but most people I meet haven’t heard of her. It’s really well put together pop, interesting in all the right ways. She’s written for loads of other people, too. I’ve not seen her live yet though, and she’s based in Canada, so praying I can get the opportunity to at some point, it’d be an absolute vibe!
What’s your favourite song right now?
iT - Christine & The Queens. It’s one of those songs that I listen to over and over, get sick of, but then it comes back around. It’s also uniquely a trans masc anthem!
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I’d rather be a whisper in heaven, than a God of love in your prison" - Feather by Little Dragon. It’s just clever, and poignant.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I really had to think about this, but I’m gonna go with Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat. The only risk is that I might start singing in that high falsetto voice. Haha!
Where can people find your music/more information?
The first of my Gaelic Electrofolk tracks Born Again is available on Spotify, Apple Music and all digital platforms. I’m so excited it’s finally going to be out there, I’ve worked with some incredible trad musicians, and I’m really proud to be singing in Irish too. I’ve got three more tracks recorded and ready to go, so 2024 will be the year of Gaelic Electrofolk!
I’m on all the socials, so you can find me at @husknoise on Instagram, Facebook and X, and BandCamp or @husktik on TikTok.
Alan Corr
