Kilkenny producer duo Somewhere North have released their new single, Eden. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
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Started in 2024 by the longstanding friendship and creative camaraderie of Gary O'Neill and Geoff Warner-Clayton, the duo fuse heavily produced alt-rock tracks with pop flavour.
Geoff is a session musician, musical director, and producer who has collaborated with the likes of Kingfishr, Hudson Taylor, Lisa Hannigan, Sorcha Richardson, and James Vincent McMorrow.
As the musical director and collaborator with Gavin James, he has graced stages across five continents since 2018 and contributed to Gavin's latest EP, Boxes.
Gary, a singer-songwriter with several solo albums under his belt and has also toured with acts such as Villagers, 10cc, and David Keenan.
"We started this project for fun, just hanging out, writing music together," they say. "Writing together always felt seamless, since we were 16.
"Sharing a creative space in Dublin this past year has only fueled our creativity. Somewhere North emerged from the simplicity of making music, and as the songs kept coming - it felt like a no-brainer to see it through."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Somewhere North is a project started by Gary O'Neill and Geoff Warner Clayton. We are two best friends who grew up together in Kilkenny and a fun fact is that we were involved in each other's first ever musical projects back when we were teenagers! We're both Libras, so we are incapable of open arguments with each other. Great for a band! We're both massive foodies, so lunch breaks during studio sessions are always exciting.
How would you describe your music?
A singer-songwriter, wrapped in an electronic producer, wrapped in a rock band. A stylistic turducken if you will. I would say the music feels electric, expansive and emotional.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Other projects that explore that fertile creative ground between singer-songwriting, eclectic production and live band-tendencies. Bon Iver, All Tvvins, Ben Howard, War On Drugs, Caroline Polachek, Dijon, The 1975, Men I Trust - the list goes on.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Gary: I went to see Thin Lizzy in The Forum in Waterford with my Dad when I was 11 years old! (not the actual Lizzy, of course but it had two original members)
What was the first record you ever bought?
Geoff: Monkey Business - The Black Eyed Peas.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Gary: Teenage Drug by Ethan Gruska.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Geoff: "...then I kissed the hands that raised me for the final time/and stared out into the street" from You In Everything - Gang Of Youths.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gary: Shed A Little Light - Foy Vance.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We're on all socials and streaming services, find us @wearesomewherenorth.
Alan Corr
