Laoise Leahy performs as part of Heyday - A Mixtape of Irish Rock and Pop, with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra at Cork Opera House on 12 and 13 of June. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Jack O'Rourke, May Kay, Lucia Evans and Niall McCabe will also play at the events, which are part of Cork Proms 2024 and Cork Midsummer Festival.
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Named after the Mic Christopher song, Heyday is billed as an imaginative re-interpretation of Irish classic rock and pop tracks by the likes of Sinéad O'Connor, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, Enya, U2, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Hozier, and Snow Patrol.
Heyday is one of three shows as part of The Cork Proms 2024, which also features Dvořák's New World Symphony, Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, music inspired by America, and a night of some of the most world-renowned musical theatre, titled There’s No Place Like Home.
Tickets priced €32 are on sale from www.corkoperahouse.ie
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My life pretty much revolves around singing and music. I just can’t get enough and the journey continually morphs and changes and makes for a vibrant and fulfilling career! I started out in opera at 13 and spent my teens hopping from learning Mozart arias to jazz big band charts for the jazz festivals, to writing dance tracks with producers, musical theatre shows and singing Skunk Anansie and Smashing Pumpkins songs in garage bands and writing my own pop and rock stuff.
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I never imagined I would settle back in Ireland, not to mind Cork! After some time living in London and travelling, I only returned to store gear in my long-suffering mother’s attic before heading off on a six-month performance contract in Asia, when a close family member got engaged so I broke the contract to attend the wedding and never left!
I believe everybody operates at a vibrational level and inward work and intentions will determine your entire life experience and connection with those around you - I’m a staunch advocate for high vibrations!
How would you describe your music?
I identify as genre fluid really, I think it’s so important and enriching to have an open mind when it comes to styles but if I had to commit, my music is probably a mix of soul and contemporary jazz - I’d like to think it’s a bit like an Irish version of Amy Winehouse and Ella Fitzgerald colliding with one of Bjork’s spaceships . . .
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have a long list ranging from Billie Holiday to David Bowie, Sinéad O’ Connor, Joni Mitchel, Glen Hansard to Erykah Badu and so many in between. I am a fan of many current inspiring female pioneers too, including Scandinavian contemporary artist Beady Belle and US jazz artist Jazzmeia Horn. I’m also really enjoying UK artist Raye at the moment. She's a raw gem!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Apparently, I was brought to a U2 and Chris De Burgh concert as a young child - but I have no memory of that so I’ll go with my first independent gig decision - Blur at the RDS in the 90s, the height of the 90s indie band rivalry - it was epic! I nearly died when I was called to a studio session in London with Damon Albarn about ten years later to work on his Chinese opera Monkey: Journey To The West. He was so inspiring to work with as an artist and musician . . . and a gent! He used cycle off to Notting Hill to get us some vegan food on his lunch break. That was a trip!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Michael Jackson’s Bad on cassette in 1987 - I knew every word (and dance move!).
What’s your favourite song right now?
I really like Hozier’s new single Too Sweet - he’s such an incredible writer and musician!
Favourite lyric of all time?
'When my anger starts to cry…’ by Beady Belle, so simple but deeply profound and has been following me around for years!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think Wichita Lineman by Jimmy Webb is the one - it's a timeless, magical song; it’s so visual and hits me hard, each play as fresh and moving as the last.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my original music on Bandcamp, Spotify and all major platforms! I do most of my regular updates and announcements on my social media channels now, predominantly Instagram - @Laoise_leahy. I send out a newsletter every now and then, too so feel free to direct message me your email address and join the fun!
Alan Corr
