Galway singer-songwriter Sophie Coyle has released her second album, Cuentista. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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It follows her debut album, Blame Me for the Storm, and is a musical travelogue charting Sophie's travels around South America.
Cuentista, which translates to "Storyteller," comprises eleven original compositions along with two traditional Spanish ballads.
Speaking about her latest release, Sophie, who lives in Dundalk with her husband, fellow musician Jinx Lennon, and their three children, says, "I'm incredibly proud of how it all came together. We began recording in Black Mountain Studios at the start of the pandemic, and we welcomed another two kids into our lives along the way, making it an epic journey.
"Now, as we prepare to release the album, I couldn't be happier. I feel that both the lyric writing and production have evolved significantly since the first album, and I can’t wait for people to hear it."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
As well as a musician I'm also an illustrator and gardener. I keep a cartoon diary on Instagram of the funny things my kids say. One of the best experiences of my life was travelling in South America for seven months - it’s what my new album Cuentista (meaning storyteller in Spanish) is about.
How would you describe your music?
It's folk based, fluctuating between alternative and gothic. The songs are story-driven and sweetly melodic with a sinister edge.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Joni Mitchell was a huge influence when I finally came across her in my twenties, also Sandy Denny, Vashti Bunyan, St. Vincent, and anyone who pushes the boundaries of vocals and lyric writing.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
It was Blur at the RDS in 1996 with support from Supergrass. There was a lot of bubbly teenage energy in the air that night. I seem to remember there being hordes of Oasis fans heckling us outside the venue because there was such competition between the two bands. It seems really funny now.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was Maxinquaye by Tricky in my early teens. I asked my brother to bring it back from the States for me. He got in fierce trouble with my mum because it had a parental guidance sticker on it. The album had such an incredibly rich, gritty, beautifully dark sound to it - I'd never heard anything like it.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I’ve just finished touring my second album Cuentista and we had a super guest act from Dublin called SELK for some of the gigs. I've been listening to their recent album on repeat, my favourite song is Moments.
Favourite lyric of all time?
A line from Mary Margaret O’Hara – "My body's in trouble"- comes into my head all too frequently these days. I love Guy Garvey’s lyrics but probably my favourite lyric writer is my husband Jinx Lennon - I continue to be blown away by his craftsmanship.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Every time I hear Harry Styles's As It Was I think - "I must find out who that is!" Then feel a bit caught out because I still connect him with his boy band days - it's such a beautiful song that never fails to lift me. Otherwise, I delve back in to the David Byrne compilation Brazil Classics 1 to listen to Milton Nascimento's song Anima.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can buy my two albums and all the beautiful bits and bobs that go with them on Bandcamp. They're also on the usual streaming platforms. I have some beautiful music videos on YouTube and for all the day-to-day shenanigans people can find me @sophiecoylemusic and @sophiecoyleillustration.
Alan Corr
