Emerging Irish singer songwriter Martin McGuigan has released his new single, Confessions Of An Idle Mind. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Martin has travelled all over Europe with his music and has played hundreds of gigs and at festivals. He has released three self-written songs on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My favourite book is 1984. My favourite memory is busking across Europe armed with nothing but a guitar, an overdraft and a brass neck! My favourite movie is The Godfather.
How would you describe your music?
An optimist wrapped in a cynic's clothing.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I’ve lots of influences - some of whom I sound absolutely nothing like, I might add, but I’d say my main influences were The Beatles, Oasis, Queen, Stone Roses, Jeff Buckley and The Libertines.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Oasis, back in old Lansdowne Road in 2000 - trying (and failing miserably) to drink with all the big boys on the bus!
What was the first record you ever bought?
When the folks finally spoiled us with a CD player one year for Christmas, I asked for (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, and got it along with some naff compilation Hits Of 1996 double album. Wannabe by Spice Girls was on it so it made up for the rest haha. First one I actually remember buying myself was Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy in Jonesborough market off an unknown retailer!
What’s your favourite song right now?
HOOD - Kneecap.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Living is easy with eyes closed, Misunderstanding’s all you see, It’s getting hard to be someone, But it all works out, It doesn’t matter much to me…" Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Can I have side two of Abbey Road? It counts as one, right? If not, then I’ll pick Dusty Springfield’s version of Windmills Of My Mind - it’s hauntingly beautiful.
Though, if it was on a pub jukebox through the recession, I’d maybe choose something like Shine On You Crazy Diamond, with the extra-long intros, just to get more bang for my buck!
Where can people find your music/more information?
My music is available of Spotify/Apple/Amazon and all good streaming services. My new single is out now and is soon to be followed by an upcoming EP From The Balaclavas to The Balalaikas’ in the late Summer/early Autumn. You can follow me on Insta, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Alan Corr
